Robs recommendations are grat.

I would also add in that your installation process will be pretty similiar, there are a few differences with Win 2K3 server, but nothing too critical.

Also, if you are this unsure about your server configuration, be sure to take care to configure the server correctly for security, as I would hate to see your server be compromised due to incorrect security setups.

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-Mitchel Sellers
Microsoft MVP, ASPInsider, DNN MVP
CEO/Director of Development - IowaComputerGurus Inc.


Visit mitchelsellers.com for my mostly DNN Blog and support forum.

Visit IowaComputerGurus.com for free DNN Modules, DNN Performance Tips, DNN Consulting Quotes, and DNN Technical Support Services

Every time I consider buying a server, I come to the conclusion that I'm better off keeping a VPS plan.  I pay $149/month at hostmysite.com and that includes:

- 1GB RAM
- Bandwidth
- Backups
- 22 GB disk (on RAID)
- Monitoring
- Server management and patching
- SQL Server Workgroup
- etc.....

I use about 775GB RAM for the OS, SQL Server and 2 DNN installs.

When you look at buying a server also factor in the bandwidth, software and services.  As mentioned above, Windows is $800 and SQL Server Workgroup is thousands (I know Express is free if it has all the features you want).  I personally want to spend time building the sites, not being a server admin so maybe that's just me but I like knowing someone else is handling the patches, monitoring, security setup, etc.  I'm also on a high-end server with the VPS that would cost me thousands to buy on my own (fast CPU, RAID, etc).

MaximumASP.net now has a 1.5GB VPS for $99/month.

Just something to consider.