office network...1 pc as server set up..help

muzzler

muzzler

muzzler

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hi people,
my other half works in a small office(on several levels) and would like to have one central server pc running microsoft office, outlook etc, the other pc users can then look and add contacts etc to the server pc when needed and connect to the internet when needed.
i have a spare pc so was thinking of setting this up as the server pc after installing office, word etc.
what would be the best solution? set up the main pc with a hub/router and connect the rest via wi fi? im not network savvy im afraid so any suggestions/help greatly appreciated. the cheaper the better aswell seeing as its a chrity based org' she works for.
many thanks,
steve.
 
well from what the missus was saying....in her old job they had a central pc that ran office, outlook and all the other office apps out there, the other networked pcs were for various staff who could then update contact information, addresses for organisations etc on the central server. this was to enable everyone connected to have updated information in regards to meetings, addresses etc.
does that make sense? or am i looking in the wrong direction as far as office networking is concerned?
 
That sounds like Microsoft Exchange Server to me - it's a bit pricey though.

Microsoft SBS 2003 (Small Business Server) would do everything, and is cheaper than the standalone products - all Wizard driven too.

Still looking at around around £500 for the software though. (and that's only for 5 Client Access Licenses!)

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/default.mspx

I don't think what you're describing is possible without something like Exchange (there are other (cheaper) alternatives, but I don't know much about them - someone might pop in and name some).

As for using the same Office apps (word, excel) on just one PC, you'd need a Terminal Server for that. Easier to just install Word on each PC though.
 
hi,
thanks for the quick reply...i was thinking that microsoft server software would be required..at least i got that part right!!
they've been in contact with the local pc shop and they quoted around the £2000 mark to set it up... thats a lot of cash :eek:
must be cheaper ways, might just homeplug em all to a router,lol
 
Defo sounds like youre other half had a MS Exchange or SBS server running, more likely SBS (Small Business Server)

There are 2 different flavours of SBS...

SBS Standard - approx £230 + VAT

  • 5 CAL's (Client Access Licenses)
  • Windows Server 2003 (Server O/S)
  • Exchange Server (email system)
  • Shared Fax Service
  • Windows SharePoint Service (Web based portal, file sharing funky gadget)

SBS Premium - approx £500 + VAT
  • Same as above plus...
  • ISA Server (Firewall, Web proxy, Web filtering services)
  • SQL Server 2000

If you need more than 5 clients connected there are 2 different ways of licensing, per device or per user.
either way you're looking at approx £200 + VAT for 5 additional CAL's

If you're on a tight bughet uou can pick up cheap new Dell servers from £200 upwards, my personal preference is for HP Proliants

Plus someway of backing the stuff up!!!
 
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