WIndows server versions and is it nessisary

[ikarihiokami]

So, long story short, I work for a small business that uses 5 work stations and a server. We use the server to store our programs and files for use on the other computers to share the data across all 5 computers. We are family owned and our IT guy was a friend that just recently dropped off the face of the planet, so I took over most of the IT work. Were as I have experience with all of the programs we use, devices, and even know how to build a PC...I am ignorant when it comes to servers. Our server right now s really old and runs windows server 2003 standard edition.

We are looking to upgrade our systems, so I have been trying to educate myself. My questions are, what version of windows server do I need?, do I need a CAL license for every computer that accesses the server?, and can I not just set up a a windows 10 computer to share folders instead of using windows server?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Windows 10 can be used to serve files and folders, but Windows 10 Pro has far more administrative options and capabilities. Still a lot cheaper than a server license though.

There are tons of tutorials and instructables on using Windows based machines in a server role if you Google it. I could post a single example here, but you'd have a lot more to look at and choose from by simply Googling it yourself.

Are you only needing to use the server for database and file access, or do you need to run applications on the server that will be available to workstations, or will all workstations have applications installed locally?

 

[jacobweaver800]

So, long story short, I work for a small business that uses 5 work stations and a server. We use the server to store our programs and files for use on the other computers to share the data across all 5 computers. We are family owned and our IT guy was a friend that just recently dropped off the face of the planet, so I took over most of the IT work. Were as I have experience with all of the programs we use, devices, and even know how to build a PC...I am ignorant when it comes to servers. Our server right now s really old and runs windows server 2003 standard edition.

We are looking to upgrade our systems, so I have been trying to educate myself. My questions are, what version of windows server do I need?, do I need a CAL license for every computer that accesses the server?, and can I not just set up a a windows 10 computer to share folders instead of using windows server?

Thanks for any help.

Well, for starters, you need Windows server for anything that has more than 1 socket (twin socket or quad socket boards need win server to work) also some software only works on Windows Server and not consumer editions. You might not need Win Server, but to be sure check to make sure that all the software your using will run on consumer windows. Also if your looking to get more storage when upgrading look into getting a Storinator from 45 Drives, with 30, 45, and 60 HDD and SSD drives slots are available.

 

[ikarihiokami]

Windows 10 can be used to serve files and folders, but Windows 10 Pro has far more administrative options and capabilities. Still a lot cheaper than a server license though.

There are tons of tutorials and instructables on using Windows based machines in a server role if you Google it. I could post a single example here, but you'd have a lot more to look at and choose from by simply Googling it yourself.

Are you only needing to use the server for database and file access, or do you need to run applications on the server that will be available to workstations, or will all workstations have applications installed locally?

We have a time clock program as well as a kennel program called Atlantis that shares data to each computer. You clock in on one computer and can clock out on another. Same with our kennel program. I believe we install the kennel program on the server, but still have to install it on our computer in order to use it. The index is share between the computers.

 

[Darkbreeze]

So, long story short, I work for a small business that uses 5 work stations and a server. We use the server to store our programs and files for use on the other computers to share the data across all 5 computers. We are family owned and our IT guy was a friend that just recently dropped off the face of the planet, so I took over most of the IT work. Were as I have experience with all of the programs we use, devices, and even know how to build a PC...I am ignorant when it comes to servers. Our server right now s really old and runs windows server 2003 standard edition.

We are looking to upgrade our systems, so I have been trying to educate myself. My questions are, what version of windows server do I need?, do I need a CAL license for every computer that accesses the server?, and can I not just set up a a windows 10 computer to share folders instead of using windows server?

Thanks for any help.

Well, for starters, you need Windows server for anything that has more than 1 socket (twin socket or quad socket boards need win server to work) also some software only works on Windows Server and not consumer editions. You might not need Win Server, but to be sure check to make sure that all the software your using will run on consumer windows. Also if your looking to get more storage when upgrading look into getting a Storinator from 45 Drives, with 30, 45, and 60 HDD and SSD drives slots are available.

