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Making a Server

Apple Inc.

This Changes Everything. Again
  • 732
    Posts
    16
    Years
    Okay I just installed Windows Server 2003 and I am in the process of making a Home Server. Is there anything I should know? I know my ISP doesn't allow servers that use their internet so I am open to everything else.

    How do I login to the server from other XP Pro and XP MCE Workstations?

    How well does wireless work?

    Thanks in advance!
     

    Pazuzu

    Flushing Meadows
  • 5,468
    Posts
    19
    Years
    Home server or web server?

    If you ISP does not allow web servers to be run (bandwidth cap, etc), then you can't make one and either have to buy one that is located somewhere else, or set it up at a friend's.

    First of all, you should build it on a system that you own legally, in case you may need support in the future. Windows XP Pro works just as well.

    Then you enable the Remote Desktop feature on the server to be able to connect to it from your client machine. With that you'll be able to work on it like you were right in front of it.

    Wireless is not reccomended as it #1 has less transfer volume than a wired connection and #2 can easily fail due to thick walls/floors, weather etc. Go with a wired connection.

    The rest depends on what you even want to use it for.
     

    Apple Inc.

    This Changes Everything. Again
  • 732
    Posts
    16
    Years
    Well I am running it on a good system and all computers on the network have Windows XP Pro or Media Center Edition (which is really pro with a few more apps.) And Wireless is really my only option due to not having the materials to run cabling through the house.

    So I'm still not sure how to go now how to login with a host. Does anybody know how to do this?
     

    Pazuzu

    Flushing Meadows
  • 5,468
    Posts
    19
    Years
    I told you exactly that?

    Give it a hostname, enable Remote Desktop, connect to it (per Remote Desktop of course, because why else would you enable it?).
    If you don't know what hostname you gave/how to name it, you can use it's IP address at first in the same way.
     

    Ninja Tree

    I turn 1 everyday
  • 822
    Posts
    19
    Years
    • Age 16
    • Seen Aug 6, 2010
    Then after you do what ^he told you to do, get a new ISP.
     

    PowerMac

    Mac Specialist
  • 61
    Posts
    16
    Years
    As the other have said you will need a good ISP to run a server. AT&T offers a 1.5Mbit Business DSL line here for $49 a month with no Caps or Blocked ports. or Charter offers a 3Mbit Business Cable line for $69 a month. You will need to look into something like that.

    Also from my experience wireless does not mix well with servers. Do yourself a favor and run the CAT5e cable to the server.
     

    twocows

    The not-so-black cat of ill omen
  • 4,307
    Posts
    15
    Years
    I'll put in my two cents toward a good ISP: I've used AT&T for years, and though they overcharge, they have little downtime, a good privacy policy, good response times, and good support.
     
  • 152
    Posts
    15
    Years
    I'm going to make a different assumption here and assume by "log on," you mean "connect to." Are you trying to make a file server or a domain controller here? If either of these in the case, then previous suggestions that XP Pro will work as well cannot be heeded. Server 2003 is correct here but you're getting into some complicated configuration if you want to do what I think you do.

    However, to simplify things, if all you want to do is be able to log into a domain, you'll need to configure your Server 2003 box as a domain controller, create a domain admin account (or make your own a domain admin), and join the rest of your computers to that domain from the Computer Properties window. I'll go into more details if this is the route you want to take but it's pointless to go into all of the fine points if it's not.

    As for making it a file server, you also need to add this role to the server machine (which can be done with the "Manage My Server" window that opens every time you start the server. To do this properly, it will also need to be configured as a domain controller with Active Directory so you can set up folder redirection. Again, this is complicated so I won't go into the details unless I'm on the right track here.

    To everyone else: A server does not instantly mean a web server so the ISP and its limitations may have no application here.

    However, if you are making a web server, you've got quite a bit more to consider though even with ISP limitations, you can run one from your home without issue (I did on Comcast with no problems - you just need a Dynamic DNS service).

    As for wireless, as already suggested, it is not suggested for any of the uses I listed. However, if it is the only way to go, make sure both the server is positioned as close as possible to the wireless router/access point. I'd really recommend you run a cable though, even if it's not run properly.
     

    Apple Inc.

    This Changes Everything. Again
  • 732
    Posts
    16
    Years
    I'm going to make a different assumption here and assume by "log on," you mean "connect to." Are you trying to make a file server or a domain controller here? If either of these in the case, then previous suggestions that XP Pro will work as well cannot be heeded. Server 2003 is correct here but you're getting into some complicated configuration if you want to do what I think you do.

    However, to simplify things, if all you want to do is be able to log into a domain, you'll need to configure your Server 2003 box as a domain controller, create a domain admin account (or make your own a domain admin), and join the rest of your computers to that domain from the Computer Properties window. I'll go into more details if this is the route you want to take but it's pointless to go into all of the fine points if it's not.

    As for making it a file server, you also need to add this role to the server machine (which can be done with the "Manage My Server" window that opens every time you start the server. To do this properly, it will also need to be configured as a domain controller with Active Directory so you can set up folder redirection. Again, this is complicated so I won't go into the details unless I'm on the right track here.

    To everyone else: A server does not instantly mean a web server so the ISP and its limitations may have no application here.

