Working on a quote for new computers for a client's network

[Hossenfeffer]

Will set them up with a true server to give some more security and central storage.

There will be 3-4 client machines, wired. Might add in a wireless access point for the notebooks that a couple of em have.

1 server
Won't need to handle email (though could, I suppose). Will likely set it up as accessible via dial-up.

As far as what they need to be able to do, it's pretty basic. Word Processing, Email, Spreadsheets, Web Browsing.

It's been quite a while since I've configured a network from scratch and I'd like to set em up right, including some "optional" bits so they can keep the price down if they want.

 

[Cooky]

MS SmallBiz server 2003 seems a nicely priced package. It comes w/ 5 CAL's and a lot of features. Put it on a Dell server and you'll have a nice and cheap system.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Originally posted by: Cooky
MS SmallBiz server 2003 seems a nicely priced package. It comes w/ 5 CAL's and a lot of features. Put it on a Dell server and you'll have a nice and cheap system.

I do have a copy of MS server 2003 I thought about donating to the place. Thanks for the suggestion. Just gotta decide on what sorta stuff to recommend for the server and client machines.

 

[Goosemaster]

Mind giving us more details?

If it is a simple setup, a server OS, much less a SMB package, is overkill. You really haven't ellaborated on what the "server" will be doing, so I am guessing that you are simply going to rellegate it to serving as NAS.

If so, I would recommend using linux. Windows XP pro is a great choice, but why not save the money. You can setup a simple gentoo server with SAMBA for free. Hell, if you know what you are doing, you can use LDAP for directory services....(probably overkill).

You can also set it up as a router with external and internal DHCP client and server, respectively.

As for the Clients, use Windows XP Pro for its Local Security Policies and such, so that the users don't F('em)UBAR.

Realzie that windows 2003 server + exchange etc is probably a waste.




That, or you could set up Astaro Security Linux or the much simpler Smoothwall on some old computer to provide and control internet access, and then buy a NAS device such as Buffulo's NAS drive...I recently bought a 160GB for someone for like $250. Because it uses purely TCP/IP, it was worth it

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Wouldn't mind at all

As it is, each machine they use is almost an open book to the rest of the internet. Tried explaining how that's not exactly they're safest setup. The woman in charge of the financials is convinced that a screen saver password on her Windows 98 box will keep everything safely tucked away. Oy.

Would like to keep as much as possible centrally stored on a server of some type, as well as replace the Pentium II systems they're currently using. Will definitely be going XP Pro for the clients. My motivation for using 2003 small biz server was two-fold. One, I could dondate the software to keep their initial cost down, increasing my chances of getting the bid. Two, I could force myself to gain some experience with 2k3. As their server needs aren't complicated, this seemed a decent alternative. That being said, I wouldn't be against using Linux, but would definitely chime in with the fact that I have limited Linux experience.

In addition, the server would ideally be:

- an entrance point for VPN/dial-up connections so that they could access their files from home if need be.
- able to centrally send/receive faxes
- able to send out specialized reports via modem (need to get the specs on what all is required). I believe they currently have a splitter hooked up to the modem and switch lines when they need to send out the reports.
- Possibly more... still working out what is needed/desired vs. what is possible

I had looked at a networked hard drive device... pretty handy, particularly if all they need is central storage. Recommended one to another client.

Forgive my general ignorance into server goodness. Feel free to send me on my way with stern "Do yer research buddy!"

 

[skyking]

as far as server2k3 goes, I will send you a PM. I'd like to learn it also, and am in the area. I can exchange information and expertise on unix and samba, sendmail, hylafax, apache, mysql, etc.