Wrong. Windows 10 can support dual socket configurations and up to 128GB of system memory.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-win_upgrade/windows-10-versions-cpu-limits/905c24ad-ad54-4122-b730-b9e7519c823f?auth=1

 

[Darkbreeze]

Windows 10 can be used to serve files and folders, but Windows 10 Pro has far more administrative options and capabilities. Still a lot cheaper than a server license though.

There are tons of tutorials and instructables on using Windows based machines in a server role if you Google it. I could post a single example here, but you'd have a lot more to look at and choose from by simply Googling it yourself.

Are you only needing to use the server for database and file access, or do you need to run applications on the server that will be available to workstations, or will all workstations have applications installed locally?

We have a time clock program as well as a kennel program called Atlantis that shares data to each computer. You clock in on one computer and can clock out on another. Same with our kennel program. I believe we install the kennel program on the server, but still have to install it on our computer in order to use it. The index is share between the computers.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/app-v/appv-getting-started


The bottom line here though, is that if you are not familiar with the setup and configuration of server applications, processes, permissions (Can be hugely complicated in some cases) and the necessary physical support of the network hardware, you are FAR better off biting the bullet and paying a trained IT professional to simply set things up for you, at least initially. Otherwise, you are likely to spend four of the next six months here or some other site, with constant questions, frustrations, dilemmas, problems and will likely end up either boofing something or simply developing an ulcer from the hair pulling spectacle that you are about to go through.

Setting up a home server, for music, movies and gaming, not a big deal. Setting up a business server for multiple workstations and complex service of applications and databases, entirely different, and not for the untrained or faint of heart if they have enough common sense to see that even small networks with core servers are specialized to the point where it should absolutely be done by somebody who is well trained and has the experience in setting them up to be done in a day or two, rather than months work of headache because things were overlooked or configured wrong.

 

[ikarihiokami]

Windows 10 can be used to serve files and folders, but Windows 10 Pro has far more administrative options and capabilities. Still a lot cheaper than a server license though.

There are tons of tutorials and instructables on using Windows based machines in a server role if you Google it. I could post a single example here, but you'd have a lot more to look at and choose from by simply Googling it yourself.

Are you only needing to use the server for database and file access, or do you need to run applications on the server that will be available to workstations, or will all workstations have applications installed locally?

We have a time clock program as well as a kennel program called Atlantis that shares data to each computer. You clock in on one computer and can clock out on another. Same with our kennel program. I believe we install the kennel program on the server, but still have to install it on our computer in order to use it. The index is share between the computers.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/app-v/appv-getting-started


The bottom line here though, is that if you are not familiar with the setup and configuration of server applications, processes, permissions (Can be hugely complicated in some cases) and the necessary physical support of the network hardware, you are FAR better off biting the bullet and paying a trained IT professional to simply set things up for you, at least initially. Otherwise, you are likely to spend four of the next six months here or some other site, with constant questions, frustrations, dilemmas, problems and will likely end up either boofing something or simply developing an ulcer from the hair pulling spectacle that you are about to go through.

Setting up a home server, for music, movies and gaming, not a big deal. Setting up a business server for multiple workstations and complex service of applications and databases, entirely different, and not for the untrained or faint of heart if they have enough common sense to see that even small networks with core servers are specialized to the point where it should absolutely be done by somebody who is well trained and has the experience in setting them up to be done in a day or two, rather than months work of headache because things were overlooked or configured wrong.

No worries dude. I appreciate the input. I am talking with the kennel soft guy to see if he can set it up with out the use of traditional server.

 

[Wolfshadw]

First question that needs to be asked is what is your upgrade budget? Any server migration needs to start here, because if there's no budget, there's no migration.

Next thing that needs to be done is checking each and every bit of software being used on your network has updates available for a new Server/Workstation OS. Kind of a moot point if your Time Clock software doesn't run on Server 2012/2016 or a specifically configured Windows 10 Professional Workstation. Do you need a Domain Server/E-mail Server/Web Server?

Are your workstation operating systems even compatible with a new Server OS? If not, also a moot point.

