Minimum services for 2000 Server

[tratclif]

What are the absolute minimum set of services that you can have running to get 2000 server to run?

[Lowland]

You asked What are the absolute minimum set of services that you can have running to get 2000 server to run?

It completely depends on what you want to achieve. You can't plan a server set-up your way round, otherwise, just have a peer-to-peer network, no server, make life easier!!!

A server "serves" or acts in response to requests. It is not a piece of kit, it is a software programme, so if you want domain security, your gonna need the server software that'll do that. Most Server O/s's have this built-in, it's a standard requirement. But you don't have to use it!

If you want Mail you'll need a mail server
If you want DCOM apps, you'll have to have the approriate software
If you want Intranet or Internet, you'll have to have PWS or IIS or equivalent(a web-server)
If you want to share a printer, you'll have to have the print server software
If you want to share databases you might need an SQL server
If you want to assign IP addresses to workstations you'll need a DHCP server (built in to MS Servers)
If you want to share files you'll need common protocols and clients

So you need to plan your requirements then set-up the server to suit!

And don't forget that if you have a network of importance (company, for example, or you want proper data storage and security) you should have a Primary Domain Controller and one or more back-up domain controllers with such things as replication enabled on the core server parts!

Hope this helps - plan first, set-up afterwards. Maybe if you post your requirements, we'll be able to better help.

Good luck!

[tratclif]

My long-term goal is to learn Win2K Server. My immediate goal is to lock it down as far as possible to prevent any security risk -- I'm all too aware that a Win2k machine with an incompetent admin is an open target. I'm also trying to track down cryptic "A device or service did not start" warning message, and trying to figure out why "Services for 32 bit applications" (IIRC) needs to access the Internet every 30 seconds.

[thirdfey]

Sounds like you need a coy of O'Reilly's Securing Windows NT/2000 Servers for the Internet Book. Describes what the essential services are in order to run 2k server. I can't seem to find my copy, probably at the office.

Sorry I couldn't answer your question,
Tony