wanting to setup server 2003 with active directory....dhcp server operational....do i also need dns server for workstations to log into domain.....just wanting to know if i need to dedicate an entire box for dns or if active directory would work without....creating a small network with 2 servers and 10 workstations.....trying to keep it simple..all pc's were in a workgroup...trying to set up a domain for better security....

Active directory is depending on DNS and will not work without it. It’s ok to run DHCP\DNS\Wins and a file server on the same computer as long as you keep your network small. I have 3 computers at home and have one computer running as a domain controller with AD, DHCP, WINS, and is also acting as a file server.

i have all that setup on one box for 100 users, no problem, just make sure you have a "real" server and not just a workstation with the os installed on it. by that i mean a fast processer, lots of ram, redundant hard drives, etc. in other words hardware that was made with 24/7 high realiblity in mind.