how do u link computers via a server computer?

Question

I am trying to link a 4-5 computers together via a server computer so that multiple people can do work all at once. Some are offsite and some are on what is the best way to do this?

Answer 1

What server OS do you run?



i reccomend Windows Server 2008, and you should look into vpn networking for your offsite computers. Server 2008 supports this though you'll need to look at what routers/ISPs will give you the best performance as vpn's can be a bit slow.

Here's a little info on vpn networks: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Private_Network



Depending on what kind of work they do (office, etc) i reccomend sharepoint server (if your looking to drop money on it) it's a very nice enhancement to office.



if you want to go the whole linux route look up debain, during the install you can set up a lot of server software and it will give you a nice set up. thought i'm more of a windows guy when it comes to servers.



you can also set up roles in server 08 like dhcp, dns, and domain services. i reccomend them though domain/dns can be difficult if you're a newbe.

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To you additional detials... VPN is free and can be set up on any windows installation. What windows do you have?





set up server2008 vpn server:

http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Configuring-Windows-Server-2008-Remote-Access-SSL-VPN-Server-Part1.html



http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/configuring-windows-server-2008-remote-access-ssl-vpn-server-part2.html



and if you're not using a server operating system windows 7 can still act as a vpn server: http://forums.techarena.in/tips-tweaks/1143104.htm



and so can vista and windows xp



set up client on windows 7: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/138-63-windows-client



vpn is free to set up though in a corporate environment you'll want to make sure you have a good router or it'll be really slow.



for your firewall software you can use zone alarm, it's supposed to be good.



Hope i've helped.



~Pyros~

Answer 2

This is not something that is easily done, especially given the fact that you have remote off-site workers that you want to have access to the network as well.



Basically, you would need to set up and configure:



A server (domain controller) to manage the network (usually a Windows-based server)

A switch to aggregate the computers

A firewall to allow certain traffic and block other traffic

A VPN to allow the remote workers access to your site



And you'd then have to configure your computers to join the new domain... and set up a dozen other things in order to do what you are looking for.



This isn't just something you can do unless you have some experience in networking... and why network engineers like myself make the big bucks to configure and setup networks! LOL



If all you were looking to do was to set up a small internal network, I'd recommend taking a look at Windows 2008 Server Small Business Server... but the addition of remote teleworkers is going to complicate things dramatically. At the very least, you are going to need some sort of firewall that is capable of acting as a VPN server... and you'll have to subscribe to an Internet service with a fixed-IP address so your remote users can get in.



It's not impossible to do all of this on your own... but the learning curve could be quite steep.



Good luck! Don't be afraid to ask for help if necessary!

Answer 3

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