Help with setting up a home network

[thespeakerbox]

Im trying to start a solid home network. I have a dell 2550 with no OS , and three workstations running windows xp pro. I want to do some basic file sharing, maybe some more stuff later, but what im concerned about is proper setup and security. I have a D-link router, and lots of Cat-5 cable. Is there any other recommended hardware that i should consider? maybe a ups ? and what server OS would be a cheap alternative to windows 2003 server? I want the workstations to be able to online bank and have to worry about security very much. What can do with the server to better help with this problem? Any advice will be helpful. Thanks

 

[JackMDS]

Nothing that you discuss in this post warned a Server.

Configure your system as peer to peer and learn about Internet security.

Here is a little Primer.

As far as Security, it will do nothing to add security.

Router?s NAT Firewall protects you only from casual Hacking, and DDOS attacks.

Hackers are mainly after big cooperate systems.

Router's NAT Firewall does not protect you from:

Trojans and Programs Transmitting Info. from your computer out to the Internet, Viruses, Spyware, Bad Attachments, Browser Hijackers, Winsock Thrashers, Worms, etc.

More here.


Link to: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

Link to: Internet infestation -Or, how you are getting Internet "Junk" in and compromise your Computer/Network?

Link to: Basic Steps in cleaning Internet "Junk".

Currently, as far as my Experience shows (this could be different in the future according to new releases of software and free availability of the current ones).

The Best Free Security suit for Windows might be.

Upgrade your Windows XP to SP2. and then use.

1. Kerio v215.

Kerio is very easy to configure, it is light on resources, and does what need to be done.

Kerio has a newer version of the Firewall; do no get tempted stick with the above it is a better product.

2. AntiVir Personal Edition.

AntiVir has very high rating for detecting Virus, and does better then other Antivirus program blocking Trojans.

3. Microsoft AntiSpyb1

It was judged by many independent reviewers as the best of its kind.

Example: http://www.windowssecrets.com/050127/

The above three are running active in the Background, and have to be installed on all of the computers.

:sun:

 

[TungFree]

great help you got there I just read it and cannot add a thing

 

[thespeakerbox]

I already have the server, and i want to use maybe as a webserver too, for some light stuff, but i dont know the best network configuration for it. Do you know of any sites or resources to help me set up a network with a server? I appreciate the sercurity help, thank you!