How to set up Network like big Enterprise or Universities?

[zbora23]

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]

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]

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]

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.