What is the best version of Windows for a network with 20 concurrent users?

ALL Windows Server operating systems require Client Access Licenses. And you'd be a fool if the only thing you paid attention to was the purchase price. There is ongoing maintenance that will factor into your overall cost.

Small Business Server was designed to be used in, go figure, a small business. If you want a system that it's EASY to manage, provides remote access for you and your (select) employees, is CHEAPER than server Standard (though SBS 2008 will be more expensive, but just slightly), and provides you a VERY robust email/calendaring/contacts/tasks system in Exchange, then I HIGHLY recommend going the SBS route.

Server standard will work... but it is not specifically meant for small businesses. It's initial cost is more (though the CAL's are less expensive), it doesn't include Exchange or MANY of the wizards that make SBS easy to manage.

That said, IF you want a RELIABLE system that doesn't require your constant attention, I would STRONGLY recommend hiring a consultant with EXPERIENCE setting up Small Business Server. It's not "just like standard server" - there are major differences and if you don't do it right today, it will cost you FAR MORE down the road.

Windows Server 2003 Standard edition.

I sugust to go with server 2003 and if you are new in it then there is a lot of stuff on the internet to study about 2003 server and about your client oprating system is well windows xp with sp2

I think you should go for only go for this

if you try 2008 server then you need to learn it a little more

only the enhanced features are Active directory with more options and also they have made NTFS as default setting no support for fat

and intigrated with Vista and xp sp3

so try 2003 server that is better option for you.

you maybe better off with win2K or XP for users but win sever 2003 will still need 20 licences

Hi

I think 2003 is the best option.

the one with the windows symbol...duh

sorry i dont now