I am trying to set up a small network for my company. The setup consists of one computer acting as a server and two clients, like I said small. I need the server to handle all the application and keep everything together no matter which client is used. The application needs to be able to run on both clients at the same time if needed. I am trying to use Win XP Pro for all three since I already own it.(I own 3 copies that is) Can XP do this or do I need something else like Terminal Server? Any info would be appreciated. I have never set up a server before so this is new to me. Links would be nice if you know a good spot. Thanks for reading this!

You have an excellent resource in your windows XP O.S. in the help section. Start/programs. You could also read aticles in this link. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/default.asp#section6 Good Luck.

I have read those articles already. Everything appears to be running fine accept I cannot open a program on the server from the client. Windows wants me to install the program to the client also which defeats what I want to do.The network is up and all the computers see each other. ICS works fine but I cannot share applications. Example: There is an estimating program I use and I want it on the server and be able to have two clients access it, open, and save. That way all the information is stored together instead of on sepperate computers.

Try remote desktop. I do not know if it supports more than one connection however. I do know that a client connecting to the "server" will temporarily disable its use. It sounds like your looking for an application server. I like this but it requires the purchase of CAL's (Client Access Licenses).

Also, I can share files. I just can't share applications like I want.

Your only realistic option with XP pro is to run the applications on the clients but with the file data held on and saved to a network share on the "server". This way you at least achieve "all the information is stored together instead of on separate computers". The only way to run the application from the "server" at the "client" is remote desktop like darkfriend says. However XP Pro is limited to only allowing one session at any one time so this will not be very useful. This is a cut-down version of Terminal Services which in the server family (i.e. win2k server and serv 2003) allows multiple connections. If this is not sufficient for your needs then you will need third-party software on top of XP pro, or alternatively use 2000 or 2003 server instead.