Need to create a domain?

[SilentJ]

I have a client with about 12 PC's in their office. They're looking to get a solution so that:

1) everyone can have a program which backs up to one central location.
2) everyone has access to a shared folder on the server which manages contacts information for the organization.

I told them i could set them up with a new server with win2K3 and lots of hard drive space. this way everyone's backup software can backup to the server and the server can hold the database of the program.

my question is: should i also create a domain structure or just let everyone connect to it as a workgroup share? as a workgroup share, this is easy - i just share out the folders and everyone has access. but if i set up a domain, everyone loses their desktop environment and is suddenly subject to 3-5 minute boot up times (i could be wrong but thats my experience).

What do you think?

 

[mrdenny]

I would setup a domain. The users profiles can be migrated into their domain profiles. The longer bootup times will only show up if you setup roaming profiles or have excessive GPOs.

Setting up a domain will allow you to have the shared user accounts between the domain computers and enforce security policies on the workstations ensuring that users change their passwords every so many days, etc.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
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[SilentJ]

i REALLY appreciate your fast response. But i have a few questions:

1) How can i migrate their profiles onto the server?
2) will non-domain users be able to access the shared items on the network?
3) someone just told me that there is a way to redirect someone's My Documents folder onto the server. this would eliminate my need for special backup software from PC to server. How can I go about doing this?

Thank you!

CompTIA A+,

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

1) XP has a File and Settings Transfer Wizard.
2) They can, but will need an account to authenticate with.
3) This would be setup in the Active Directory when you build their new accounts. The option to set their Home Folder. Then use Group Policy to redirect their My Document to their Home Drive.

Plenty of documents out their that can assist you in setting up your new domain.