Which server shoudl be a print server?

[Guest EJ]

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

[Guest Meinolf Weber]

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

>