A login server

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

  1. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #11

    Setting up a domain will require a Server OS and a decent machine. On the domain, from what you are saying you want, will also need to be your file server. Another thing that I'm not sure if you understand or not is that you will only be able to use your credentials if the machine is added to the domain. So you will have to set up your domain. Create the user accounts. Then add every machine that you use to the domain. (A domain is not the easiest thing in the world to set up and configure. It requires its share of maintenance as well.)

    If the domain is down, you can still log in using your credentials, but your data will not be available.

    What JDobbsy is suggesting is a much better solution. To lock down your folders you just need to make sure that only your account has access to it. Simple as that. But this will mean that you must login to each computer with that account every time, but it sounds like you want that anyway.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 222
    Win 7 Ult + Starter, XP Pro +Home, 2kAS, Linux Mint 8, SuperOS
       #12

    Windows servers are not cheap - apart from the cost of the OS software and the client licence for 5 seats, the hardware is at least a similar price and spec as your laptops or other PCs, since you note that they are all Windows 7 used as workstations. Could be over £500 in UK terms.

    Another way is NAS - dedicated network attached storage, starts just about £120 for 2TB

    You could use a Linux SaMBa server on a much lower spec machine (no GUI, permanent monitor or keyboard needed), which could be set up to act as a domain controller and could be managed from any of your windows machines with SWAT - served as interactive web pages in your browser. The software is free to download and use, like most open source stuff is. It's not that difficult to set up, and there is loads of information and community support online. Once it is set up you just leave it to run. From free to about £50 for the hardware,an old dektop for instance. It could boot from a CD and run mostly in RAM, then the only ongoing cost would be that of additional storage.

    IMO NAS would probably would be the best way to go, in terms of ongoing energy consumption and initial price, and ease of use. Samba the most challenging to set up, could be fairly cheap and easy to expand the storage over time, and Windows Server the most expensive to start with, most expensive to run and maintain - but great training for a life of servitude...

    How would I protect the data for different users? - hidden $hare$ with the standard windows UAC protection, or even volume mountpoints.
      My Computer


 
Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:04.
Find Us