Which server shoudl be a print server?

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EJ

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Hi all,

I am quite new to Windows server administration, but not new to Windows or
IT in general (always used unix/linux servers in the past).

My server layout is as follows (all Win2k3 Sever RC2 SP2):

Active Directory/Domain Controller 1
Active Directory/Domain Controller 2 (backup for 1)
Terminal Server 1
Terminal Server 2
Terminal Server 3
Terminal Server 4
SQL Reporting & TS Staging Server

There is also a Linux RedHat server hosting the database/business system.

I am intending to add printers to the Active Directory list, but I need a
little guidance. I'm assuming I don't install them on the terminal servers
directly, but install them centrally (ie: onto one server), and add them to
the Active Directory printer list?

Which server is typically the best choice? At the moment I am divided
between the Active Directory and Staging Server. Whichever I choose, I
expect I will need to 'upgrade to a print server' via the 'Manage Your
Server' window and begin installing all the necessary drivers to that server
(adding them to the AD list).

Comments and advice appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

EJ
 
Re: Which server shoudl be a print server?

Hello EJ,

I prefer using a separate member server for file and print services, if you
have a large amount of printers. For just a few you can use one of the DC's
also.

You have to add printers like on a normal workstation to the server but instead
of using the local port you choose the network printer setup and configre
the printer settings with the ip address of the printer. Also during the
setup you will be asked for sharing it in AD and you just can set the checkmark
if not done. If you have workstations with different OS you have also to
add the additional drivers depending on the OS or if they are 32/64 bit versions.

Small remark for the "backup" DC, if not done, make it DNS server and Global
catalog, so that your clients are able to logon, if the first one is down.
Also if not done, use AD integrated zones, so the zones will be updated with
AD replication and all servers are writable instead of using a secondary
server, which stores a Read-only copy.

Best regards

Meinolf Weber
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> Hi all,
>
> I am quite new to Windows server administration, but not new to
> Windows or IT in general (always used unix/linux servers in the past).
>
> My server layout is as follows (all Win2k3 Sever RC2 SP2):
>
> Active Directory/Domain Controller 1
> Active Directory/Domain Controller 2 (backup for 1)
> Terminal Server 1
> Terminal Server 2
> Terminal Server 3
> Terminal Server 4
> SQL Reporting & TS Staging Server
> There is also a Linux RedHat server hosting the database/business
> system.
>
> I am intending to add printers to the Active Directory list, but I
> need a little guidance. I'm assuming I don't install them on the
> terminal servers directly, but install them centrally (ie: onto one
> server), and add them to the Active Directory printer list?
>
> Which server is typically the best choice? At the moment I am divided
> between the Active Directory and Staging Server. Whichever I choose, I
> expect I will need to 'upgrade to a print server' via the 'Manage Your
> Server' window and begin installing all the necessary drivers to that
> server (adding them to the AD list).
>
> Comments and advice appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> EJ
>
 
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