Do you have the ability/budget to set up a test environment? A Test Environment typically includes at least one Server with the updated OS and at least two separately configured workstations (that can be re-imaged on short notice) to test connections and software compatibility.

Again, in my experience, these things, as long as their are updates available, go off without too much of a hitch. It just takes time and A LOT of testing to make sure you can safely perform the migration and have everyone back up and running 100% in the shortest amount of time possible.

It's an unfortunate fact of life that there always seems to be one person or one critical software function that just doesn't work after the update (hence the requirement for rigorous testing) and it's not found until well after the migration is completed that the issue is discovered and you need to contact the software manufacturer for some sort of work-around (which may already exist or simply will not be implemented).

So again. I realize that Extended Support for Server 2003 has ended and an upgrade is needed, but what does that upgrade mean for the software you use on a regular basis?

-Wolf sends

 

[ikarihiokami]

First question that needs to be asked is what is your upgrade budget? Any server migration needs to start here, because if there's no budget, there's no migration.

Next thing that needs to be done is checking each and every bit of software being used on your network has updates available for a new Server/Workstation OS. Kind of a moot point if your Time Clock software doesn't run on Server 2012/2016 or a specifically configured Windows 10 Professional Workstation. Do you need a Domain Server/E-mail Server/Web Server?

Are your workstation operating systems even compatible with a new Server OS? If not, also a moot point.

Do you have the ability/budget to set up a test environment? A Test Environment typically includes at least one Server with the updated OS and at least two separately configured workstations (that can be re-imaged on short notice) to test connections and software compatibility.

Again, in my experience, these things, as long as their are updates available, go off without too much of a hitch. It just takes time and A LOT of testing to make sure you can safely perform the migration and have everyone back up and running 100% in the shortest amount of time possible.

It's an unfortunate fact of life that there always seems to be one person or one critical software function that just doesn't work after the update (hence the requirement for rigorous testing) and it's not found until well after the migration is completed that the issue is discovered and you need to contact the software manufacturer for some sort of work-around (which may already exist or simply will not be implemented).

So again. I realize that Extended Support for Server 2003 has ended and an upgrade is needed, but what does that upgrade mean for the software you use on a regular basis?

-Wolf sends

Thankfully, we don't use many programs that go through the server, just 2. Then we share files from the server and back up the server using carbonite. We are looking into upgrading the timeclock program anyway and the other program is usable with up to date servers.

 

[Wolfshadw]

First question that needs to be asked is what is your upgrade budget? Any server migration needs to start here, because if there's no budget, there's no migration.

Next thing that needs to be done is checking each and every bit of software being used on your network has updates available for a new Server/Workstation OS. Kind of a moot point if your Time Clock software doesn't run on Server 2012/2016 or a specifically configured Windows 10 Professional Workstation. Do you need a Domain Server/E-mail Server/Web Server?

Are your workstation operating systems even compatible with a new Server OS? If not, also a moot point.

Do you have the ability/budget to set up a test environment? A Test Environment typically includes at least one Server with the updated OS and at least two separately configured workstations (that can be re-imaged on short notice) to test connections and software compatibility.

Again, in my experience, these things, as long as their are updates available, go off without too much of a hitch. It just takes time and A LOT of testing to make sure you can safely perform the migration and have everyone back up and running 100% in the shortest amount of time possible.

It's an unfortunate fact of life that there always seems to be one person or one critical software function that just doesn't work after the update (hence the requirement for rigorous testing) and it's not found until well after the migration is completed that the issue is discovered and you need to contact the software manufacturer for some sort of work-around (which may already exist or simply will not be implemented).

So again. I realize that Extended Support for Server 2003 has ended and an upgrade is needed, but what does that upgrade mean for the software you use on a regular basis?

-Wolf sends

Thankfully, we don't use many programs that go through the server, just 2. Then we share files from the server and back up the server using carbonite. We are looking into upgrading the timeclock program anyway and the other program is usable with up to date servers.

