I really don't want to overload my new server... ;)

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: Daniel Walker (daniel.walker_at_111ukgateway.net)
Date: 09/12/04 

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2004 21:40:16 +0100

Hello all

I've recently started a new job in a small company (approx 20 users), and
one of my first tasks is to install a network. So far, I'm looking to
install a single server running SBS 2003 Premium, which will handle DHCP,
authentication, files (folder redirection), exchange and internet access
(IAS, hence the Premium edition).

My question is simple - what sort of hardware am I going to need for this?
Obviously, I've read the minimum and recommended requirements, but I really
have no clue as to what will make a server of this kind slow down, and how
much load it is really designed to cope with. Currently, I'm looking to
purchase something like a HP ML110 (P4, 1GB RAM, RAID 5 on 3 SATA drives),
but I've been advised by a consultant that this may may not be enough for
all the stuff I want to do. I'm a little wary of his advice because he wants
to sell me a hardware firewall, but it has put doubts into my mind. Would I
be better going for something which can be upgraded to accomodate 2 Xeon
chips, or is that just overkill? Ultimately, I can't see us going above 30
users anytime soon, which I would have thought acceptable for the server I
mentioned.

If anyone could offer their opinion on this I would be most grateful.

Regards

Daniel Walker 

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