I've always wondered this. At my home office, I have a P4/2GHz/1.5GB
computer running Windows XP Professional that is used as a file server on my
home network. It serves no other purpose.

I also have two workstations running Windows Vista that connect to the XP
computer to pull data. I haven't noticed anything major in terms of network
performance, but would I get better network performance if I used Vista (or
Windows 2003/2008 server) configured as a file server instead?

On Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:39:24 -0700, "Eriq" wrote:

I've always wondered this. At my home office, I have a P4/2GHz/1.5GB
computer running Windows XP Professional that is used as a file server on my
home network. It serves no other purpose.

I also have two workstations running Windows Vista that connect to the XP
computer to pull data. I haven't noticed anything major in terms of network
performance, but would I get better network performance if I used Vista (or
Windows 2003/2008 server) configured as a file server instead?

There are performance related improvements in Windows Vista, that effect its use
as an Internet client. RWin Autotuning is one improvement that doesn't work
with all equipment.
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/06/autotuning-in-vista-maybe-not-ready-for.html
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/0...ready-for.html

Windows Vista, like Windows XP, is a client (or peer) network operating system.
I'm not aware of any specific changes in Vista, that would make it more useful
as a server. I suspect too that the increased resource requirements would
detract from its usefulness.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.