converting an office to use roaming profiles with win2k3 server

[frubsen]

Hi Everyone,

I work in a car dealership, and have recently been doing most of the IT work for them. Since the last guy has kind of left all the computers in not really a mess, but every computer it set up differently and is just a pain to work on when they need servicing.

My plan is to wipe all computers and start fresh. Each computer has a licensed copy of Windows XP Pro, and the office currently has a "server" that feeds the internet conenction and I'm guessing uses a VPN to connect to head office. I want to install Windows 2003 and use it as a domain controller so I can use roaming profiles. I haven't had a chance to check out what OS the server is using and even if it is able to run Win2k3.

Anyways, I need to put together a proposal and and a quote sheet for the manager so I'm just looking at what I will need. Since almost all the computers have licensed copies of XP, that won't be a problem there. There are a few running Windows 98, which I will most likely get them to buy a few new boxes as those PC's are a bit older than the rest.

My questions are:

Which Windows 2003 Server Edition should I be looking into? The dealership has probably about 40 computers that will be connecting to the domain.

We have different departments within the dealership which need different programs. My first thought was to install XP on a computer, install all the programs, and then ghost it to all the other computers. BUT, the computers all have different specifications so I'm assuming that won't work. What would be the easiest way to go about this?

I've been reading up on Windows 2003 server, and have been doing some VMware tests at home with it, so I am mildy comfortable with it. Can anyone recommend any books worth getting? If this does go through I am planning on doing some tests at the dealership with computers before I do the whole place.

I know there is probably more I am missing, so if anyone has some insight that would be great.

Thanks

[Hamins]

Hi Frubsen,

If there're around 40-50 computers, and if there's no database (SQL/Oracle), then I think Windows 2003 R2 Std. Edition if good enough.

If the computers have different Hardware specs, and I'm not too sure if Ghosting would work. Also, I'm not too sure if Windows XP Remote Installation would work on the Domain Controller. You may need another server to run Remote INstallation Services. However, once you have installed XP, then software can be deployed via GPOs.