Thursday, December 13, 2012

Office Network... From Scratch? Urgent!?

Q. I have no choice now but to make an office network at work.

I have a broadband (BT - BT Voyager Router), and a hub for all 6 PCs running XP Pro. I have a server on Windows Server 2003 (Disconnected).

I need to sort out the set-up (from the very beginning and in basics) so all the computers use the server to save the files. Each employee can log on to any terminal and receive see their files and receive their e-mail and nobody else's.

Any Help - keep as simple and 'step-by-step' as possible!
Unfortunately, I cannot call in anybody to do this. I have no choice but to do this myself!

A. This is alot of work and you need to make sure you think of what it is that you want to accomplish and make a plan first.

What software will be loaded and where
client - server apps
sophistication of the software (MS Office 2007; sharepoint?)
SQL for databases hosted on the server for access by the pcs
Software interactions with the server and pcs.

I would suggest ethernet wiring be worked out first for the pc's to the hub and to the server (cat 6 at least). Most businesses, even small ones usually get help to to run ethernet cabling to a central location where the hub will be, then though ceiling rafters (or something)... to connect to a drop that is done professionally with data jacks placed near each desk (you do not want to trip over cabling). This way the ethernet cabling from each pc to a data jack is a separate piece.

You will need to work out how you want the pc's to authenticate to the windows server. I would read up on Active Directory to decide how you want this to work. It can depend on what programs the pcs will be using and how they will interact with the server etc
Do you want authentication to use a common 'work group' etc. From your description, you want the users to be roaming so they can log into any pc. It is likely easier if you setup the administrator with the same password on each pc and do not share it with anyone but your backup. Each user can be setup as a user per pc. If the pc needs to be shared with other users, then they can be setup as well.

The server should be secured behind a locked door with a UPS Tower. I doubt you will generate alot of heat with one server, but something to consider.
Your server needs to be secured with a password that is only known by IT (at least 2 persons in case you get run over by a bus).

Backup program for the server
Security concerns regarding antivirus programs, firewall etc,

For example, If your project is to setup a network to train people, it will be more straightforward than a network that is for pc's that need to be setup for different roles (accounting, sales, administration etc).

In the latter case scenaro.... rights to files on the server per different roles will need a carefully worked out plan for users' rights to the programs that are installed on each pc & or the server.

Internet... this is a biggy.

I would suggest you setup the network so that the internet is available to the users' pc's before authenticating to the network. This saves alot of grief and time for IT to accomodate visitors with laptops as well as configuring new pcs etc. It is possible to set up a wireless router as well...

Of course you need an ISP for small businesses. There are out of the box hardware/software solutions for email spam filtering which is a must for businesses.

I do think you would be advised to seek some help locally, for cabling and and to plan internet connectivity.

This is just off the top of my head....there are server applications you may need for however you setup security for the LAN and Internet...


Good luck




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