G'day all,
Running a seriously mixed network ('95, '98, 2k, XP, and Mac Computers) on a University Residence.
Each computer has its own VPN assigned to it (IE: 1 Computer has 1 unique gateway, IP and subnet (Why it was setup this way I don't know)
The problem exists though when students attempt to share files across the network, as without knowing IP addresses students can't access each others machines.
What we're after is a way to have a 'centralised' viewing area where everyone can see what everyone else has shared.
A WINS Server has been suggested for this purpose, but I know nothing of it (IE: Where the software can be purchased, system requirements etc. etc.)
First problem out of the way... onto the next...
Our University stings like a wounded bull when it comes to internet access (Free allocation of 65Mb per month then costs ~10c per MB afterward) This is fine for general browsing, email etc. but for new machines that require Windows updates, applications (IE: Compression, Anti-Adware etc.) they tear through the allocation like a kniffe through butter.
One solution we (Being a group of students employed by the Uni to assist other Residence Students with PC problems) have come up with is to use a computer and have it setup to share these common windows updates, AV updates etc.
Thing is though - We've only got the one computer to do it all with, and its older than time itself (P166MMX - Told ya)
Is it feasable to have WINS resolution and File Sharing running from this old computer? The load would be minimal, as connection restrictions (IE: Max of ~5 users at once) would be enforced, but do you people think it could be pulled off?
The 'carrot' at the end of the stick so to speak is that if we can prove that it works, we may be able to get a grant for a far more powerful server to use for the purposes outlined above.
Apologies for the long post, and thank you all in advance
Cheers
Pottsie
- Laser / Escort / 323/ Familia (GTX and GTR) Owners Group
Running a seriously mixed network ('95, '98, 2k, XP, and Mac Computers) on a University Residence.
Each computer has its own VPN assigned to it (IE: 1 Computer has 1 unique gateway, IP and subnet (Why it was setup this way I don't know)
The problem exists though when students attempt to share files across the network, as without knowing IP addresses students can't access each others machines.
What we're after is a way to have a 'centralised' viewing area where everyone can see what everyone else has shared.
A WINS Server has been suggested for this purpose, but I know nothing of it (IE: Where the software can be purchased, system requirements etc. etc.)
First problem out of the way... onto the next...
Our University stings like a wounded bull when it comes to internet access (Free allocation of 65Mb per month then costs ~10c per MB afterward) This is fine for general browsing, email etc. but for new machines that require Windows updates, applications (IE: Compression, Anti-Adware etc.) they tear through the allocation like a kniffe through butter.
One solution we (Being a group of students employed by the Uni to assist other Residence Students with PC problems) have come up with is to use a computer and have it setup to share these common windows updates, AV updates etc.
Thing is though - We've only got the one computer to do it all with, and its older than time itself (P166MMX - Told ya)
Is it feasable to have WINS resolution and File Sharing running from this old computer? The load would be minimal, as connection restrictions (IE: Max of ~5 users at once) would be enforced, but do you people think it could be pulled off?
The 'carrot' at the end of the stick so to speak is that if we can prove that it works, we may be able to get a grant for a far more powerful server to use for the purposes outlined above.
Apologies for the long post, and thank you all in advance
Cheers
Pottsie
- Laser / Escort / 323/ Familia (GTX and GTR) Owners Group