Server choices - linux / MS?

[O. Sinclair]

Alex Faure wrote:
> I am installing a small server to server 20 windows users in an office.
> I need to use it to manage emails - download to server and then to users 
> and visa versa. It will also be used for windows updates - 1 update, 
> cached and then available to all users (not sure yet how I will do this)
> I also want to make backups onto the server of user's data. (automatically)
> The server will not be used as a live data source for users.
> Any advice on installation and utilities I can use
> Any suggestions if this would be OK as a Linux solution - or do I need 
> windows server? If linux - which distro/version would be ideal. I only 
> know Ubuntu and Kubuntu - suggestions would be great!
Ebox - a ubuntu server based distro that does exactly what you want + 
oodles more if you like. I use it in 2 installations as a server (domain 
server in my case for windows clients)

found here:
http://ebox-platform.com/

as for backup of users file the easiest by far is to use the "offline 
folders" function on the windows clients and tell users to put all 
important data in the folder you choose to replicate/host on the server. 
Easiest is to redirect "my documents" to the user's folder on the Ebox 
(folder created when you create a user on Ebox) and then tell Windows to 
make it available offline. Can take loads of space though if the user 
loves videos and music.

Kind regards,
Sinclair