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Home based network (workgroup v.s. domain)

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steppinthrax

Diamond Member
My daughter got her first computer. My wife is getting a computer as well. All windows 7/8. I have my desktop downstairs, as well as an additional laptop. The concern comes from my daughter as I want tight control over her internet usage, login times and account permissions.

I want to be able to disable accounts, change account login schedule and account permissions. Can this be done within a workgroup? Or do I have to do a domain. Additionally if I do a domain won't one computer have to be on at all times to act as a domain controller managing accounts and logon?
 
It could be done either way, it's just that you'd have more centralized control with a domain. Yes, you would have to have one centralized PDC (Primary Domain Controller) running some flavor of Windows Server (and no you can't do it with WHS IIRC) so it's a bit on the expensive side of things as you'd have to dedicate one system to these duties and secure the appropriate license. I'd recommend just setting up a normal user login on each system and then use the parental controls applet in the control panel to setup the restrictions that you need.

Edit: Just in case I wasn't clear if you decided to revoke login permissions for her across all PCs you'd have to go to each one separately and manage the settings. You do not have a centralized set of login credentials with a workgroup, only a domain.
 
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For a small home network, dont even think about a domain, requires a device to run the server OS and that has to be on at all times, not to mention the license cost.

Unless you are wanting to play, do all of these things locally and save yourself the cash and electric
 
gcbeldar said:
Dear All,

His requirements can be fulfilled with a Good Router e.g. TL-Link - WDR3600 with DD-WRT ?
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Internet access restrictions, sure he can do that with a router heck he can do that simply by setting OpenDNS as his DNS server and enforcing restrictions for web surfing that way. It won't restrict when his daughter has access to the PC though or what she runs on it so it wouldn't be a complete solution.
 
You would probably be better off throwing another nic in an old computer and installing pfsense on it. Then just load up the squid and dansguardian modules. That is going to do far more towards controlling anything internet related than setting up a domain controller. The rest of the restrictions can come through Windows Parental Controls.

Id suggest going with local group policy, but I honestly don't remember if you can do that on Home editions. I haven't had to deal with them in awhile.

That said, I turned my NAS into a SAMBA4 Domain controller. I find it is easier to set folder permissions in an otherwise all Windows environment. Also being able to automatically map shared folders helps the rest of the household.

*Edit: You can't join Home editions to a domain anyhow. Keep that in mind before even considering making a domain.*
 
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*Edit: You can't join Home editions to a domain anyhow. Keep that in mind before even considering making a domain.*
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Cant believe it took that long for someone to mention this. Unless you have Professional or above versions of Windows on all those PCs (odds are you dont), you cant even join them to a domain.

A domain is 100% overkill for this solution. You'll be better served with a mix of Windows Parental Controls, a good router config, perhaps some third party parental control software, and above all else good parenting and vigilance in keeping an eye on what your daughter does when on the PC and teaching her how to stay safe online 🙂
 
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