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Thread: Network Server

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    Network Server

    Going to build a server with some old hardware that I've got together, and I was wondering if it would be possible to create a domain. I don't really know where to start so I would be greatful for some help . There will be 5 computers and 5 users on the network, 2 laptops, 2 desktops and the new server (spec similar to the comp in sig.). Current network has the 2 desktops connected to a Speedtouch 510 v4 router and then a wireless access point for the two laptops and a wireless printer.

    Would it be possible to have the server as central storage for files? What software do I need?

    TIA!

  2. #2
    Oh no!I've re-dorkalated! Jiff Lemon's Avatar
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    You could either go with a trail (180 day) version of 2k3 server, or use one of the many flavours of Linux, which will do a fine job of emulating a PDC (primary domain Controller). Direct hex will no doubt come along to advise on which.

    You don't necessarily NEED a domain - you could happily work in a workgroup. What OS's are running on the machines?

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    They are all running Windows XP Pro.

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    your solution depends on your expertise. Let me explain if you are very familar with windows, nt4 server i am refering to which can be picked up off ebay very cheap i know because i have bought at least 3 original copies with the client license etc for not more than £10 i think was the last 1. Nt4 is a old system but will run on fairly low powered hardware not to exotic mind you other wise you will run into problems with drivers. there are a few stumbling blocks to installing nt4 i.e the drive has to be fornmated in FAT 16 not FAT32 which meens the largest single partion you can have is around 2 GIG, until you put service pack 4 on then it wil let you configure the rest of the drive as large as you want if you want some details please PM i will then give you my email address.
    Windows 2k server is a leap forward but needs more powerfull hardware and is a lot more expensive to buy even from ebay.

    if you are pretty familar with installing and understand partions etc then there is a very good linux solution its based on e-smith follow this link http://www.keane.co.nz/
    thats if you want to use your existing hardware and maybe a bit of software.
    The other alternative is use 1 of these USB Nas units with a external USB HD
    check this link for the usb nas unit http://www.solwise.co.uk/networkingcopperbased.htm
    then buy any external USB HD you want this will give you a much easier to setup and look after solution than the linux windows platforms if all you want to do is file store /share

    if you want more info / help please PM me

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    TBH if all its doing is sharing files just use something like windows XP or a form of linux. Going for a full PDC in a small network like that is just over kill big time.

    If you want to hide folders just use advanced file sharing on XP Pro or set em up as hidden shares with letters and numbers for the name ie for finance say F1nAnc3E$ make it difficult to find...
    .: Predator :.


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    What Firelord said.
    Just use XP Pro or if the kit is very old use Win 2K.
    Share the files/folders you want shared and put a $ sign in front of the name if you want to not show them on the network.
    Hard work and steep learning curve to setup and run a domain and a workgroup is good up to 10 rigs.

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