Should I buy windows server 2003 or 2008? Or do I need the server software at all?

Question

I need to run Windows Terminal server. Do I need to have windows server in order to do that?

I am assuming that I probably do....in which case, should I buy 2008 or is 2003 perfectly adequate.

Honestly, I only need it so that I can run software on 7 remote computers which happens to be Mac.

Hope that is enough info!

Answer 1

Windows 2003 will do. Is the server going to host the application? Windows 2000, 2003 and XP Propfessional have Terminal services (RDP for remote administration) by default. You need to enable it before you can start using it though. I usually remote into my desktops and servers from anywhere but if you want to share applications through terminal services than the proper way would be to install and purchase terminal server licensing. I personally never use the licensing. The remote for administration works the same exact way.

To enable it on XP or 2k/2k3 server right click my computer and go to properties. Than go to the remote tab and check the checkbox that says "enable remote desktop for this computer". That's it. If they are on the same network than you can go to run and type in "mstsc" hit enter and a remote connection window will pop up. Here you can type in the host name or IP and credentials and your in.

Answer 2

If purchasing a new system, take a look at the latest version (no point in starting out on an operating system that will "end of life" sooner than the other).  Also keep in mind that you'll need to purchase Terminal Server Client Access Licenses (CAL)for each system connecting to the server.

$999  Windows Server 2008 Standard

$749  Windows Server 2008, TS Client Access License 5-pack (you'll need 2 of these if you go this option)

$2,979  Windows Server 2008, TS Client Access License 20-pack (only 1 of these if you go this option)

I'm not sure if this includes the software so you can remotely connect or just a license to connect so you may have an additional fee for the Mac portion of the Terminal client software.

As an alternative, take a look at running Apple Parallels if you need to run Windows applications on the Macs.  Not sure of pricing, but the above seems pretty steep.

** Edit **

Bishop - While it is true that you can connect to Terminal Server without additional licenses, this is only for 2 licenses for Administrative Access.  To access with more than 2 users, you'll need to enable the licensing option and install the license packs.

Answer 3

The person who suggested logmein (or whatever that remote control service is) needs to read the question again - that's a fine solution... for ONE USER at a time.  This person needs SEVEN users.

Server 2003 is a little cheaper... but you have to think about what you are doing with it and if there will be any growth.  A terminal server should have LOTS of RAM I like as an absolute MINIMUM 512 MB per user... prefer 1 GB per user.  BUT 32 bit versions of Windows Server Standard only support 4 GB of RAM TOTAL.  You could go with Enterprise... but that's $3000+.  So you're left with 64bit Versions of Windows - which you need to check your software on - MOST 32bit software will work fine under x64, but NOT ALL.  (64 bit versions of Windows go at least to 32 GB of RAM... Enterprise 64bit, I believe, goes to 2TB).

As for parallels or another virtual platform, you still need windows licenses AND licenses for parallels... In the end, for 7 users, the total cost may be SLIGHTLY more expensive for a Windows solution instead of parallels, but if you ever need to add more stations, it will rapidly become cheaper with Windows.  The exception to this is if you end up with software that is not compatible with Windows Server 64bit versions.  Then parallels will likely be worth the cost.

By the way - 2003 and 2008 have the same 4 GB limit for 32 bit versions of Server standard.  I'd go wtih 2008, as it will last you longer and offers some advanced RDP (Terminal Services) features, like Terminal Services Gateway.

Answer 4

Hey,

You might not need Server software.  Try http://www.logmein.com.

Basically what you can do is install software on the machines you want to be able to access remotely.  Then just log into one website (anywhere in the world) and you can access your machines.  Security is really tight and the speed is really solid.  Oh ... and it's free!

Take care,

Chad