network: NAS plus backup solution

[TOR5]

I'm about to set up a 5-15 user business network. The people who will be using this network are rubbish with computers and I won't be available on-site to administer it so I'd rather not go to the time&trouble of a win2k server (not enough linux experience to do that). I was looking at NAS (a quantum snap server 2200 looks good). I'm not sure about the best way to provide backup capabilities - I know the snap server can do RAID 1 - but I'd like the security of tape backup, is there a similar sort of tape backup product available or does someone have other suggestions.

also, any ideas about hardware firewalls are watchguard SOHOs any good?

cheers.

 

[mboy]

What is the problem of using A windows domain controller. Buy a server with built in tape driove and use the native backup app. It isnt the greatest, but will work fine for what they want to do. You can always admin the server remotely if need be. If you set it up properly and their are only a few users, whats the problem?
What does linux expeirence have to do with setting up a domain?

 

[TOR5]

cost. to do things legitimately requires win2k server and a whole load of liscences about 1000GBP plus the cost of the hardware - I figured that NAS would be quite a bit cheaper and perfectly suitable for their needs.

what I meant to say about linux was that I don't have enough experience to use a linux server as opposed a win2k one.

 

[mboy]

AH, I see.

Well, set up a peer to to peer then using a Win2k Pro box. Get a SCSI adapter and a tape drive. You will be able to use it as a file server and use the Native backup in 2k pro to do nitely backups to the tape drive.

All you have to do ass it acounts to the 2k pro box and can even set folder permissions with it ( I beleive) and u are good to go.
2k pro is MUCH cheaper then 2k server and u can still remotely admin it if need be.
Also, if you need a god firewall, check the hotdeals forum (post on $18 one).
The link for the store they have has an unlimited user Webramp (rebadged Sonicwall and they show u how to flash with sonicwall firmware) for $199 US. Perfect for what u need!

 

[FoolishMcNasty]

I had a similar question a few weeks back...take a look at the responses I got.

I went with the "Windows 2000 Backup and Recovery Tools", that comes with Windows 2k Pro.

 

[crazydave]

Don't forget, Win2k Pro only allows 10 client connections at a time if I remember correctly!! So keep that in mind if you use it as a file server.

 

[RJS1000]

I got a Snap 1100 40gb for my net @ work - i really cant fault it - totally reliable & has no speed problems....

 

[mrbass]

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