Then I would definitely suggest looking at a Windows 10 Professional Workgroup as opposed to a Server Solution. It's definitely going to be far cheaper (if all the workstations are co-located). There are online solutions for Time Tracking that don't require a server for login.

-Wolf sends

 

[ikarihiokami]

First question that needs to be asked is what is your upgrade budget? Any server migration needs to start here, because if there's no budget, there's no migration.

Next thing that needs to be done is checking each and every bit of software being used on your network has updates available for a new Server/Workstation OS. Kind of a moot point if your Time Clock software doesn't run on Server 2012/2016 or a specifically configured Windows 10 Professional Workstation. Do you need a Domain Server/E-mail Server/Web Server?

Are your workstation operating systems even compatible with a new Server OS? If not, also a moot point.

Do you have the ability/budget to set up a test environment? A Test Environment typically includes at least one Server with the updated OS and at least two separately configured workstations (that can be re-imaged on short notice) to test connections and software compatibility.

Again, in my experience, these things, as long as their are updates available, go off without too much of a hitch. It just takes time and A LOT of testing to make sure you can safely perform the migration and have everyone back up and running 100% in the shortest amount of time possible.

It's an unfortunate fact of life that there always seems to be one person or one critical software function that just doesn't work after the update (hence the requirement for rigorous testing) and it's not found until well after the migration is completed that the issue is discovered and you need to contact the software manufacturer for some sort of work-around (which may already exist or simply will not be implemented).

So again. I realize that Extended Support for Server 2003 has ended and an upgrade is needed, but what does that upgrade mean for the software you use on a regular basis?

-Wolf sends

Thankfully, we don't use many programs that go through the server, just 2. Then we share files from the server and back up the server using carbonite. We are looking into upgrading the timeclock program anyway and the other program is usable with up to date servers.

Then I would definitely suggest looking at a Windows 10 Professional Workgroup as opposed to a Server Solution. It's definitely going to be far cheaper (if all the workstations are co-located). There are online solutions for Time Tracking that don't require a server for login.

-Wolf sends

Appreciate the input. Thanks.

 

[jacobweaver800]

So, long story short, I work for a small business that uses 5 work stations and a server. We use the server to store our programs and files for use on the other computers to share the data across all 5 computers. We are family owned and our IT guy was a friend that just recently dropped off the face of the planet, so I took over most of the IT work. Were as I have experience with all of the programs we use, devices, and even know how to build a PC...I am ignorant when it comes to servers. Our server right now s really old and runs windows server 2003 standard edition.

We are looking to upgrade our systems, so I have been trying to educate myself. My questions are, what version of windows server do I need?, do I need a CAL license for every computer that accesses the server?, and can I not just set up a a windows 10 computer to share folders instead of using windows server?

Thanks for any help.

Well, for starters, you need Windows server for anything that has more than 1 socket (twin socket or quad socket boards need win server to work) also some software only works on Windows Server and not consumer editions. You might not need Win Server, but to be sure check to make sure that all the software your using will run on consumer windows. Also if your looking to get more storage when upgrading look into getting a Storinator from 45 Drives, with 30, 45, and 60 HDD and SSD drives slots are available.

Wrong. Windows 10 can support dual socket configurations and up to 128GB of system memory.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-win_upgrade/windows-10-versions-cpu-limits/905c24ad-ad54-4122-b730-b9e7519c823f?auth=1

Well, even so it doesn't support quad socket, and that was something I was unaware of until now, it wasn't that way until Win 10. Also I know it supports 128gb's ram I never said it didn't.

 

[USAFRet]

Well, even so it doesn't support quad socket, and that was something I was unaware of until now, it wasn't that way until Win 10. Also I know it supports 128gb's ram I never said it didn't.

Quad CPU support
"Windows 10 Pro for Workstations"
https://blogs.windows.com/business/2017/08/10/microsoft-announces-windows-10-pro-workstations/
https://hothardware.com/news/windows-pro-for-workstations
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/254031-microsoft-launches-new-windows-10-variant-windows-10-pro-workstations

But if you need quads, you're far beyond of what the OP's requirements are.