A few questions about networking options and backups

[jthoward]

I work for a small company that is in dire need for an inexpensive, easy to use network. I have been designated as the person to compile this network. Here is a list of what equipment I have to work with. I have a 16 port Switch, 10 computers running win 2k, 1 HP 1050C Plotter and 2 HP 1700 Printers and plenty of ethernet cable. For me, the simpliest way to setup the network would be peer to peer. However, we will have a broad band internet connection that will also hook up to the network and im a little worried about the security issues. How difficult would it be to setup a server based network? How would this affect the security?

The ideal way I would like to the handle the internet would be, limit the time spent on the internet, but, we have to access some websites on a constant basis so I would need these websites open without restrictions, it would be nice to monitor the internet activity and i would want to have restrictions as to what would be downloaded. I dont know if it is possible to set this type of network up so let me know what options I may have.

Last, we need some method of backing up data. I have a tape drive and a dvd burner. For me, it would be easier and cheaper to use the dvd burner. What solutions do you suggest?

Thats it for the time being!

Thanks

 

[jthoward]

back to the top!

 

[wolluf]

Peer to peer with router to share broadband (and act as hardware firewall)? I'm no expert on applying restrictions to machines (and I prefer not to - can cause more problems than they solve, and I like treating people like adults) - but its 'easier' to set up & maintain (once you know what you're doing) running 2k or 2k3 server domain than on peer to peer (but costs more of course).

You don't say what kind of backup(s) (incremental/complete backup) you intend taking (eg, user data backups - shared area on file server hard drive for users to save to - which is backed up every night/week/whatever), or how big.

 

[jthoward]

Wolluf,

Thanks for the response. I would need both types of backups, one of our computers would house all the important files that would need a backup every 2 to 3 days while the indiviudal computers would only need backups every 2 weeks. The main computer would be around 30 to 40 gb of information.

 

[wolluf]

If you installed a RAID array on the file server, you'd have instant 'backup'. Coupled with regular 'proper' backup - a tape drive might be best for that volume of data (base backup plus incrementals?) - its a fair few DVDs (though if most of it is static, you could back that up to DVDs and just have ongoing backup to DVD of volatile data).

For the individual machines - might be worth saving something like a ghost image of each machine (fully configured and working), and instigate a shared area on the server for users to save anything they want backed up (you could even relocate user's My Documents folders to this area - so automatically saves there (tweakui can do this))

Just some ideas.