questions about client - server network

[TheoPetro]

we have 5 PCs (all off the shelf average computers ~800) and need a small network for file sharing, networked printing, and a NAS for database backup.

The origional plan I was setting up was a P2P network with an external hdd off of one of the computers for the backups. Well someone else came in and told us that we needed a client server topology and that we needed this $900 software (MS server maybe?) and a few other things.

My problem is that 1) I think a client-server approach is a bit overkill for our needs and 2) I dont think we have a powerful enough PC avalable to act as a server.

Am I correct in this thinking or is it really easy to run a tiny network off of your run of the mill PC.

(P.S. Reliability is the most important factor here. Another reason why I think a P2P setup would be better suited for our needs, but PLEASE correct me if im wrong.)

 

[nweaver]

it depends....

Running a server has some huge benefits. You can do centralized administration, probably faster then someone's workstation, a true "server class" machine is going to be more reliable

Running a server has some drawbacks. It's easy to screw up, so you almost need a consultant to come in and set it up right and help with maintenance.

 

[TheoPetro]

Originally posted by: nweaver
it depends....

Running a server has some huge benefits. You can do centralized administration, probably faster then someone's workstation, a true "server class" machine is going to be more reliable

Running a server has some drawbacks. It's easy to screw up, so you almost need a consultant to come in and set it up right and help with maintenance.

this is one thing that worries me about this guy. He has never heard of Kaspersky, he couldnt install windows XP and asked me to do it, he said we dont need to run spybot S&D more than once a month.

I dont think I am in any way qualified to set it up but I really dont think this guy is either.

 

[nweaver]

Originally posted by: TheoPetro

Originally posted by: nweaver
it depends....

Running a server has some huge benefits. You can do centralized administration, probably faster then someone's workstation, a true "server class" machine is going to be more reliable

Running a server has some drawbacks. It's easy to screw up, so you almost need a consultant to come in and set it up right and help with maintenance.

this is one thing that worries me about this guy. He has never heard of Kaspersky, he couldnt install windows XP and asked me to do it, he said we dont need to run spybot S&D more than once a month.

I dont think I am in any way qualified to set it up but I really dont think this guy is either.

tbh, I hadn't heard of Kaspersky before poking around in software topic, and I don't run Spybot more then once a month. I can, however, install Windows XP.

If you have to buy a server you MIGHT look at an SBS server from Dell. Get an SBS certified consultant to set that up though. I would run linux, but that's because I'm more comfortable with it then windows nowdays.

 

[spidey07]

I tried my best to not respond.....but I will.

Your "consultant" does indeed know best. He is telling what to do. He's right by the way.

There is a serious disconnect between somebody that knows what he is doing and a "glorified PC guy".

 

[TheoPetro]

I just really dont want to get screwed over by this guy and when he couldnt install XP it got me kind of worried. I will probably keep you guys updated on this one because I am out of my league in this stuff and am to ignorant to be able to check what he is doing. Thanks for the replies though they helped

 

[kevnich2]

Well other than the part about not being able to install XP, everything he said sounds about on par. If this is a business and your data is worth anything more than $.25, I'd go with his recommendation also and go with a SBS server, with windows server. This will give you proper centralized file storage for your data, proper backup capabilities, true server hardware for reliability, etc. If properly setup by an SBS consultant and training for tasks like adding users and backups, you shouldn't need to call in the consultant unless something were to crash. As far as the kaspersky, most server type people don't really bother to read up on consumer type antivirus other than corporate type antivirus. With regard to the spybot s&d, if this is a business network and business computers, you shouldn't have to EVER worry about running this because spyware doesn't get installed unless your improperly opening email or browsing the wrong type of sites.

 

[Slowlearner]

For just five pcs a client server setup is not really required - yes it would be good to have but not immediately necessary - one computer can be the depository (you can call it Server) and providing its running XP pro can have up to 10 pcs connecting to it in a workgroup setup. Add an ext hd to it or a separate NAS in the network and you can have a reasonably stable backup solution. More than 10 pcs, you have to have a Server OS (though it can still be set up for simple file sharing only and used in a workgroup setup). SBS 2003 requires all pcs to join a domain - its really Server 2003 + Exchange server for email. IMHO not a good idea for truly small businesses.

A client server set up is more secure, easier to maintain/update, and has scalability/powerful features for future expansion - but needs XP pro on all client pcs, and you have to invest in a server OS and need additional expertise for proper setup and configuration. Most entry level servers are not very powerful machines (but that depends on what its being used for), but they are built for stability. From what you describe an entry level server from Dell or HP should do just fine ( they do not come with XP pro - you will have to do that on your own), and you should be able to setup a p2p network quite easily, do add Symantec Corporate AV 10.1(available in packs 0f 5, 10 etc.).

You can always start out with a simple network and add complexity as it grows.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: TheoPetro
I dont think I am in any way qualified to set it up but I really dont think this guy is either.

Microsoft maintains a list of MS-Certified Small Business Specialists here:
Microsoft Small Business Center
Look in the upper-right-hand corner and put in your Zip Code.

If your IT consultant isn't on this list, ask him/her why not? Microsoft's Server 2003 exams are NOT trivial and it takes training and experience to pass them.

Regarding a Server:
Whether you "need" one depends on what you do and what's important to you. I have clients with TWO employees who need an SBS 2003 Server. Companies with more than ten employees likely SHOULD have one. The problem with "getting by" without a Server is that, as the company grows, you end up with a jumbled information structure that has to be completely changed to make it "right". If you start out with a Server, you can keep growing without this disruption. And most companies without a Server have NO backups of important data. Indivdiual desktop computers fail all the time. If something important is on one of the failing ones, you lose.

A correctly configured Server gives you a safe place to store important information, can give you automated backups of all your important data, allows easy management of alll PCs, and can give you remote access to all your PCs.

If you do end up looking at a Server, have a hard look at SBS 2003. If you are going to get a Windows Server, it makes much more sense than "plain" Sever 2003 for a small business. It's easier to set up and maintain, has automated monitoring and reporting features, and has many features that small businesses need to do their job.