Greetings:
I’ve had an upgrade to my servers approved and would like some input from the experts here. Before I mention my current configuration, I want to note something I did when I started building this mess about 3 years ago, and that is…I put MS-Exchange 2000 on my Domain Controller. (I know…bad boy). Thing is, I didn’t even realize I wasn’t supposed to do this until after I’d already done it. It’s been working fine like this but understand that where I may encounter ‘issues’ is in the event of a crash.
BTW, I’m selecting the rack-mounted server configuration. We are a non-profit agency with about 40 users on the network. We have a DSL internet connection with maybe 10 employees having access to the internet.
Presently I have this config:
Server #1: Domain Controller w/Exchange 2000. AMD 1700+, Windows 2000 Server SP4, 256MB.
Server #2: Dedicated for our accounting software operation. (American Fundware) and our ADP Payroll s/w and Terminal Services (usually 5 users). Compaq Proliant ML370, Windows 2000 Server SP4, 528MB.
Server #3: File Server. HP Pavilion 9694C, Netware 4.11 with updates, 128MB.
Server #4: Proxy Server. 200MGz, Windows 98, 128MB
Server #5: Internet Mail Server, POP3 Collection, Virus Scanning, Remote Access via Terminal Services.
As I approach this task, I am wondering if I should put the domain controller on a box by itself. If so, can I get by with something less than a new one? I’m just not sure how much resources this thing actually needs. If it requires the newest and fastest that I have, so be it. Just don’t want to waste resources.
I’m also thinking about putting the proxy server, (#4), back onto #5. This was a bit much for that server when I had it combinded before but with a new box, will probably be ok.
Finally, I already have licenses and software in hand for Windows Server 2003 and Exchange 2003.
Any tid-bit of advice or guidance you have to offer will be greatly appreciated!
Warm regards,
Rick Forsythe
