Do I need a Domain?

Butters

Butters

Butters

Permabanned
Joined
22 Apr 2007
Posts
1,805
I have just purchased a Dell PE for a small office environment where users have 4 laptops. I have also got a 180day trial of WIN2K3 server.

I want this server to look after email (running exchange) and file sharing and really thats it.

but, i also want it to look after the 4 laptops by storing the 'My Docs' of each laptop on the server and being able to manage updates, etc.

Now i reckon i need Active Directory for this of which I have little knowledge but it seems in order to have active directory I need a DNS Server (although I can use this one as a DC).

Is there another way. I have a router, why do I need a DC. What does all this DNS stuff mean, any simpleton tutorials?

Thanks

Edit: the company in question has a website and web hosting. How do these DNS, domain thingies work?
 
yes you want a domain for using updates (WSUS) and romaing profiles. The server can look after the dns stuff as well although i'm not sure if there's any point to all this if it's only a trail of 2003. Ideally you want SBS (small business server) which is desinged to do all this on one server.
 
Oh Dear oh dear oh dear......

As per the previous post - for what you want to do, you only need Small Business Server 2003.

Windows 2k3 + Exchange 2k3 + ISA 2004 /06 is really really expensive and silightly over kill for a 4 user set up.

SBS 2003 is an all in one package (Windows 2k3, Exchange 2k3, Sharepoint, WSUS - prem get ISA2004, SQL 2005 ). All the setup for the server, domain, and clients is all wizard driven.

SBS is a good option for someone with a bit of tech savey, but your better off either getting a qualified consultant in (I am one! ;) ) or install SBS 3 times before setting up the "Live" system.

If you need any advice, feel free....

TTFN

Rob :D :cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom