Build a Business Server Help

[sam10alex8]

I am looking to build a small business server as all the prices I have received for the server and install and configuration have well exceeded my budget. I do not know if I can do this but am willing to try with some help. I have a small business with three locations in two different states that run one windows based application. Currently all three locations run this app locally with peer to peer networking which leaves me with three different data files and three potential problems areas. I would like to centrally locate a server and have all three locations run this application from this server. I would like to know what parts I would need to build a relatively inexpensive unit that would allow me to accomplish this. I have quite a few old towers that have various good and bad parts in them that could be used to help build the system i.e. cd drives, cases, 10/100 ethernet etc. I was quoted windows 2003 server software but would consider something else if it would work. Was also told I would need terminal client licenses as well. Any help would be appreciated. Hopefully I am not getting in over my head but need to consolidate the operation and just dont have the money for professional installation.

[mairving]

A few things to consider:
-Since you are going from 3 installs to 1 you will decrease the amount of support that you will have but increase the risk of failure, i.e. if one computer is down all are down. You will need to make sure that that one server is consistently up. You could build one but it would be better to build 2 with the exact same config and use one as a spare. It might be cheaper to buy one from a vendor with overnight support. You also should have something with Raid5.
-You need to make sure that you have a good connection primarily to your main server. At the main server site you should have a T1. It doesn't have to be a full T but at least a partial one. DSL or cable won't cut it. On the client end if you have a small amount of users then you can use DSL/Cable.
-What I have done in the past is to build VPN tunnels using Sonicwall devices between the sites. If you use DSL/Cable you need to get static IP addresses or reset your tunnel when the IP changes. I have also had much better luck using Citrix than TS. It just seems to be less problematic and more stable.
-Definitely go with Windows 2003 Server.