Risks without a Server

1. Unstable with occasional "crashes" because your "server" was never designed to share files
2. Vulnerable to hackers, virus, employees and accidental deletion of files because win98 has NO security – No need for user names and no control over who can do what and who can open what.
3. In danger of hard drive "crash" because most Hard Drives are under warranty for 1 or 2 years

Benefits of a Server:

1. FASTER – Quicker file access because of the high-speed Hard disk (SCSI hard disks are even faster- see quote). A server is also faster because it has more memory.
2. STABILITY - Windows 2000 is built on a different "file system" so it never "crashes" and can stay on form months without rebooting
3. EVERYTHING BACKED UP- Automatic Daily backup of all files on a tape drive.
4. SECURITY- All user can place files on server and thus access files from any computer – All files and folders can have different levels of access based on the user name and password. I.e. Accountant and boss can only access accounting files.
5. REMOTE ACCESS - Users can Dial-in or connect through an internet connection like DSL and access "their" files
6. You can add a host of new services such as sharing a database of clients or sharing the same accounting file i.e QuickBooks, ACT, outlook.
7. You can expand your system in the future by adding other services like SQL Server, website hosting and more.

Benefits of a Messaging server:

Microsoft Exchange Sever 2000 installed on a server will provide compete messaging (MS Outlook 2000) and file collaboration services where users can access their calendar, contacts and files from any website!

I can not emphasize enough how important it is to have a stable and secure server with a tape backup that will automatically back up all of your files.