Hello, what do you want to achieve exactly? I don't recommend using a desktop computer as a server for performance reasons. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights. Microsoft Student Partner 2010 / 2011 Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Server Administrator Microsoft Certified Trainer

First of all Microsoft doesn't recommends to install Exchange Server on Domain Controllers, I am pointing this because you have mentioned the to install exchange server with the DNS server usually Dns service is installed on the Domain Controllers . I prefer exchange to be installed on the member server without any other services as exchange server is memory hungry. If its a lab yes you may install and use it but its not recommended for the real time implementations due to performance reasons. Thanks http://www.virmansec.com/blogs/skhairuddin

Hello Darshana Jayathilake Based on what you said the following will be the setup: Domain Controller (desktop tower computer): SQL Server DNS VPN Member Server(server that sits on the rack): Sharepoint Exchange Server WFE Applicaton Server IIS EXCEL ADOBE Now what do you think about this? Thank you Shabeaut

That is what I am asking, could this setup work on a desktop tower computer and provide support the same as a server that sits on a rack if not what performance reasons do you have? The domain controller is on desktop tower computer the member server is on a rack: Domain Controller (desktop tower computer): SQL Server DNS VPN Member Server(server that sits on the rack): Sharepoint Exchange Server WFE Applicaton Server IIS EXCEL ADOBE Now what do you think about this? Thank you Shabeaut

Hi, NO. There are so many differences in Hardware level between the Server Hardware and Desktop Tower Hardware. Regarding the Performance, If you take the Processor it self, there are 2 separate set of Processors design for both Desktop and Server (INTEL Core Edition for Desktop and XEON for Servers). And also Hard Disks as well (7K RPM for Desktops, Over 10K RPM for Servers). Those are design clearly to withstand long up time without any problems. Those are the main Performance related facts between the Servers and the Desktops. Going back to your requirement, I would not recommend to have a DC deployed on a Desktop box. DC is the heart of your network. if it goes, then nothing will work. SQL also you'll get performance related issues in long run (Basically you may need to restart the desktop box most of the time to keep up with the performance). VPN should be ok By said that i'd like to point out that, if you implement this on a Desktop box, it'll still work. But you definitely will have Performance issues. Thamara.

Its recommended to have at least 2 domain controllers on the network for high availability as exchange completely relies on the Active Directory. In you above scenario you only have one Domain Controller along with sql and vpn. regarding SQL It will work but not recommended. You shouldn't install any additional applications on domain controllers besides say the name resolution and DHCP type services. It is due to performance and security reasons. http://www.virmansec.com/blogs/skhairuddin

1. Rack servers are designed for long service with minimal idle time. They use optimized design of cooling. Not mentioned here is the remote management, which helps you to deal with problem solving and remote "telemetry". 2. You have not given any information on the number of users. If the number is small or medium, then use SBS, which integrates more roles. 3. Entry level servers are both, like personal computers and rack servers. Expected difference is in hard disks with higher MTBF, RAM with parity, average video card, etc. 4. For more advanced system with large number of users and services, it is recommended to have more servers. If integrated functions are needed, then are grouped the ones that would not compete for resources.

Hello Community If you install Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 with Exchange Server, DNS and RRAS on a desktop tower computer can that desktop tower computer provide support the same as a server that sits on a rack? Thank you Shabeaut

Hello, what do you want to achieve exactly? I don't recommend using a desktop computer as a server for performance reasons. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights. Microsoft Student Partner 2010 / 2011 Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Server Administrator Microsoft Certified Trainer

First of all Microsoft doesn't recommends to install Exchange Server on Domain Controllers, I am pointing this because you have mentioned the to install exchange server with the DNS server usually Dns service is installed on the Domain Controllers . I prefer exchange to be installed on the member server without any other services as exchange server is memory hungry. If its a lab yes you may install and use it but its not recommended for the real time implementations due to performance reasons. Thanks http://www.virmansec.com/blogs/skhairuddin

as a recommend way keep the exchange server.as syed said if it is a lab environment you can install all the things in one. Just i have attached the diagram for your reference you can get the idea from that. But that is also for the minimum requirement only. Better way is provide high availability for mail server(exchange).you can use below we blink to do the correct hardware sizing for exchange. if you need any help on design the solution reply on this http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa996719.aspx Darshana Jayathilake