When I set up my network, the advice was to go with Win7 32-bit for compatibility reasons. I am using a Brother MFC for my e-faxes. Do you think this is still a valid argument? All the systems are win7-32bit PRO and should I pick a 64bit for the new 'server' computer and throw it into the mix?
The only reason I can think of to use 32 bit Windows 7 is that you have hardware e.g. a really old printer that doesn't have 64 bit drivers. Win 7 Pro 64 bit comes with an "XP Compatibility Mode" which is basically a virtual machine with Windows XP. You're basically getting two Operating Systems for the price of one! Unless you specifically need old hardware that only has 32 bit drivers, you should go with Win 7 Pro 64 Bit.
There's no reason to limit your server to this. As you can have 32 bit hardware connected to a client computer and you can still share it on the network. Just the server likely won't be able to print to it assuming 64 bit drivers do not exist. Go with SBS 2011 (recommended, much easier to set up) or Server 2008 R2.
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