I understand that some people want to stick with “accepted” technologies and that usually means Microsoft. That’s OK. I don’t have a problem with that. Fear is a great motivator in some cases. Linux is free. Service is not–not even for Microsoft products. Somehow there is a misconception that just because you buy a Microsoft product that you are somehow protected from paying someone to fix it when it breaks. Wrong!
Anyway, if you want/need to stick with that technology out of fear or familiarity, I have found a way to do it for less than you might think.
Go to ebay.com and search for Windows NT 4 Server. Right now, there are several for sale with Client Access Licenses for under $30.00. That is about $1,000 off the original retail price. I even found a Terminal Server Edition of it for under $50.00.
I found Windows 2000 Server for anywhere from $50 to $300 and Windows 2003 Standard Server for about $300.
My point is that you can find what you need for less by doing some smart shopping. Be sure to get something that is legal and licensed by buying from a reputable dealer. Look for a lot of feedback and be sure that it is over 90% positive. This is still no absolute guarantee but it helps.
This is a great way for you to get what you want (a Microsoft Server or Workstation) for much less than you would ordinarily pay. Even if you purchase an older version of a product, it can still serve you well for years to come. The hardware requirements for older versions are lower and therefore much cheaper to purchase and maintain. A lot of people are willing to give away a server that is a few years old…or again, hit ebay and purchase something good. To find a good server, you may have to ask a consultant but it will be worth the savings in the long run.
Filed under: General Info
