Need help with setting up network PC's

[Ninjin]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone out there help me out with this?

Just sorting out my office and I want to run 2 workstations with 3rd pc just containing hard drives, shared files, constant on-line to internet, on-line purchasing etc (so I can access files remotely) and the odd desktop use, when we are very busy.

I have an old athlon OC' to 1.4 with 512mb ram which is my desktop at the moment. It's got a raid built in Motherboard which I was going to intall 2x160gb drives so I can run mirror raid (so I get data back up in case one fails). This one I was thinking of using as a server.

Then I will buy 2 new desktops for normal day to day use, linked up to the server.

Is this the correct theory?

Thanks!

Al.

[Jonny]

Sounds like a good plan...

Just make sure you have decent antivirus software, and a decent firewall/router for your internet access, rather than a crappy USB modem on the server...

[Ninjin]

Thanks Jonboy, yeah I understand about the firewalls!

Al.

[Jack0]

if ya need any info drop me a mail or PM mate, will try to help, jave setup loads of networks etc..

[antony]

yeh sounds about right :)

[Ninjin]

Okay lets get a bit more in-depth.

I only run office programs, surf the net and a little graphics (nothing more than re-sizing and touching up a few pics etc).

Server: Athlon OC'd to 1.4. With SATA Raid card controlling 2 160GB SATA Mirrored. 24 hr constant broadband connection so we can have on-line sales and I can access files from home or around the world. Maybe also power back up if not too expensive.

Main Work Station- New PC- Most prob Dell 4600; P4 2.8, 512mb ram, CD-RW/DVD etc etc.
This will go inside the office on a desk for 'proper' work.

Secondary Work Station- New PC- Most probably Dell 2400, P4 2.8, 512MB, no burner etc. Basically same as main workstation but no extra preripherals, smaller HD etc.
This will go on the counter so we can easily check stock lists, dig up pics to show customers etc.

I think the PC themselves are sorted but what do I need to network them together?

I have no network parts nor even the broadband modem (is that what you call it?).

I want the server to connect via 24hr broadband and the 2 workstations to be able to share it's connection.

So what do I need to connect to broadband and network the workstations?

Broadband Modem (whats a broadband router?)
Network cards?
Cable (I don't really want to go wireless network)?

Thanks!

Al.

[stoofer]

personally, I wouldnt overclock the server. overclock = more heat = shorter life/less reliability.

broadband router (it shares the connection between multiple PCs), 3x 10/100 network cards (check the motherboards first, you may already have some network onboard), 3x Cat5 network cable.

[Jonny]

The router sits between you, and your DSL/Cable connection. It's basically a modem, which also allows you to plug multiple machines to a single connection... They usually take care of firewalling the whole lot off as well...

Network Cards. You will need one for every machine, but most new ones have ports built in.

You will need a switch or a hub, to link all of the PC's together, and to plug the BB router into. These are 20-30 quid. It may also be built into the router...

Cabling. You will need a length of cat-5 from each machine to the switch/hub.

[Jack0]

here is a quick diagram of my home setup i just did, will help you out.

http://www.carstyledirect.com/steve/network.jpg

really easy, if all machines are runnin windows XP then setup for netowrking is easy enough to do with the in built wizards. but get all the hardware setup first.

[Ninjin]

Firstly thanks for the help guys!

Let me summarise the answers:

The Dell PC's come with integrated 10/100. So this means I only need a card for my old PC (server)?

So I need a BB Router, which if I get the right one, can also act as the network hub?

Cat5 network cable as required.

When I close up at night and power down equipment, I just leave on the server and the broadband router. And switch off the 2 workstations?

Software- Dell PC's comes with XP Home, is there any need for me to go XP Professional? I already got Win2000 Pro which I run on the Athlon, so if 2000 and XP communicate then I don't need to purchase another copy of XP for the server. Un-fortunately have to use 100% legit software and serials for a business, it's not worth being caught!

As to my Ahtlon being OC'd to 1.4, I could switch back to it's rated 1.0, but it's a special one that can be safely OC'd to 1.4. I've had it at 1.4 for over 2 years without one problem. At the time it was 30% more expensive than the other 1.0 which could not be OC'd!

Thanks

Al.

[amcluesent]

Also, if you're running the Athlon as an e-commerce server and also allowing remote access to files etc. then you'll need to configure the broadband router to do port forwarding, or have the server as the DMZ machine, so the incoming connections get passed to the server.

[sunnybono]

The Dell PC's come with integrated 10/100. So this means I only need a card for my old PC (server)?

- yes, you will need to buy a network card for this computer

So I need a BB Router, which if I get the right one, can also act as the network hub?

-some BB modems can also act as a router. check what kind you are getting to see if you will need to buy a router.

When I close up at night and power down equipment, I just leave on the server and the broadband router. And switch off the 2 workstations?

-you will have to leave the server/router/modem on only if you want to be able to access files on it overnight or while not in the office

Software- Dell PC's comes with XP Home, is there any need for me to go XP Professional? I already got Win2000 Pro which I run on the Athlon, so if 2000 and XP communicate then I don't need to purchase another copy of XP for the server. Un-fortunately have to use 100% legit software and serials for a business, it's not worth being caught!

-you will be fine with xp home as long as you dont want to join a domain. it will fine to mix xp and 2000 in a workgroup.