Win 2k Server

[mayagrafix]

I wanted to configure a old pc (Celeron 366) to use as a windows ICS mini router and after a while of moaning and groaning with the original OS (Win ME) and failing to install Win XP, I went out and got me WIN 2K SERVER editon. I thought it would make things easier! DUHHH ...

Well anyway, is there a link to some site that anyone knows of that can 'splain to lucy in plain english how to get this contration up and running?

I got it going and everything, and went thru all the wizards but it still dont show up on "network places" in my XP pro machine and I cant figure out how to get the USB running either. No way I can figure out how to make it connect to the internet using a broadband (DSL) conection, all the wizards want a tel # to begin with.

ONI ARE U LISTENING TO THIS?!!

[JDXNC]

I take it your DSL modem is USB? That problem is likely you need to get the usb drivers from windows 2000 for that motherboard. What are you real intentions with this setup? Just to share internet access to your lan? If so heck, windows 98 can do that, or best yet would be a linux setup like smoothwall which is specially designed to be a firewall/router .

[mayagrafix]

Affirmative. My primary needs are just sharing net access; however, secondary is to learn and get confortable with the type of services available in server LAN setups in case I come across a similar setup in a consulting job.

So where should I look for for USB drivers: hardware home or windows home?

[drshivas]

JDXNC, agreed. I know mayagrafix wants to use win2k server to enhance his skillz, but for others reading this thread:

Win98SE with ICS is the bomb. If you lock it down (close ports, disable filesharing, disable netbios over TCP/IP, etc) it will do just fine. I had a K6-233 running that setup and it never went down unless the power went out or I decided to reboot, and it never got hacked, all the while handling 8-12 client machines and a DSL line.

HTH

[mayagrafix]

Is Win ME a Glorified version of Win 98SE?

If so, should I just stay with that OS for my ICS router?

[drshivas]

If you ask me, WINME is a pain in the a$$. Win98SE is definitly the choice for a non-NT based OS.

I think it does have all the ICS capabilities of Win98SE though.

At one point I did have win2k server running as a router using it's ICS. You need to set up manually, which is a good project to learn something new if you haven't done it before. It is up to you. I just wanted to express that if you don't have win2k server, win98 ICS is just as good if you JUST need that. If you want to run a webserver though, WIN98 come with Personal Web Server (PWS). But I wouldn't recommend using that for anything half-way serious as it is simple and not secure.

[JDXNC]

Originally posted by mayagrafix
Is Win ME a Glorified version of Win 98SE?

If so, should I just stay with that OS for my ICS router?

Correct on Me, plus they made it a bit buggier so people would want to upgrade to XP I think. But 2000 should work just fine for you.

One thing about 2000 server, it was designed for poeple who know what they are doing, so its built in wizards are pretty crappy and pointless. So you'll need to learn to configure everything on your own. It is really simple once you fingure it out. Basically all you need to do is get the connection working on that rig( which I'm sure the problem is lack of correct drivers) and then configure it to share internet access and then configure the rest of your lan to use ICS located on the server.

Find out the make and model of your board then go to the manufactures site and find the USB drivers for it. I'm sure thats your problem. If your USB ports aren't enabled due to lack of drivers theres no way to set up the connection or share it until them. Would be possible on a lan using a modem on an ethernet port but USB makes things a little wierd.

[mayagrafix]

Thanks for the info! Im not in big hurry, and I can play around with this rig a bit and see if I can pick up a thing or two. It would be nice to know the 411 on things like "Domain Names" and other network terminology but Ill figure it out soone or later.

[JDXNC]

You should give Windows 2003 Server a try, you can dl a trial version for free. It has all the same features as 2000 sever plus more and its VERY HIGHLY wizardized.... great for a new comer. But then again, you won;t get to learn the in's and outs as well. Eh, either way, its free for trial... give it a try! I liked it.

[mayagrafix]

Great idea! at least ill have some idea of what to look for if and when I go back to the 2kserver edition.

Just thought about this though: my server rig is only a 366 celeron with 160 megs! hope it can handle it :)

[orion25]

For info on setting up Win2K server try the following link:

World Of Windows Networking (http://www.wown.com/)

I used this during my brief experiment win Win2K ADV Server. I got Active Directory set up with no problem. But I ditched it in favor of SuSE linux. I want to learn more about linux and it is a whole lot cheaper. Although I did get a friend to get me the Win2K Adv Server for next to nothing through his university.

[JDXNC]

Originally posted by mayagrafix
Great idea! at least ill have some idea of what to look for if and when I go back to the 2kserver edition.

Just thought about this though: my server rig is only a 366 celeron with 160 megs! hope it can handle it :)

Being mostly for routing internet acess, those specs should do fine. I run it on my K6-2 450 with 128MB or ram. It runs quite nicely like that. Its not such a bloated hog like XP is.

Edit: It only requires a 133Mhz CPU for a minimum and 128MB of ram

[mayagrafix]

Orion25: Thanxs for the link to World of Windows Networking, it is just what Im looking for! Im taking a Linux class starting next week, so I hope to be able to return the favor soon.
And JDXNC thank you also for the great idea re: Server 2003.