Re: Storage solution for office?

[Quote]

A workgroup is a logical collection of computers that share resources. Normally, workgroups are composed of the computers within a single department or a small company. Each computer can share resources with all other computers. In essence, all computers are of equal status. Within a company, different departments may be workgroups and each may have a unique name to identify the workgroup. Because each computer is independent, each computer is responsible for authenticating users.

Like a workgroup, a domain is a logical collection of computers that share resources. One of the key differences is that there is a single server that is responsible for managing security and other user-related information for the domain. This server allows login validation, by which a user logs into the domain and not into a single computer.

[end quote]
http://kb.iu.edu/data/adgs.html

In addition to the above, with a domain you can configure a file server:

[Quote]

A file server provides a central location on your network where you can store and share files with users across your network. When users require an important file such as a project plan, they can access the file on the file server instead of having to pass the file between their separate computers. If your network users will need access to the same files and network-accessible applications, configure this computer as a file server.

[end quote]
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/72ad1371-25c2-458f-9639-77889d78a9761033.mspx?mfr=true

With a file server it is much easier to secure and control access to your important or sensitive files and data and it is much easier to back them up as they are stored in a central location.

The drawbacks of having a domain is that it is more complicated and expensive to set up than a peer workgroup, but once properly set up it is easier to maintain than a workgroup. You might be able to lessen the cost by using free server software but if you have never setup a domain you will (may) need to pay a competent person to help you set up your domain properly and to help you if you run into maintenance problems or need assistance with complicated issues.

On the other hand, if you think all of this is more than you really need or want to tackle, then just get good backup software and assign one of the machines in your workgroup as a backup server.

John

Eric wrote:
Thank everyone very much for suggestions
Could you please tell me the different between workgroup and domain model?
What kind of OS should I use? Does Microsoft have any product on sharing Server?
Thank everyone very much for any suggestions
Eric

"John John (MVP)" wrote:


You could stick a backup server in your peer network, a backup server can be a Windows workstation with proper backup software. But quite franky when you get to the point where you have to start delving into these solutions the best thing to do is to move your network from a workgroup model to a domain model.

John

Eric wrote:

Does anyone have any suggestions on any storage solution for office? In office, there is no backup system at all, and all shared drive are located on different desktops. I would like to consolidate all shared drive into a single storage system for office. Does anyone have any suggestions on what kinds of system I should look for?
I expect that backup and shared storage system are integrated into a single unit.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions
Eric



.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Storage solution for office?
    ... A workgroup is a logical collection of computers that share resources. ... This server allows login validation, ... the machines in your workgroup as a backup server. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Browse Network PC - Access Denied?
    ... About 5 computers on a Workgroup. ... Master browser name is: EMMA ... There are 5 servers in domain WORKGROUP on transport \Device ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: newbie: setting up home network
    ... >> the printer on WinXP machine to print from RH9). ... >> but is workgroup in WinXp the same as domain name and computer name ... but must be the same for computers all on the same network. ...
    (alt.os.linux.redhat)
  • Re: Accessing Workgroup
    ... Ok here is my setup. ... What happens is sometimes the work groups are not available or if I am on ... their machine and click show workgroup computers it will fail. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: newbie: setting up home network
    ... >> the printer on WinXP machine to print from RH9). ... >> but is workgroup in WinXp the same as domain name and computer name ... but must be the same for computers all on the same network. ...
    (linux.redhat)
Quantcast