AN OFFICE SERVER

A server is pretty much just a computer that "serves" others. For example, when you run, say, Kazaa, you are running a server.

So a server is pretty much a puter with software that serves other computers.

What it sounds like your boss wants, is to basically use a computer as the network hub. But I'm not too sure based on what you said.

When you say a P2P network is this an office intranet?

Typically, a "server" is just another box added to the network. In a peer-to-peer setup usually someone uses the PC for their desktop applications where a true server would be a dedicated PC without any daily office type apps running.

If you took one of your desktop PCs in your current network and made it the only one sharing it's hard drive, printers, etc.. and didn't let anyone use it for their "normal" PC then it would be a server.

The hardware vendors will sell you a "server" that is better designed/tuned for that type of function. It'll usually have more ram and a better hard drive system but it will just have your basic audio/video abilities (if it even has any audio card at all).

It'd be impossible to recommend any one server model over another without knowing the intended use.

CdK--yes, it's an office intranet.

Fishin'--my box is currently the "server," in that the data files are there. We use an accounting program which requires that a licensed copy be purchased for each user--and, we do so. We never "pirate" software, and we pay for and license each copy. The principle use of the system is for all users to be able to access the accounting program data file. I have worries, though, because there are different levels of access, which is safeguarded by different passwords (i.e., the program allows access based upon what i define when i enter the password for the user).

I hope this does not cause problems, but i'll list the programs which everyone uses, as opposed to what they use specifically on their own boxes: QuickBooks Pro 2002, Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, AutoDesk AutoCad Lite. If that helps, i really could use more specific information, i'm frankly cluess about how the set-up works. If we got a server, does it connect to "work stations" which rely upon it as a hard drive, or to other boxes in the system, which would seem to be what we already have.

Well, typically most places would install the Corel Office, AutoDesk and AutoCad Apps on each PC and allow users to access disk space on the Server to store their data files. (The server disk space just gets assigned a drive letter that appears in "My Computer" for each user on their own PCs.)

Quickbooks can run in a network mode and can be configured for either a dedicated server or for a peer-to-peer network. I'm not overly famaliar with it but I suspect once that configuration change is made you won't notice any difference in it from what you have now.

You could setup "diskless workstations" and have everyone rely on the server for drives but few places do that any more. Hard drives are cheap and if each PC has one you can still operate if there are problems with the server.

I suspect that what you'd end up with will seem very similar to what you have now but with all of the data stored on the server instead of your PC. Your own PC will run apps faster at that point and others won't have to rely on your PC being turned on for them to operate. If the server that is purchased has any of several features the overall network should be much more reliable than the peer-to-peer you have now.

We run quickbooks here on both network and dedicated (which is pretty much the same).

Just needs an install on each PC with a liscense and only a few functions need "single user mode".

The part where fishin' says it'll be the same is really true. Right now you are pretty much running your PC as a server and the only real difference is that you happen to use it for other things as well.

One thing ya didn't mention is the internet setup. Does everyone connect through a PC or through a router or other hardware hub?

The more you talk, the less i see any need for a server. QuickBooks i know inside and out. The Corel is only on my machine, and if anyone produces a wp document that needs that professional look, i pick it up on the screen with the other boxe's icon, drop onto my desktop, and turn it into an English language document which won't embarrass anyone.

CdK, we have a DSL connected to one computer, and the others have a connection to our dedicated data phone line. Anyone can go on-line directly from their box, if the data line is not being used by the fax machine at the time. In our business, we don't often have need of internet access-we mainly use it to find equiment or materials to purchase at the best price, or to get cutsheets and brochures for our presentations with quotes. Of course, the big problem with internet access is that an employee might waste his time on-line at some place like . . . oh, i don't know . . . AckAck?

IMO you're spot on. It sounds like with that few puters you using your puter as a server and your own workstation isn't inconveniencing you too much.

The only benefit IMO would be a little extra stability and the ability to scale to larger networks of puters.

Did yer boss say why he wanted it or does the word "server" just appeal to him?



Tee hee

I do think he has the notion that using a server would be way cool, and more us right into the eighteenth century--a distinct leap forward.

if you have DLS why not share the dsl connection? sounds like you already got them hooked up via a router right? better scrap the dial-up method.
Is the DSL ISP same as the dial-ip ISP if not this is where you could save some $$$. Did you know that with DSL you do not even have to have an ISP? But you do need a way to get email like via a pop3 where you must have a company website?

May I suggest a post-it note attached to your work station that says "server"?

Good idea, thanks Boss ! ! !

Setanta was wondering what methods you use to back-up your data?

back-up data?

lol - you tease right!

Yeah, i use an LS120 drive, which is for floppies with a 120 meg capacity. I took it out of my old box, and put it into the new one.

for example - we have a little program that backs up my C: D: everynight via our little internal
intra-net. If gets the new files that I added to my machine everynight about oh say like 2am.
It works we have to recreate the box one time only lost about 4 hours of data.

Hey boss - you need to get something a little better for your finance records - least get yerself a CDRW.

when you get one you can destroy take one apart a look at it. floppy media - I'm move away soon as possible.

Were this my business, we'd do a back up of the accounting file data every day--but that's not my decision, so it gets done about once a week. The Corel i use right regular, but i use "templates" which i have created. If i want a fax cover sheet, for example, i load up the template, type in the relevant data, print it, then close the file, answering "no" to the query of whether or not i want to save the changes--one backup of the templates last, essentially, forever. Other than the accounting program, all data is kept on removable media--floppies or cd's.