How to get SBS 2003

Okay, so you’ve seen how SBS 2003 can help your business but how do you get it? What do you need to run it? To find out, read on.

Hardware requirements  
Here’s a brief checklist of the recommended hardware (as opposed to the minimum specification) you should look for: 

• Hardware that is Windows-compatible. Microsoft has a list on its website: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ catalog

• Look for a server model rather than a desktop model.

• Processor speed: At least 2 GHz.

• Memory: At least 1 GB. You can add more memory later.

• Hard disk size: Add up the data you store already and double it as a minimum. You can usually add more disks later. SBS 2003 itself needs at least 6 GB.

• Hard disk modes: Except for small networks, prefer SATA or SCSI-type hard disks over ATA (these acronyms refer to how the disks ‘talk’ to the computer).

• Consider using RAID technology. This writes your data to two or more disks as an insurance against one of the disks failing. However, this increases the cost.

• To install SBS 2003, you will need a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

• A network adaptor to connect the server to your network. You may need to buy two, depending on how you connect to the Internet. 

Other things you may need 
There are some other things that you may need to purchase at the same time as you buy your server and SBS 2003:

• Additional Client Access Licences (CALs): You need one CAL per computer or user that connects to SBS 2003. The software includes five CALs with the basic package. Additional CALs can be purchased in 5- and 20-packs.

• A backup device, whether this is removable disk storage, a tape drive or other medium.

• Upgrades to the operating system on your other computers. You will need to run Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000 Professional on each machine that connects to the server.

• A broadband internet connection, such as ADSL. Choose a business connection and get a fixed IP address to allow incoming remote access connections.

• A web hosting service, if you plan to design and host your own public-access website.

• Domain name registration for remote access, incoming email and web hosting.

• A hub, switch or a wireless access point to connect your computers to the network and to your server.

• A fax modem to allow the server to send and receive faxes.

• For certain Smartphones, you may need a special digital certificate, called an SSL certificate that guarantees a secure, encrypted connection for email.

• Anti-virus software for the server and the other computers on your network.

Limitations
There are a small number of limitations to bear in mind with Small Business Server 2003 (compared to Windows Server 2003, the next step up) which mean that it may not be right for everybody:

• SBS 2003 must be the first server installed on the network and must serve as the main log-on server. Additional servers can be added later.

• SBS 2003 only supports up to 75 users or devices. However, you can buy a transition pack to protect your investment and transition to the next Windows Server product.