to server or not

[Astaroth]

I currently have 3 computers - a desktop (dual P3 733), a personal laptop and a works laptop (which i can change very little on).

The missus is getting into gaming again and the desktop just isnt able to play the games anymore so I am looking to buy a replacement for it. I thought it may be an idea to stick the desktop into a spare room and use it as a file server and continue to using it as a test server (IIS) for my webpages.

At present the desktop runs windows XP Pro but I do have a copy of Windows 2000 Advanced Server from my previous life as a web developer. Would it be best to put advanced server on the desktop or would XP Pro do everything? What would the advantages of a "proper" server OS be? If there are big advantages of a server OS - is 2000 Advanced Server ok or would buying a watered down version of 2003 be a worthwhile investment?

Thanks

 

[ericknit]

First, although this is not an option you presented, Id put linux on the P3. Wouldn't it be nice to have a server that needs to be rebooted every year or two instead of every week or 2?

Ok...so that probably didn't help much if your a windows guy. In my humble opinion, unless you have some application that requires Advanced Server for some reason, XP Pro is a "proper" server OS. It will work as a fine file server or web (IIS) server. Plus, you already know your old hardware works ok with XP Pro. I certanly would not shell out any money for 2003 Server for your needs.