Anonymous
Posted 7 years ago
Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago
Please bear with me because I am learning as I go!
Our small business has 3 computers that need to be able to share information (Quickbooks, files, printer, etc).
We have two desktops and 1 laptop (which we are looking at buying a docking station for). I have been told two different options 1. buy a server 2. upgrade on of the desktops and have that double as a server.
If we upgrade the 1 computer and have it double as a server - what do we need to network! We will also have DSL.
Here's what I was told...
DSL Router -> Hardware firewall -> Switch -> computers
So is the network as simple as plugging all 3 computers into the switch and sharing files?
Please keep it simple, as you can probably tell I'm a little confused!
Thanks!
Gordon Drennan
Posted 7 years ago
Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago
Re: Beginner networking!
You don't need a server for a network that only has three computers on it.
Windows XP is designed for small peer networks. Though you don't get very good security from each other. You just have to set up sharing of printers and those files that each other need to see, and set up all the users on all the machines.
Server-based networking requires the server to be on all the time any other other computers wants to access something. Its the same with peer networking. Something is only available if the PC its directly connected to is turned on. So you start putting as much directly on the network rather than connected to individual machines. An ADSL router. A printer with a network card in it.
Anonymous
Posted 7 years ago
Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago
Re: Beginner networking!
Okay, so after trying to talk to anyone who works with computers, here is my understanding of what we need.
1. DSL connection with modem
2. Combination firewall/switch
3. Docking station for laptop
4. Upgrade 1 PC to 1 Gb Ram and 2.0 GHz speed
Windows XP on everything
So...
DSL -> Modem/Router -> Firewall/Switch -> Computers
And the network...
All computers and the printer will connect to the Firewall/Switch. The 'Main PC" will act as the server station -- it will have more memory and a faster speed than the other computers. It will also have zip backup. All programs that are being shared will be loaded onto each computer and just the files will be shared. Those files will be saved onto the "Main PC".
Do I have this correct?
Daniel
Posted 7 years ago
Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago
Re: Beginner networking!
I suggest:
DSL Modem --> Router/Switch with built in firewall --> Computers.
I don't think running a workstation as a server is such a good idea if this is where the data and backups are going to be kept/run.
How much data can you fit in a Zip drive?
You're probably better off spending what you would have spent on the RAM/CPU upgrade and use that to purchase a cheap PC with a big hard drive. Use either a tape drive or an external USB drive for backups.
You can get a completely brand new PC these days from $350 AU, add more for backup device.
Regards,
Daniel
