Managing a small network for an SMB.

[Zucarita9000]

I have to manage my father's company's LAN, wich consists of 15 computers, both desktops and notebooks. They're currently using a workgroup-based network, using MS Mail (from Windows 95!) as internal messaging.

A Linksys router handles the internet connection and there's also a wireless ap for the notebook and handheld computers.

I want to upgrade the network, install a more powerfull server to handle communications (Exchange Server?) and a more centralized method of handling user accounts and shares (Active Directory?). This server will also handle backup applications that will copy important files from each desktop and notebook to a dedicated hard drive.

Some of the reasons I want to do this is because they're having spyware and virus related issues, and since each PC has its own AV software, I'd like to have a server-client antivuris setups, in wich the server will download updates and distribute those updates to the clients, as well as perform weekly scans.

I need a LAN chat applications too (does Exchange have one?), as they find instant messaging very usefull. This app should have some sort of logging and/or sniffing options for the LAN admin (me).

So basically, I need to know which tools I need and a few pointers on how to setup active directory and exchange. I may have to get some books on the subject, but that's ok. I want lo learn.

EDIT: After doing some research, I belive that I need Windows Small Business Server 2003, wich already comes with some sort of Exchange Server and 5 CALs.

 

[ITJunkie]

That's what I would recommend SBS2003. SBS is pretty much made for offices this size. I wouldn't scrimp on a server for this though.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: ITJunkie
I wouldn't scrimp on a server for this though.

What kind of hardware would you recommend? I was thinking about a P4 3GHz+, 2GB of RAM and a couple 200GB hdds.

 

[LBmtb]

Let us knwo how it goes. My boss is thinking about getting a server that does just about the same things you describe.

 

[freebsdrules]

A note about hardware. If this is going to act as a sort of file server as well and the data is important, you will need some sort of backup in place. My suggestion would be to setup raid 5 and have nightly or weekly backups (more depending on the data and it's importance).

 

[dphantom]

Originally posted by: Zucarita9000

Originally posted by: ITJunkie
I wouldn't scrimp on a server for this though.

What kind of hardware would you recommend? I was thinking about a P4 3GHz+, 2GB of RAM and a couple 200GB hdds.

That's good but I would also agree with freebsd and move up to RAID 5 with some sort of backup. A couple more drives won't be much more with what you have. Internal SDLT tape drive, say a 160/320 would set you back about $3G. A 80/160 a little more than a $1000.

If you have more money, move up to SCSI drives for their speed and reliability although SATA drives today are pretty darn good too.

 

[Cscutch]

A quick suggestion because you mentioned backing up files from every PCs every night. Why don't you create everyone a home drive for every employee and have them save important files on it.

My Recommendations:

If in the budget: 2 Servers

1st Server:

- Domain Server
- File and Print Server

2nd Server:

- Email Server
- Application Server

Server Hardware: Dell Power Edge 1800 ; Dual Xeon 2.8GHz, 1 GB of Ram, 2 x 250 GB SATA drives set in RAID 1. Cost $1,498 plus shipping.

You would also have to purchase an OS. If using Server 2003 you may have to purchase 10 more CALs.

If you setup and exchange server inside you don't need instant messaging the emails are sent instant between users.

I believe that this is an affordable entry level setup. In the future you could also invest in a backup solution, for example a DAT Tape Drive.

 

[dphantom]

Originally posted by: Cscutch
A quick suggestion because you mentioned backing up files from every PCs every night. Why don't you create everyone a home drive for every employee and have them save important files on it.

My Recommendations:

If in the budget: 2 Servers

1st Server:

- Domain Server
- File and Print Server

2nd Server:

- Email Server
- Application Server

Server Hardware: Dell Power Edge 1800 ; Dual Xeon 2.8GHz, 1 GB of Ram, 2 x 250 GB SATA drives set in RAID 1. Cost $1,498 plus shipping.

You would also have to purchase an OS. If using Server 2003 you may have to purchase 10 more CALs.

If you setup and exchange server inside you don't need instant messaging the emails are sent instant between users.

I believe that this is an affordable entry level setup. In the future you could also invest in a backup solution, for example a DAT Tape Drive.

I think the SBS option is better for this environment. A perfect fit for these users. A second server, if the budget allows would be an excellent use for a dedicated file/print server. SBS will run as DC/DHCP/DNS adn Exchange so off loading teh file/print work would be good and the server you spec'd works well.

The wizards in SBS are so easy to use that almost anyone can have a fully functioning email enabled network up and running in a few hours.

 

[Colebert]

you cannot have two SBS servers on the same domain. SBS is crippled in that it cannot establish trust relationships with other servers, ergo no more than one domain controller. plus CALs for SBS are more expensive.

the upside is, of course, you get everything you'd ever need in SBS. (exchange, SQL, IIS, etc)

also I recommend the Certance LTO-2 external tape drive. LTO-2 is 200GB native (uncompressed). I recently picked it up new from Dell for 1700 + tax when they ran their 20% off all storage. It was a total steal. Its 1900 at Provantage. LTO2=better than SDLT in everyway. LINK

Also, I recommend either a PE800 or PE1800. Get at least a P4 2.8 and 2G of ram (Why skimp? Ram is cheap these days). Check out OUTLET.DELL.COM. They have steals recently on PE800, 1800, and 2800 servers. Don't get a PE400/420SC unless you absolutely have to. Can't do RAID5 on them.

Get RAID 5 for sure. Tape back only guarantees data security, not uptime. If SCSI, go for U160/U320. If sata, 74G raptors are essential. They stack up well on storagereview's file server leader board.

Also, XP PRO clients for everyone is a good idea. Mostly because you get greater Group Policy functionality with it.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll check if our budget allows for two servers, but I don't think that it does (at least for now). SBS 2003 is about $700 with 5 CALs, and we need at least 15, so we'll have to get a 20-pack, wich is about $1000 more.

As for the backup, having a home drive for each user seems logical, but there are number of mobile users with laptops that need those files outside the office. Some sort of file-sync should be configured.

This would be the first time the company will use a centralized network, with Exchange and SharePoint server. It's more like a trial run, and if turns out succesfull, more servers will be added and also more locations (the company has 4 main locations in two countries).

I'll keep posting.

 

[Colebert]

did you read what i said? if you go SBS you can't have more servers.

..and if you DON'T go SBS, you end up buying everything piece meal.

 

[dphantom]

Originally posted by: Colebert
did you read what i said? if you go SBS you can't have more servers.

..and if you DON'T go SBS, you end up buying everything piece meal.

I don;t think anyone was recommending 2 SBS servers. Can't be done. I was recommending, if funds allow, offloading file/print services to a separate W2003 server that is a member server to the SBS domain.

 

[Zucarita9000]

I have another question:

Currently, the internet traffic is handled by the Linksys router, wich also acts as the DHCP server. There's also a Linksys wireless ap for all the laptop computers.

If I add the SBS 2003 machine, will I have to configure it to be the DHCP server and handle internet traffic (act as a router) or can I still use the current router?

 

[Zucarita9000]

bump

 

[skyking]

The DHCP server can be any server on the network, and it does not matter what you choose, so long as there is only one
The DC can do it and still point all the traffic at the router.