server formy pc netowrk

i run a workgroup of 30 pcs ranging from p4 (3 ghz) to p! (<600 mhz). i know its silly and maintaining it is a headache. now i want to install some server software but our organisation cant afford to by windows server software. (we are a school in the south west pacific) all pc's are clones and refurbished.
we have manged to get a souped up pc to act as our server (p4 , 3.2 ghz, 1 gb RAM). i want to set up a server on this new pc nut am looking for someting like windows 2003 server but open source and of course free. i also wnat to create user account so that when kids og on they gain access to their shared folders on the server. i also intend to control internet access from this server.
also want to filter pornographic sites from this server.
i have never used or seen a server software before, only read about it.

please i need suggestions for versatile and easy to install and implement server programs.
also documentation and guides for the true novice in me.

anticipating>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ranger1

 

The only serious free option is Linux, but this is not really easy-to-use. This would take a lot of setting up especially for a novice.

Why dont you investiagate and see if there is a student license for Windows 2003. I know you can get a student license for Office XP and Windows that is much cheaper.

Windows 2003 will come with a proxy server (as part of IIS, I think), but not a content filter as far as I know. Most of the content filtering that I have seen on networks is handled by the router. You should investigate if your router is capable of this.

You can use this printer to share folders and set up users. It can also be used for many many other things but it will certainly do these functions that you have requested.