    However, if you are making a web server, you've got quite a bit more to consider though even with ISP limitations, you can run one from your home without issue (I did on Comcast with no problems - you just need a Dynamic DNS service).

    As for wireless, as already suggested, it is not suggested for any of the uses I listed. However, if it is the only way to go, make sure both the server is positioned as close as possible to the wireless router/access point. I'd really recommend you run a cable though, even if it's not run properly.

    Explain in detail how to log into the domain. That's what I am interested in doing.
     

    PowerMac

    Mac Specialist
  • 61
    Posts
    16
    Years
    To log on to the domain you first need to create a domain by promoting the Server to a domain controller. Run dcpromo.exe from Start>Run.

    Once you have configured your domain you must join the clients to the domain by using the Computer Name tab in the System Properties dialog box from the Control Panel or by right-clicking My Computer, and then choosing Properties.

    Once everything is running you will be prompted to log on to the domain when you start your XP Machines.

    FYI: Only XP Pro supports joining domains so you will need to upgrade any XP Home clients you have.
     

    Ac1d

    Game Dev
  • 131
    Posts
    15
    Years
    One Tip..

    DON'T RUN SERVER 2003!!!
    Run Debian or something..

    If you run 2003, You'll have problems from the go, You'll be hacked, and god knows what else. :)
    Debian == sexy
     

    PowerMac

    Mac Specialist
  • 61
    Posts
    16
    Years
    One Tip..

    DON'T RUN SERVER 2003!!!
    Run Debian or something..

    If you run 2003, You'll have problems from the go, You'll be hacked, and god knows what else. :)
    Debian == sexy

    Linux is a good server OS but definitely not for beginners. Too much commandline work. Beginners look for a GUI so they choose Windows. At least he did not choose server 2008 :)
     

    Pazuzu

    Flushing Meadows
  • 5,468
    Posts
    19
    Years
    Just who needs a domain in a home environment with ~3 clients?

    Apple Inc: Are you sure you're not confusing windows domains with internet domains?
     

    Apple Inc.

    This Changes Everything. Again
  • 732
    Posts
    16
    Years
    One problem though. I set it up. The domain is functional. The XP Pro computers will not find it no matter what I do. they are all attempting on the same network.
     

    PowerMac

    Mac Specialist
  • 61
    Posts
    16
    Years
    You will need to configure the Server 2003 machine as your network's DNS server and then have each of your XP machines use the server as their primary DNS server.

    You can have the Server 2003 machine forward all DNS requests to your ISP's DNS servers.

    Be sure to put your ISP's DNS server in the client in case your Server is ever off.

    For Example:

    XP Client DNS settings

    Primary - 192.168.x.x (Your Server 2003 Address)
    Secondary - 4.2.2.1 (Whatever your ISP's DNS server Address)
     

    Ac1d

    Game Dev
  • 131
    Posts
    15
    Years
    Linux is a good server OS but definitely not for beginners. Too much commandline work. Beginners look for a GUI so they choose Windows. At least he did not choose server 2008 :)

    Ok then use red hat, You can use the GUI there.
    Windows is a big No No..

    RDP exploits,
    VNC Exploits,
    General MS exploits,
    Server Load (Not as much as Any Linux Distro),
    I could go on for hours :P
     

    Ninja Tree

    I turn 1 everyday
  • 822
    Posts
    19
    Years
    • Age 16
    • Seen Aug 6, 2010
    Doesn't Red Hat cost money now? And he wants something that plays nicely with the rest of his windows boxes. It's like planting an apple seed in an orange orchard.
     

    twocows

    The not-so-black cat of ill omen
  • 4,307
    Posts
    15
    Years
    One Tip..

    DON'T RUN SERVER 2003!!!
    Run Debian or something..

    If you run 2003, You'll have problems from the go, You'll be hacked, and god knows what else. :)
    Debian == sexy

    Linux is a good server OS but definitely not for beginners. Too much commandline work. Beginners look for a GUI so they choose Windows. At least he did not choose server 2008 :)

    Debian isn't a server, it's an operating system. However, I definitely don't recommend Windows server if you want something remotely stable; Apache is the most used server software for a reason (and that reason is that it's highly stable and secure).
     
  • 940
    Posts
    16
    Years
    • Seen Apr 10, 2010
    Debian isn't a server, it's an operating system. However, I definitely don't recommend Windows server if you want something remotely stable; Apache is the most used server software for a reason (and that reason is that it's highly stable and secure).
    You realize you just compared an OS to an Application, right?
    And you realize that Apache is available for Windows, yes? WAMP is just as usable a setup as LAMP. Hopefully you'll know for next time.
     

    PowerMac

    Mac Specialist
  • 61
    Posts
    16
    Years
    Debian isn't a server, it's an operating system. However, I definitely don't recommend Windows server if you want something remotely stable; Apache is the most used server software for a reason (and that reason is that it's highly stable and secure).


    Debian is one of the many Linux variants. If you read my post I said it was a good Server OS but not for beginners. And im willing to bet that Apple Inc has never setup a Linux Server before.

    Also while Apache is the most popular Web Server software (Use in Linux/Unix/MacOSX) there is certainly nothing wrong with Microsoft's IIS Web Server and lots of websites use it.
     
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