Hi: we plan to start Windows web-hosting this summer (though I think it's a nighmare after FreeBSD, but customers want it).

So, what software do we need to start it in the most correct way?
Also, how about windows licensing, how does it work?

[deleted]

If your looking for licences for Win2K for your own machines then take a look on ebay. Theres always licences on there at a good price. If you renting hardware then ask your host if they will provide a licence for a monthly fee, most will.
To find out the hard facts on licencing go here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/howtobuy/pricing/default.asp
or if your looking into Win 2003:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/default.mspx

Thank you, Sam. We do not rent servers. What is typical pack of software needed in MS terms: webserver + sql server + ssh server + ftp server and so on? I am a complete newbie in m$ server products.

Win2K Server (or 2K3)
.NET Framework
MDAC 2.7 +

ActiveState PERL
PHP
mySQL

Some sort of Mail Server:
- iMail - www.ipswitch.com
- MailEnable - www.mailenable.com
- Merak - http://www.merakmail.com/
- there are several others too ...

For FTP you can use MS's FTP server or something like Serv-U FTP.

There is no SSH.

It's also not recommended to run MS SQL Server on the same machine as IIS

Thank you, Jay! There is no SSH - can't believe it LOL!!!

Hi Anatole.. did u get my pm? Thanx.

Windows uses something call Terminal Services to allow you to admin your server. It provides you with the server Windows screen as it is and you run it as if you are administering it locally. Thus there is no Telnet/SSH in that matter.

If you have no past experience with Windows, I would highly recommend you go on some crash-course or at the very minimum buy some books and read them. The management of a Windows server and the way you go about doing things is completely different to *nix. You can't kick IIS like you can Apache ;)

I will hire an experienced windows administrator, this is the only right way to do business (imho), but just want to find out how much this "windows adventure" may cost to our company.

So far, I feel, I'll need two server boxes ($3000 each).
- Two copies of windows 2003 server (what edition is better)?
- one copy of sql server?
- two copies of this terminal server?
is it all?

(we run mail server under qmail+dr.web and happy with it).

It provides you with the server Windows screen as it is and you run it as if you are administering it locally

sounds like an X server for me :)

You can get SSH for windows. Take a look at SSH.com or http://www.bitvise.com/winsshd.html

- two copies of this terminal server?
is it all?


TS is included with win2000 and 2003 server editions.