Windows 2000 Server Setup

[blarber]

Hello, I have never set up a Windows 2000 Server Network, and need a little help. I have the Win2k Server and 6 workstations. There is only one NIC on the server, so I'm assuming I need a hub to connect all the workstations to it? Should it be set up as on a Workgroup, or a Domain? What are the benefits of each, for this small of a Network? What we will be using the network for, is a client database program, and eventually for the Internet (MS Exchange Server, etc.).

If someone could please help me reveal the mysteries of having a server-based Network, I'd greatly appreciate it!

[vothweirdon]

Here is the short and sweet.
Get a switch (Possibly a linksys/SMC that has 8 ports) and not a hub.

Workgroup - Each machine will have it's own usernames and passwords. Managing them is tougher (you need to add each user ID to each machine or they can't share files or you can't administer them)

Domain - You create user ID's once on the Domain. Then you add the machines to the domain. The users only have one ID (on the server) and you have full control of their machines from the domain admins group.

If it was me, I would read up on setting up a DC and doing it that way. Also, make your users (I am assuming this is a business) store their data on your server. Get a good backup program and make sure you backup everynight.

Voth