How to set up Network like big Enterprise or Universities?

zbora23 · 22 Apr 2011

Hello Guys,

My Question is following on how to set up a windows network for example like at universities. I want to be able to log in to my account from any computer within my house, have a central server for storing accounts details and data etc.

Can you tell me on how it is done and what is essential to achieve this ?
If you have any kind of links to tutorials on how to proceed with this please reply.

Kind Regards,
David

pparks1 · 22 Apr 2011

Easiest way with Windows is to install Windows Server 2008 R2 and then run dcpromo to promote this box to a domain controller. Then, on your client computers (which must be running non-home premium versions of Windows), you join these computers to the domain.

So, if you want to do this via legal retail chains, here is a copy of Windows Server 2008 R2 64bit with 5 client licenses. It's only $799.
Amazon.com: Windows Server Standard 2008 R2 64Bit 5 Clt: Software

Others would suggest purchasing a technet subscription instead and using your evaluation/testing software to run this in your home. You cost here is $199 for the first year (for standard) and $149 each year thereafter as a renewal.
Buy, Renew or Upgrade Your TechNet Subscription

zbora23 · 22 Apr 2011

Great,

I Have access to Windows Server 2008 R2 through either University or DreamSpark, do you think it'll work ? Also all computer at my house are running Windows 7 Professional 64bit would that be a problem, or I just need to reinstall OS on each machine ?

Kind Regards,
David

pparks1 · 22 Apr 2011

Yes, if you have access to Server 2008R2, you will be all set. Remember, 2008R2 is 64bit only. So you have to have hardware that supports it. If you dont' have a suitable 64bit machine, you could run either Server 2003 or Server 2008. Both can be a domain controller by running dcpromo.