Greetings Everyone!

I've read a few messages in this forum in the past few months about people attempting to install or configure Small Business Server 2003 for file and print sharing operations.

If you need a server, and all you need your server to do is share files and printers, don't buy SBS2003 - save $750 (CDW price for SBS Standard is $759, not including media) and use Linux instead. It is rediculously easy to set up Linux and configure it as a File/Print server for your windows desktops.

Spend $9 at this link to buy a CentOS DVD or CD's. CentOS is just like RedHat, which is very easy to use. Then, go on over to RedHat's Easy to Use promo and see how easy it is to set up your file shares.

Linux is just as capable as SBS2003 - even more so - and it's far easier to manage and better behaved when it comes to combating viruses, spyware, and software gone haywire. (You won't have to run virus scanners on Linux...) Granted, its capabilities are somewhat limited out of the box (as it does not include Exchange server or a workalike), though those capabilities can be added on by competent individuals.