The Least You Need to Know
Planning your network will save you a lot of headaches. Put together a plan that includes all the hardware and cabling that you will need to create your network infrastructure. Drawing a map of the network will help you connect devices and troubleshoot connectivity problems.
Spec out your Windows 2000 Server hardware so that the server can accomplish the task that you have deployed it for. Use the Microsoft hardware requirements list as the starting point for putting together a system that will handle its workload on the network.
Make sure that your server hardware is on the Windows 2000 hardware compatibility list. The list is included on the Windows 2000 CD-ROM, and Microsoft also provides a Web site where you can check your hardware's compatibility by manufacturer.
Determine the file system that you will use on your server before you install Windows 2000 Server. Microsoft recommends using NTFS, which is designed to be used with Windows 2000. It's not a bad idea to go with Microsoft's recommendation.
Part of planning your network is determining the type of client licensing you will use. You can select Per Server or Per Seat during the Windows 2000 Server installation. Make sure that you pick the license type that will accommodate all the users on your network and make it easy for you to expand your network if necessary.