Help/info setting up server with w7 machines.

[SevenNerd]

Helping out a buddy of mine set up four windows 7 machines that will be linked up to windows server 2003. The server will simply need to store and access data bewtwen each and every computer.

I'm extremely tech savy when it comes to setting up home networks, individual pc's printers/fax etc., but this is going to be my first server job in hopes of saving my freind some $$ from hiring a real IT man.

So I was wondering if there's a guide on how to set up the server and link the computers to it since this will be my first endevour...

Any tips links or knowledge are EXTREMELY APPRECIATED..

So where do I start?

 

[DeaconFrost]

So where do I start?

You could start with giving us the necessary info, like is he going to run a domain with AD or will this be a workgroup setup? Is the server's only role going to be a file server? If so, there may be better options than a 2003 Server. Are the computers all local to the server?

 

[TechZilla]

I can't believe that you would want to run an AD environment at home. If the server's only role is to be a file server, a NAS solution may be better. Maybe a terra station?

 

[DeaconFrost]

I run AD at home. My wife and I are both in IT, so why not? I'm an IT Manager/Director, and she's entry level, so she can learn at home as well.

 

[SevenNerd]

Yes right now im looking into running AD. Will this require a domain or can I just use a homegroup?

As far as other OS's and configurations go, we already have the Windows 2003 Server at his office. So were not looking to invest in something else.

I'm just looking for the "easiest way" To link up the 4 computers and printers to the server.

 

[DeaconFrost]

You still aren't being specific with "link up". Do you simply mean a way to share a folder with files that all computers access, or are you planning on using separate folders for each user or computer?

In order to use Active Directory, you will need a domain, which means reconfiguring the server and setting up new accounts....then adding the PCs to the domain. The printers can be shared either way. Install them to the server, and then share them out with the drivers for the OSes running on the clients.

 

[TechZilla]

I run AD at home. My wife and I are both in IT, so why not? I'm an IT Manager/Director, and she's entry level, so she can learn at home as well.

You have a slightly different case then

Yes right now im looking into running AD. Will this require a domain or can I just use a homegroup?

Yes, you need a domain, which as Deacon said you need to reconfigure the server.

I'm just looking for the "easiest way" To link up the 4 computers and printers to the server.

The easiest way would be just to share from the server and map them to the individual computers. You just have to add each computer/user as an admin on the server.

 

[SevenNerd]

Thanks TechZilla, im going to look up mapping. Like I said im very new to all this...

 

[TechZilla]

Thanks TechZilla, im going to look up mapping. Like I said im very new to all this...

I take this back, you will have to be on the same network. I didn't read that the server is at his office. You cannot simply share unless both machines are on the same network.

To access those files from the office while at home you will also need a VPN connection.

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/configure-a-windows-server-2003-vpn-on-the-server-side/5805260