Windows 2000 Advanced server...

[imported_goku]

Edit: I've noticed that while my settings are stored on the server, I was wondering if it was possible to prevent Windows 2000 from making a Local copy of those settings/files every time I log into a Workstation. Having the files copied from the server to the workstation is a pain everytime I log in so I want to prevent it from doing it.


(Old Question)

Ok I just got my Domain server working and I'm currently logged in with a client computer into the domain. Now I'm wondering what are some things I can do with a Domain that I couldn't do with a workgroup? I noticed how when I logged into my domain, I felt like I still was logged in locally.

One of the major things I wanted was the fact I could easily access files securely on the Domain server kind of like file sharing but at the same time feel like I was accessing them locally. Is this one of the features of having a domain?

I originally considered just setting up a simple computer that would store files on it and that was all but when I wanted to set security settings on who could access what files and so on, it started to become difficult and there were a few features that a windows 2000 pro couldn't do so I installed advanced server. One of the things windows 2000 couldn't do was VPN (hosting it) which I'd love to do when I'm on the go.

 

[Genx87]

If you have more than a couple of computers a domain allows you to control account management centrally instead of running around to each computer to update.

Win2K does have a VPN service. You will need to install remote access and routing and it is pretty straight forward to setup.

 

[Brazen]

IMO, the greatest benefit from having a domain, is using Group Policy. On the server, open Active Directoy Users and Computers. In here is where you organize all the users and computers that are connected to the domain and work with Group Policies. Through group policies you can assign logon scripts, push software to multiple users/computers, set security policies, set Windows behaivors on the the client computers.... tons of stuff. Not to mention the integration with Exchange Server, SQL Server, and forming the backbone of all the Microsoft server technologies.

 

[imported_goku]

How come it appears that all of the files are stored on the computer I'm logged into instead of the server? Do the files get transferred back when I close the session and login to another computer? It really seems like the files I store on the desktop are going to stay on that desktop of that computer and not on the server instead...

 

[imported_goku]

Question about VPN on windows 2000 advanced server:
When on a typical LAN with a Domain server and all the clients configured properly, all you have to do is type in your login information and then your logged in. But say I'm remote and traveling, is there a way I can log in through VPN the same way? Or is VPN like remote desktop in windows XP where you run the application after logged in and then you like emulate the computer (or of the sort)? I'm just wondering if I can configure VPN to really act like what it stands for: Virtual Private Networking.

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: goku2100
How come it appears that all of the files are stored on the computer I'm logged into instead of the server? Do the files get transferred back when I close the session and login to another computer? It really seems like the files I store on the desktop are going to stay on that desktop of that computer and not on the server instead...

Most people set up a file share on the server and then map a drive letter to it from the workstation. If you want files on the desktop to be saved on the server then you need to create a file share on the server and then redirect the desktop folder to the file share or set up roaming profiles.

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: goku2100
Question about VPN on windows 2000 advanced server:
When on a typical LAN with a Domain server and all the clients configured properly, all you have to do is type in your login information and then your logged in. But say I'm remote and traveling, is there a way I can log in through VPN the same way? Or is VPN like remote desktop in windows XP where you run the application after logged in and then you like emulate the computer (or of the sort)? I'm just wondering if I can configure VPN to really act like what it stands for: Virtual Private Networking.

Set up the VPN connection on the computer to be used for all users. Then, when you are at the logon screen, click Options and select Log on using dial-up connection, then choose your VPN connection as the connection to use. When you are connected through VPN, your computer will act just like it is plugged in to the network (although usually a MUCH slower network connection).

 

[nweaver]

If you set up roaming profiles, then all your user information (desktop settings, etc) are stored on the server.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: nweaver
If you set up roaming profiles, then all your user information (desktop settings, etc) are stored on the server.

I've noticed that while my settings are stored on the server, I was wondering if it was possible to prevent Windows 2000 from making a Local copy of those settings/files every time I log into a Workstation. Having the files copied from the server to the workstation is a pain everytime I log in so I want to prevent it from doing it.

 

[imported_goku]

bump