server build for under $500 bucks?

J

J Crew

New Member
I'm starting a property rental business and need a dependable server to run tax software (Quickbooks) over a network, other minor programs, and printing/fax duties. I have no idea where to start and would like help putting together a build for these simple needs. I can buy an HP server for about $500 bucks: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/15351-15351-241434-241646-3328424-3330535.html , but I was hoping I could either build something as good or better for less. As stated earlier, I'm just starting out and my budget is that of a small business. I'll be running either server '03 or vista ultimate on the server, just depends on what I can get cheaper I guess... unless someone reccomends one over the other. Thanks for your time and any help.

- Jason
 
we run proliant servers at my work, and that one you linked is actually not bad at all considering the price.

1st off, don't put vista on anything that you want to run stable, especially a server.

2nd - how many users are going to connect to this server, and how do you want them to log in and retrieve policy? Are you going to run AD or anything of the like?
 
tlarkin said:
we run proliant servers at my work, and that one you linked is actually not bad at all considering the price.

1st off, don't put vista on anything that you want to run stable, especially a server.

2nd - how many users are going to connect to this server, and how do you want them to log in and retrieve policy? Are you going to run AD or anything of the like?
Click to expand...

Vista warning noted, thanks. There would be a max... MAX 3 users at once, but under normal conditions only 1-2 users connected to the server. Not sure what AD is? Thanks for the help.
 
AD = active directory

Are you going to run a domain network?

From the sounds of your size a workgroup network should be fine, and have your server dish out DHCP
 
I suggest purchasing Windows Server 2003.

Set up for DHCP (means when a computer is connected to the server, it will automatically be given an IP)
Are you planning to be using the internet too?
Never go With Vista for a Server

You will also need a 5 Port Hub or more. (so you can actually connect the computers together)

These are Cheap. a 10/100m Will do you fine.

What operating system are you going to be using on other PC's

I Highly Recommend XP
 
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