Server Recommendation

[DrBrains]

Hello All

I am in the process of pricing servers for my new office.

I found this on Tiger direct: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... u=SYX-4007

Systemax Intel Dual Core Raid Server E5300 2.6GHz / 2x500GB RAID 1 / DVDRW / 4GB DDR2 800 MHz / Gigabit NIC / Windows Server 2008 Foundation Edition for $829

I noticed it said Foundation Edition, I am not computer software savy and would like to know if Open Dental would have any problems with "Foundation Edition" If anyone could clear up the difference between Foundation vs Regular, that would be great!

I plan on only running 3 ops with 5 workstations computers and debating between Dexis and XDR for digital xrays.

Will I run into any issues with my laptop workstation computers running different Operating systems? A computer dental software tech recommended all winxp professional however I have all these extra laptops lying around the house and want to utilize them.

The workstations are as follows:
Laptop1 - Win xp 32 professional
Laptop2 - Vista 32 home
Laptop3 - Vista 32 home
Reception - Windows Xp pro
Office - Windows 7 32 bit (I actually havent bought the OS for this computer yet but wanted to get 64-bit version however, every forum i've read said get 32bit due to the scanner driver issue)

Thanks in advance!

[drtech]

"Windows Foundation Server has been designed to work and is limited to networks of 15 Users or less." so it would work great- I wouldn't waste my money on that though...if you are under 15 users, just set up your server on a win7 or WinXP computer and make regular daily backups. should have at least 10 users capability there.

If you do want the protection of RAID:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=5159
this one is just windows home server and only $499. (has a limit though of 10 computers)

if you know someone who can help you set it up, you will have much more flexibility and unlimited users by buying one with no OS and have someone install LINUX for you (ubuntu is what I use)

[jordansparks]

We do not recommend using Linux. Yes, it's certainly possible, but it does not make anything easier or cheaper.

Server Foundation is an entry level server platform which would work great. I love the fact that it supports 15 computers and does not require CAL's. But if you only have 5 computers, other versions of Windows work just as well, such as XP pro, Vista business or ultimate, and 7 pro. But the price is good enough that you might as well go with the server version. MS is trying to get users away from peer-to-peer for easier management and a better experience. So the time saved in management would translate into a money savings.

Windows 7 comes in a 32 bit version. Use that for now.

Oh, and those home edition versions that you have will not connect to any server version. You shouldn't use home editions in an office. Too weak.

[drtech]

Jordan, when you say home editions won't connect to server versions....does that mean to MS server or something? I have 15 computers all with home edition in my office, and they all connect fine to my server...but it is linux...

[jordansparks]

Those home edition versions of windows could not become part of a domain. The whole point of having Windows Server is to set up a domain. Can't do that with home edition workstations.

Also, in peer-to-peer you would run into a 5 connection limit for such things as shared files and printers if those resources are on the home edition computer.