Workgroups and file sharing and group rights 2

[sazebac]

There is a biz that has 16 computers on a Windows Workgroup. I think they are running XP. They want to set up a shared folder and make it so that only certain users are able to write the files in the folder and other users are not able to write the files, only read.
My thinking is that the best thing to do is simply install a server with Server 2003 and put the computers on a Domain and make groups and assign rights.

Just want to know if there is an easy way to implement this on a Workgroup. Thanks

 

[tfg13]

Workgroups were actually designed for smaller groups. About 6 is the max that would be managable/recommended. With 16, the easiest way to ensure this happens and is easiest to manage is with a server. Not saying it can't be done in a workgroup, just saying it would be easiest with a domain setup....

 

[dkediger]

In general, it seems the management tasks for a workgroup oriented network increase geometrically related to the number of computers participating in the workgroup.

Have them check out Windows Small Business Server from Microsoft.

For around $2,000 - $2,500 retail they'll get Windows Server 2003 and Exchange Server 2003 software and licenses. Acquire the server hardware from Dell/HP/Gateway and you can get SBS and the CALs for even less.