We have 10 computers networked. We would like to have a common shareable Outlook calendar. In the event that works well, we would then like to have that machine used as the server for an Access database and maybe some of the word processing.

Is Windows Server the way to go and if so, how difficult is it to set up. What do I need? Thanks to all for your help.

What you'll need if you will be using Outlook XP is a Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2003 Server with Exchange Server 2000 or Exchange Server 2003 Beta 2. If you'will be using any earlier version of Outlook, any Windows OS will do as a server OS, and you won't need Exchange Server, cause then you could use Microsoft Mail (a WorkGroup Post Office). All you need then to get a shared Outlook calendar are some Windows 95 .ddl files and a cpl file to setup the WGPO, and your on your way.

Also the Access database can be run from any of the above servers.

Of course seting up a real server with a Windows Server OS will be faster, more stable and will give you loads of evtra functionality (DHCP/DNS/Share internet connections etc), but setting up a server with Windows XP or even Windows 9x is much easier.

Hope this helps a bit.

Thanks for the response.

We do want to run Outlook XP instead of an earlier version.

So, from what I am understanding from your response, I will need to install Win2K Server or Win 2003 Server and then install Exchange server, or does "Server" come with Exchange Server? Sorry for the dumb questions, but we are trying something new (at least, for us).

you'll need to get exchange server as well, 2k / 2003 server doesn't come with it

You can download eveluation copies of Exchange Server, but I'm not sure for how long they will work. I think the Beta for Exchange 2003 will run longer then the 2K version evaluation, but it's beta, so expect bugs.

Can all of the users access the server calendar, or do I need a copy of Exchange for each user computer?

No,

Exchange is a product that runs on the server, all clients can connect to it with their Outlook, and beside having a personal mailbox with a calendar, they can share a public a calendar.

All the workstations need is an activeted copy of Outlook

Great, thanks so much for your help!