Do I need a server?

[Auto University]

I am going to be setting an online application, ACT! for our customer management system. Currently, I have it set up on my own computer and users can access it using my IP address.

Obviously, this is extremely slow for both the user and myself when using the computer. Also, I don't have a lot of experience and need to turn off my Firewall for users to access.

Going to be upgrading so that it easily works for everybody, the users and myself.

My question is if I need a server or should I simply run a computer with Windows XP Pro and some extra memory? I would obviously like the most cost effective way, but want it to flow easily.

Also, I have no experience setting up a server so not sure how difficult it will be to set one up. Any thoughts would be great!

 

[Hiruko]

Web hosting isn't that expensive if this is something that is important to get setup. Check out 1&1, depending on if you need databases or not the cost per month is $5 - $10. Also you should think about the fact that windows xp pro only allows 10 connections at once if you are using IIS. Apache however will allow more connections. If you want to give up some of your internet speed then go for it, but otherwise you should try out some cheap web hosting.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

How many users?
Are they in the same location?
Are the users networked or stand alone machines?
If networked, is it a wired network or over the internet?
If over the internet, what type internet connections for the users? host?


I'm not a networking expert, but I'm sure if you list some of the specifics someone here can help

 

[Auto University]

How many users?
I would say no more than five users
Are they in the same location?
No, they would work remotely.
Are the users networked or stand alone machines?
On stand alone machines - using an IP on Internet Explorer to access
If networked, is it a wired network or over the internet?
Over the Internet
If over the internet, what type internet connections for the users? host?
Cable connections for users, host on highspeed

 

[crimson117]

If you're noticing slowness for you and the users, then yes, get a dedicated machine for it. If your office has sufficient bandwidth, just add another computer to the network and use it to run ACT!. It doesn't need to be a server; any computer will do. ACT!'s requirements seem to be minimal from their website, but I can't tell if that's for the server or the clients.

As for ports and firewalls, check ACT! documentation or give their tech support a ring to find out which ports need to be opened on the firewall.

 

[ShadowBlade]

are you looking for help building the server machine or just asking if you need one?

 

[Auto University]

I don't need to build a server - just asking if I need one.

Let me ask this as well - if I set up a network, using a router in my office how do I direct people to one specific computer on the network?

A bit of a rookie here.