Windows Standard Server 2003 CAL questions
 

I'm setting up a server for a business and I've bought Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, but the software I ordered off the net (I thought I was getting a deal), was just that--only the software. Now I am need of a license(s).

My problem is, I've heard of something like you need a license to install the software then 'client' licenses for each computer that wants to use the server. I don't quite understand that. Does that mean I have 2 different types of licenses I need to buy? If so, how do I tell the difference when I'm ordering them off the net? Or do I get one of these 5-pack license things I've seen and that's one for the server and the others are for workstations on the network.

Another thing, if you do indeed need licenses for each computer on the network, where do you put in that license number to allow that workstation to use programs that are installed on the server?

Anyone knowledgable about this software, I'd very much appreciate the help. Perhaps someone can link to where to buy what licenses I need as well--that'd be wonderful.

Scott

When you purchased the software you received the license for the server software itslef, so that's taken care of.

Now you need to purchase the CAL's (Client Access Licenses). Before you go running out and buying CAL's you need to decide if you are going to run in per server or per seat mode.

With only one server it doesn't realy make a difference, however if you plan on adding servers later, it can make a huge difference.

Per server means that every machine that connects to that server has to have a license. If you have one workstation that connects to two servers, then you will need 2 licenses, one for each server.

If however you run in per seat mode, then you need one license for each workstation. Per seat is the cheapest way to go.

When buying your CAL's, make sure you buy licenses for the correct server operating system. Windows 2000 CAL's are not valid with Windows 2003.

With that said, when you purchase CAL's, all you are getting is a piece of paper that says you bought X client licenses. It's not software that you have to install.

Windows does have a license manager that you can use to keep track of this, but it is not required. The license manager can be found in the Admin tools, if you choose to install it. The license manager was such a pile of crap under win2000 I uninstalled it and just went around and manually counted machines.

Not always so, I buy the Media sepreate from the license its like $32 a copy for the cd's then the license is several hundred. CAL's are $125 each i think? I dunno been a while since I have bought any....

But you have to have a License with S/N for the install of the OS then there are 10 CAL's or equivilant included, good enough for 10 users at once....


how many users do you have? what is it to be used for?

here is a little info on it
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserv...g/default.mspx

There are 2 other workstations on the network that will be using the server, and then there is one computer 60 miles away I had planned on using the server via "Remote Computer Access." Does this mean I will need 3 licenses to be legal?

And also, you said the licenses are just a sheet of paper saying you own the licenses. Does this mean everything will work without these licenses, although it is not legal? Meaning, I could go ahead and set up everything now even though I don't have the licenses as of yet?

Steveincolumbus, where do you buy your licenses for the CD's seperate? (assuming I still need a license for the CD's)

Scott

Scott,

Yes, you will need 3 licenses.

Yes, you can set it all up now and it will work although it is not legal since you don't have the client access licenses.

As for where to buy, check out www.pricewatch.com. Go to the software section, select operating systems and search for Windows 2003 Cal. this will give you a list of places that sell CAL's. You will need to do a bit of reading/calling them to make sure you are getting exactly what you need.

I buy them though CDW