new small business setup - help please!

[frankieee123]

I'm going to need some tips:

A friend will need me to set up a single pc which will (in a year) be the main server for a small business network.

What kind of things should I take into consideration when I setup this pc?

The main app that will be used on jobs (until next year) is AutoCad and there will be a plotter and possibly a LazerJet or some type of fax printer. They have decided on using a Dell as their main and only system (which I believe will be high end). I may or may not be able to give some input on the Dell, but suggestions are welcome. They will be using pc-direct (via sattelite) for online work.

A few of my own ideas for future networking are:
a firewall - need suggestions
an anti-virus - thinking symantec corporate
OS/Office - corp editions
2nd hard drive - for storage/backup

There's probably a load of information when considering a future network, so bring it on!

 

[AlexIT]

For server software you need maximum disk I/O, where for CAD you need very high graphics performance. Get a SCSI/SATA computer, with a real 3D card (not a gaming card, but workstation-class graphics card.) This will support both tasks.

If less than 10 machines, have this machine run winXP Pro, otherwise need Win2003 Server.

For one PC software firewall (Zonealarm, etc.) will be fine, once using as a server need to decide on hardware firewall - just a broadband router would be fine.

Depends on what size this will become...

Alex

 

[frankieee123]

Thanks Alex those are great suggestions.

Just a little history on the two guys that are starting the business; they are ACad managers (currently employed with other companies) that have been working in the business for probably about 15-20 years so I trust they know the kind of pc they need in order to work the program. They have also chosen Dell to be consistant with future plans because they have had success with Dell in the past. I would have recommended something with better graphics/speed/memory as well but I think the originator has his mind made up on a high end Dell.

I've posted on other forums and so far I've got a suggestion to get a SOHO Wireless DSL Cable/Router (as far as hardware). I think that this might be a good idea because people don't really understand software firewalls. I would lean toward ZoneAlarm as you say for a single user as well. I've only heard good things about it but I think the hardware firewall would be most cost efficient because of the plans to come.

Right now they are in negotiations for a few jobs which one of the guys can handle as far as part-time work. So it will be one person working at home for now (on ACad) but I think in a year there will probably be under a dozen people working for the originator (who currently works from home). He has already rented out an office space to start finishing.

Have you seen the Belkin Wireless Cable-DSL Router? I don't really know what brands to look for when it comes to the hardware.

 

[AlexIT]

Hardware firewall is the way to go if you have budget for it. This is where you overspend to get most powerful and upgradeable system.

In SOHO I always recommend Netgear, they are the lowest cost alternative that is strong in corporate systems (they have good switches, WAP, etc. for corporate networks too.) One other brand is SMC for the same reason. Either one can be used in 10-30 person offices in the future without hitting user limits.

The server only needs disk I/O (and RAM) so what he buys now for CAD can be used as a server later. Until you hit 10 user limit in XP don't buy Windows 2003 server. Then probably buy SBS to get own mail server and the rest.

Alex

 

[frankieee123]

Alex, the information you are giving me is invaluable.

The originator will be giving his part-time worker an e-mail address and I will find out more about that (whether its on an e-mail server); are there any other questions I need to ask him in this regard?

I've heard about the SOHO Netgear. Is there a cost involved with the web-based management for Netgear? I know that with D-Link there are no charges...

You're right about costs. I'm sure he can afford to do it but at this point it may not be necessary to spend the money.

I know the part-timer does not have a laptop but does have a second standalone at home. How will the WAP come into play?

 

[AlexIT]

Get a budget for hardware upfront. He's spending at least 2000USD on a CAD station (he better be...) So what is he willing to spend on the rest?

If he can buy one, get a Symantec 200R (~1200USD), this will do firewall/VPN for as many users as you want (up to 1000 or such.) Otherwise get a Netgear FVS328 (~200USD) appliance, this will do up to 50 tunnels at once (more than 20 and it will drag though.)

If he's got a machine at home, then VPN can be useful (no one wants to commute every day.) WAP is only needed when they go wireless (usually sales people drive this need, you get wireless so they can show customer a presentation without being cabled down.)

Just tell him he is going to spend ~4000USD per year on hardware (one PC plus software plus % for network gear.) This gets the company used to thinking about the investment upfront. (You don't want to be a part of no, no, no, no, yes when it comes to upgrades.)

Alex

 

[frankieee123]

I've contacted him but I'm still waiting to hear more about all of the advice you've given me.

I've posted on 4 different forums and your advice has been the most solid. You don't know how much I appreciate it.

Alex, I'd like you to keep an eye out on this thread just so that when I do have a few more details you can guide me in the appropriate manner. I will probably hear within the next two weeks (or sooner). If this is ok with you...?

 

[AlexIT]

Yes, I check the tips forums weely at least.


Good luck,
Alex

 

[gbaughma]

At a small installation that I did we chose the SonicWall firewall. It works quite well, has logging capabilities, and is expandable for in-depth reports. Also, if you're under GLBA or HIPPA, it's good for that, too (e-mailing of logs, etc.)

For a plotter, I have an HP DesignJet 500 series, 42" wide, and * I LOVE IT *, plus it will take a regular JetDirect card for network printing.

--Greg