Is there any MS operating system that can work in a workgroup and allows 30 connections

[Paddy]

Hello

Is there any MS operating system that can work in a workgroup and
allows 30 connections, it does not have to a server edition, just
able to install sql 2008 express?

Thanks
Paddy

[Adam Sandler]

Post by Paddy
Hello
Is there any MS operating system that can work in a workgroup and
allows 30 connections, it does not have to  a server edition, just
able to install sql 2008 express?
Thanks
Paddy

Not sure if I understand your question. You can network any of MS'
operating systems and not necessairly need a domain. As you imply
Sever editions require either connection or seat licenses. But you
are more than free to set up a network of static-IP'd workstations for
example. In such a situation, the number of hosts is only limited by
your PC architecture, memory, and comm backbone.

SQL Server 2008 Express accepts connections via host name. So if
you're connecting from one of the workstations, and the software on
that workstation knows the name of the box hosting your SQL Server,
can actually see the SQL server box (ping, files shares, etc.), and
has a valid account, nothing is stopping you.

I do what you describe using laptops in an ad hoc development
environment. One of the laptops hosts SQL 2008 Express and the other
laptops push and pull data from that one the whole time. Everything
is static IP'd and running Win 7 Pro -- no server editions involved
anywhere.

[Paddy]

Adam

Your answer made me look again, and I have realised the problem does
not lie with the sql connections, but we also our main application is
also a document management system, so all the documents are shared and
accessed on the same machine via a windows share, which means I have
too many connections via file sharing, not sql. Sorry for the mistake.

Paddy

[Tecknomage]

On Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:03:34 -0700 (PDT), Paddy

Post by Paddy
Adam
Your answer made me look again, and I have realised the problem does
not lie with the sql connections, but we also our main application is
also a document management system, so all the documents are shared and
accessed on the same machine via a windows share, which means I have
too many connections via file sharing, not sql. Sorry for the mistake.
Paddy

First, you should be using a MS Server OS for what you want to do,
then the problem goes away. Just set it as a Workgroup Server (NOT
Domain).

We use "Windows Server 2003 Std" where I work (IT Tech) on our
Workgroup Fileserver (also our DNS Sever, Printer Server). Has both
Public and Private (user only) folders on a separate drive (D:) which
is backed-upped daily/weekly for Disaster Recovery.

The D: also includes a shared "Installs" folder which has the
installers for *most* of the apps we use. Therefore no need to use
CDs for installing/updating apps.

You should get a Server system for best results. A normal desktop
will be strained. Just make sure whatever you use has minimum 2gb
RAM, min 80gb for C: and a D: with enough disk space to store all
files/apps you want to share now *and in the future*. And a reminder,
you should install a very reliable Antivirus on servers.

Our server is a "DELL PowerEdge" .....
http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/servers
...that was customized via the option when we ordered it. For
servers, you SHOULD ALWAYS customize.

Note you can order it with the OS pre-installed and hard drives
pre-configured, just make sure you think it through before deciding.

One HIGHLY recommended custom option is the "DELL PowerVault RD1000"..
http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/powervault-rd1000/pd?refid=pvaul_rd1000
...using removable *hard drive* cartridges for backups. Also
"Symantec Backup Exec" software (do NOT have them install the backup
software included with PowerVault, you have to tell them this).

IMPORTANT NOTE: you can do a customized pre-order and SAVE it without
actually ordering. Then you can print it and discuss costs before
ordering or deleting the pre-order doc. Also suggest you phone sales
rep, give them the reference number or your pre-order and discuss all
options (especially about NOT installing PowerVault software).



Otherwise you may want to look at:
http://smallvoid.com/article/winnt-network-connection-limit.html