Open Dental Forum

Need some advice on which os to select. We are opening a new office and need to order a server. Current office has a Windows Server 2011 and have multiple issues with the network frequently requiring the services of an IT person.
In light of this we are leaning towards utilizing windows 7 pro on the server. We expect to have approx 10-12 workstations and are going to use XDR for imaging.
Any suggestions or advice?
Thanks

Most dental offices don't need windows server. Save your money and go with consumer windows. I suggest windows 8.1 Pro. Better yet, look into a "virtual server" by searching for posts on here.

All versions of windows 7 have a maximum of 20 simultaneous connections for a windows file share (basically your OpenDentImages folder). Windows Server 2012 does not have a limit... So if you plan on growing at all, I'd recommend server.

You will save money on hardware... but I think the hardware in high dollar servers in the 3k range.. have more reliable hardware.. that statement failed on a dell t300.. butI got it swapped out for a t310 and all was well... kind of like buying a nice car.. usually you get your moneys worth..... most of the time. Got clients with a workstation upgraded to raid 1 and iI have clients on dell servers... money is an issue.. well rich has those clients now.. most of em. =)

My server is windows homeserver 2011 and I don't have any issues. I tried 2012 and had all kinds of issues. It tries to force you to setup a domain that you probably don't want or need. If you google around you can find instructions on how to go back to workgroups. Mainly, SMB3 hates on ISAM databases and I had three running at the time. Now I just have one.

AFAIK, non server versions of windows (like Win 7 pro) only allow 10 users. I tried it and since we have 11 computers hitting the server, we had all kinds of issues with users connecting to shares. Strangely, I thought that WHS2011 was limited to 10 shares as well but we haven't had any issues with 11 computers running OD.

Jim Margarit

we use SBS 2011 Essentials... does everything I need. I was just using a Win7 pro and things were fine, but I wanted things on a domain. SBS 2011 Essentials was the cheapest way in, and has been solid in reliability..

Hi Irfan,

Could you share what are the advantages of a domain? I too am using Windows 7 pro only and things are working well with 6 stations

If it works stick with it

I wanted centralized management of security and preferences, without having to repeat steps for every workstation. Makes things more complicated with a domain actually, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you really need it (you don't).