Hi I'm very new to networking and have a decision to make on what hardware to get for the small business that I work for. Currently we have 3 computers in the office, 2 desk-top computers -one running on vista and one on xp- and a lap-top running on xp. We have a very basic network set up already running through the desk-top computer that has xp. This system has proved very handy but was always from the beginning going to be a temporary solution. We are now seeing several draw backs. Generally we file share, store data and send and receive E-mails with this system. The draw backs are that for the other computers to send and receive E-mails this computer needs to be on. Also this computer is degrading a fair bit and is becoming very unreliable so we are a bit anxious about losing important data. Importantly the lap-top is not hardwired in this network, it is connecting via wi-fi. The network is making a connection through our broadband hub which we also run our shared printer through. Basically then we need something that we can store data on, share data, send and receive E-mails and view all of this on-line. I have done some research into this but I feel a little out of my depth. Any idea's what to get?
How about a network switch plugged into the router (to give you plenty of extra ports) with something like this stuck on? http://www.bit-tech.net/bits/2007/06/05/build_your_own_server/1
That sounds good but seems as though it may take a bit of time and that would be on my bosses time which I don't think he would sanction. I was thinking more along the lines of ready made things like NAS drives etc... which wouldn't take so much time and be a bit more professional?
I believe a NAS would be a quick and easy solution to your problems, however they are expensive. Also, I'm not sure if they can handle running an email server. Though, you're correct, it should be very easy to set up. Also, I can't recommend any to you, as I actually have a Linux server from old parts similar to the one in the tutorial linked above. However, a quick search on dabs.com finds this, at a very reasonable price, though maybe not to the specification you require. Also, it requires you to buy a hard drive to go with it. Edit: On second thoughts, the reviews on that page seem to suggest that it's not a great buy. Sorry I couldn't recommend anything more useful :/
Very expensive for what you stated your requirements were in the first post. But that would be reliable (has built in RAID 1 mirroring) and 1TB (if RAIDed) or 2TB space, which is all most people would ever need. Depends what sort of stuff you want to store on it really. Also, there aren't any reviews of that product there, I'd be a little wary. I found some reviews on Amazon , they don't make it sound great IMO. Average rating is 2 stars, with 8 out of 16 reviewers giving it 1 star, and only one person awarding 5 stars. Not a good sign Edit: This one has much better reviews (warning: on Amazon, so might be a fair bit more expensive than elsewhere), though only comes with one HDD as standard, but with room for another. Also, it's on Amazon USA. But there's an example of one I'd believe to be better.
Well I had a look at those reviews as well and the people who weren't too happy did a lot of media transfers like photos, music etc.. and they tend to transfer large volumes of data. I won't be doing that I don't think and if I do it will only be on very rare occasions. Files that will most commonly transfered will be word docs. and accounts program files. As for price, anywhere form £100-£300 or so is fine as my bosses are so computer illiterate they make me look like a legend and I really am not! This is something of a nessecity and as long as they realise that then there's no real problem with price. With regards to that Western Digital one, with such applications that I have, should I go through with it?
Priority: get a decent backup scheme in place. As soon as possible. Does the business plan to expand much? I'd really recommend getting a server over a NAS, though it will cost more.
I still think you'd be better off with a Netgear. They know their networking. Just my opinion though. Up to you really. Your loss if it doesn't work, and your money. Choose wisely. I have run out of things to say lol
Well office wise the business aint going to expand for a long time as there is more than enough control and management for now. That netgear one does actually sound very very good! Just getting the right one for the right price! How bout this:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-ReadyNAS-Duo-Bay-500GB/dp/B0016L2P7I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1231003390&sr=1-2
That one does indeed look fairly well specced, but only comes with 1x 500GB HDD, yet does have RAID should you want it for mirroring (a good idea IMO). However, yes it is indeed expensive. Especially if you intend on buying a second drive. Once again, I can't make the decision for you. However, this site has some useful tutorials etc based on the Netgear ReadyNAS brand.
In my opinion, you need a file server & a print server. Also a backup solution like suggested above. What's your budget? The most expensive piece of equipment is actually going to be a tape backup solution. Tape backup is the best solution because it's reliable and the tapes can be taken off location or placed in a fire proof safe. Somethings I would look into buying. Server running either Windows Server 2003 or 2008. Tape Backup Drive and tapes Cisco 24 port switch and possibly a router. Though the router will be quite expensive. I'm going off a limited knowledge of what you want exactly. So what I'm recommending might be overkill for now, but it will allow for decent expansion and it's a type of network I would be building. My background is I'm a Network Engineering student, so I'm going to lean more enterprise grade equipment instead of consumer networking equipment.
Thx pimonserry, that site is pretty good, confirmed the one you showed me or something similar anyway! I think starting off with the 1x 500 HD and possibly upgrading later will be the best, plenty of features, spec and flexibility with the system. Thx for all your help!
For example, see http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2009/01/07/journalspace-data-loss-terminal/1 you don't want that happening to you. edit: how about something like a thecus 2100? http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=4342