Running Server 2003

Hey I am currently running XP Pro on my notebook. My work gave me a copy of Server 2003 so that I can get used to it and learn some features. I was wondering is this an OK OS for me to run on my notebook? I know my machines plently powerful for it. I just don't want issues with programs working correctly. I'd like to build a desktop with parts off newegg.com to run as the server and use terminal services to operate it with the notebook but right now I don't have 500$ to make a decent machine. Just looking for some thoughts from the experts.

Compaq R3000T (CTO)
P4 Desktop 3.0GHz w/HT
2 X 1024MB RAM
Radeon 9600 128MB
60GB 7,200RPM HD
AquaMark3: 24,257, 3DMark03: 3,115

 

I'd partition the hard drive using Partition Magic software and then install this OS on the new partition.

Partition Magic

BargainPDA.com | SpotStop.com | TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

I really want to learn the Server OS well but I fear I can't do much without other PC's to interact with.

Compaq R3000T (CTO)
P4 Desktop 3.0GHz w/HT
2 X 1024MB RAM
Radeon 9600 128MB
60GB 7,200RPM HD
AquaMark3: 24,257, 3DMark03: 3,115

 

To learn the OS itself you do not need a multi PC environment, but then again the OS itself is not much different than XP. To learn Active Directory and the relationships between the server and client computers in a domain controlled environment you do need multipe machines

Server 2003 should work as well as XP on a laptop if not slightly slower.

 

I've found using Server 2003 as a PC OS to be troublesome. I started my one-man architectural firm a few months ago and a IT friend/consultant convinced me to buy and use a Dell 400PE server as my office workstation (reason: future expandability w/possible employees). MS WinXP Small Bus Server 2003 is the OS, and I've been running the MS Office Prof Suite, Autocad LT and Acrobat Professional. The server was more than adequately configured to support ACAD.

So far I've experienced countless freeze-ups on Outlook (the program I'm in the most), some on Acrobat, and slow performance on Acad. I end up End Task'g Outlook a few to several times a day and then restart the program. This gets old quickly of course, and I am now 99% convinced that I need to add a regular PC at my office to run programs and just use the server for email and file storage.

So, I am not an IT expert, but I can say I've experienced poor performance using Server 2003 as a quasi-PC OS.

 

If you were using Small Business server as a desktop OS than yes that is a NO-NO, SBS is more than an OS it is an OS and suite of server applications. That is definatly not suited for use on a workstation/laptop.

 

Thanks for firmer confirmation of what I've suspected.
At this point I'm biding my time for additional laptop rollouts so I can have my programs on one machine, versus multiple copies on desktops at home and office, as well as portability on vacations. Server cost sunk, but luckily SBS not major $$ due to connections at M$.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by DaGreek