PC server on Windows Server 2003

I have three computers at home. Two fixed and mobile, all Windows XP Pro, configured local IP Fixed, connected to my modem (no router) via an Ethernet switch.

I want to fit my personal network to get my share documents, secure because friends use any computers (use of security ntfs)
I therefore intend to use such a "server", which share the documents. This computer also serve "normal", ie that users could be used in the workstation.

I can do all this under Windows XP, and want to know if it is possible to achieve the same configuration, but with Windows Server 2003 on the PC server.

For this I ask myself two or three questions and I ask you if you want to meet me detailing a little, so I make a synthesis of all this.

Can do I use a Windows Server 2003 locally, I mean working on it with a session so.
I find advantages with this new configuration, if so, what?
I'll find the disadvantages, if so, where?
The establishment she would be complex?
What do you advise?

yes it's very feasible to use Windows server, there is DirectX 9 and all tralala. in reality it's just a version of XP!
advantages: it is a good OS
drawback: it is the skin of the ass! First look at what you can do with the windows "normal".

You can have up to 10 connections on a simuiltanées XP is therefore possible in your case, the coup is lower (especially that OEM) in return you have no centralized management of accounts that might t ' make a server version, you will be forced to duplicate the accounts of your machines on your server

No it is not ten, but only on XP Pro.

How do I account for centralized on a server? Despite my research, no clear and simple tutorial found

On a W2003 Server, use Directory Active.
On posts XP, well you just create the accounts on each PC (thus also acting as the server). After that, if 5 users on 3 PC is not dead!

W2003 Server, would be unreasonable for you. A rigorous, if you want a little fun, try Linux! It's more fun, more boring, fun you configure your thing, and it's cheap

mKAY,

Linux, not going to help you acjhieve what you want any easier, faster or better than just using a windows Xp or Vista based file share.
Sure you CAN do a domain emulation in conjution with Samba nshare, but you are really only doing dumb file sharing

Active directory is too much for your needs.

A windows Home server is ideal if you have the cash. It gives you web based admin, easy file share set up, and has cool stuff like an Itunes server.
Yes there is an Itunes server version designed for multi users and computers.
It also provides EZ image based back up of your pcs.

Its a total package really and is designed with the home user in mind.

If you want to implement an AD, there are several books you really need to take a look at; go to Amazon and look for Mark Minasi for some decent task oriented books.