Home Forums Server Setup Clarification

Hello Everyone!

My name is Josue and I am an undergrad student at USF. Although my current plans aren't geared towards IT, I do all the IT work for my parent's private office.

I have a question for a possible "real" server setup in the office. Its currently in a "pseudo server setup", if you will (desktop hardware serving as the server).
I'm trying to clarify what (hardware) purchases would need to be made to accomplish the switch. First off, I'm really hoping this is something I can accomplish myself (sans a professionally certified IT), and, more importantly, Manage by myself. So please advise me otherwise. I do have a knack for computers and have managed the office independently for a few years now.

I know with certainty that new server hardware will need to be purchased. (and I've looked at Sandeep's DIY recommendations)

But will the 8 "workstations" currently setup with Windows 7 need to be replaced with separate hardware? Or do they get used in the new setup?
Essentially, I am confused about the "Client" hardware. Does windows server software get installed on them or a special client software?

I prefer to live by the phrase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" but he's been looking to expand (extra provider...and thus an extra assistant...thus more computers) and as of right now, at least two workstations need an upgrade. Therefore I am hesitant to have him purchase two new computers if they can not be used in a real client/server setup in the future.

I'd appreciate any of your clarification, advice etc. on this situation. And if there are specific sites that you can link me to with more information, please let me know.

Thanks.

Many many questions. I'll get back to this in a little bit.

I like your initiative. Reminds me of myself back in the day

Are you going to build/order?

What tasks do you feel comfortable with? (Adding memory, Adding a hard drive, etc.)

If all I am building is server hardware, I'd build. ALthough I've never manually built a computer myself, I have a buddy who has that I can talk to if needed.

I'm comfortable swapping memory units, hard drives, etc. I've been there and done that before, upgrading computers. I'm just not sure if it gets overly complicated from there. As long as the build doesn't require expensive equipment, etc (as I have none) I'll be fine.

To build a computer, you need nothing more than a Phillips screwdriver.

Let's go through this step-by-step:
1. You mentioned you currently have 8 workstations, do you see any chance that in the foreseeable future that you will need more than 25 computers/users?

2. Do you want an on-site email solution (Exchange) and collaboration site (SharePoint)?

If you answered yes to either of the above, you need to get SBS Standard. Otherwise, SBS Essentials will be fine.

They can and should be used. Do they have Home Premium or Professional? Only Professional will work with standard. Both will work with Essentials.


Client hardware is exactly what it sounds like. It's for the client computer. They become members of your domain. There's is a little connection app that joins them to the domain. That's about as much setup as the clients will need. Not really any special software will be installed.


Just make sure you get Windows 7 Professional. Then they will be able to join the domain in Standard. This is for an office not for your home.

Server setup is the way to go especially if you will be managing it remotely. Centralized access becomes very useful in that instance.

Dr. Luthra, thank you for all the advice.
He doesn't need 25 computers nor does he need email. So I'll consider Essentials. And so far every computer is Professional flavored.

Lol I am not Dr. Luthra. That would be my dad. I'm just like you except a few years younger.

SBS Essentials will a breeze to set up since it sounds like you already have a feel for this sort of thing. If you look in my signature, you can find a tutorial that goes through the steps from start to finish.

It's good to have professional. That'll give you remote access to every computer since you will be managing them remotely. Also, if you ever want to take the leap to Standard, you'll be ready.

I see. My mistake lol.

Another question is how would I transfer the existing database to the new server? Does AC provide a means for this?

Oh boy and then there's Medware...does Medware even work with a server setup?

AC has a backup and restore utility that's pretty easy to use. Just do a full backup with II and everything then restore to the new computer after you install AC on it.

What do you mean by MedWare? Do you mean Bert's Medware Software with FAP/ Amazing Labels/Dosage Calculator?

Oh. I just realized there is the free option from AC to backup locally. We've been using MozyPro to backup the AC folder and other program and file folders, such as Medware.

I am referring to Sage(now Integry) Medware, our scheduling/billing software. I am not sure what Bert's Medware Software with FAP is. (FAP?) I assume its the same software as I have seen it mentioned elsewhere in the forums for its billing purposes. Of course this is not a Medware forum, but I assume it has relevance with others who possible use Medware. Do you know if it will work in a client/server setup?

If it works in P2P, it will work with client/server.

You may want to start using the AC Backup Utility. You can't backup the AC folder properly when SQL server is on. I highly recommend you set that up ASAP.

Yes, Medware will work fine. In fact it is one of the few programs left that can simply be moved from computer to computer. Copy the folder to a flash drive, then copy it somewhere else.

To move AC to the server, just disconnect it from the network. (helps). Install AC. Grab your last .enc AC backup. Then restore it to AC. Reconnect the server to the network and have all the computers browse to the new location.

I will do this as soon as I can get an external HD.

As being one of the tasks I was not looking forward to, "hearing" this is a relief. I had the thought that it was going to be difficult to accomplish.

Another quick question. The current P2P server is actually the last computer running XP (its Professional edition). If I implement the real client/server network, would it work as a workstation using SBS 2011? Or does it need to be upgraded to Windows 7?

I have 10 workstations running XP Pro with SBS 2011. Yes! Ha ha.

Vista Business will work too. Just make sure you install .NET Framework 4 before proceeding. It's an optional update in Windows Update (for XP) so most people don't have it. If you want it to go as smoothly as possible, make sure all the computers have the latest updates.

Give yourself at least the weekend to get everything working (Standard takes like 20 hours to get working properly). Essentials takes a few hours.

Familiarize yourself with the tutorial in my signature below. Make a list of users, what folders need to be shared, what applications need to be installed, etc.