have a server running Windows Server 2003. There are 2 Gigabit-Network cards on the Motherboard. What would be the best way to plug the network cables, so that the data exchange will be optimised. The server is used mostly for programmers and developers, which means a lot of different files used and users connected at the same time. It is really slow sometimes, if I make a copy of a few documents from the network for example. Thanks for your cleaver advices.
SnapOverflow
Depending on the NIC drivers, you may be able to bind the two interfaces together in a teaming arrangement so that they essentially act as one interface to the server. If one of them fails, or a cable is unplugged, or a port goes down on the switch, etc. then the remaining active NIC will take over and communication can be maintained. When both are active, some drivers will allow both to be used at once which will increase the overall throughput.
Have you narrowed down your bottle neck to the network yet?
You don't mention what type of disk system is in this server. But GigE should give you about 100MB/s +/- 10MB. There are other factors involved but this one is a big one. So if your disk sub-system just a 2 disk RAID1 (mirror) then the disk sub-system is not going to be able to saturate a GigE link in the first place.