Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 - queries

If anyone knows the Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 product, could they help me with a few small questions :

1. Am I correct that I will need one dedicated PC to act as the "server ", and that this is left turned on all the time, allowing access of its files from anywhere/anytime?

2. To access my own office PC from anywhere in the world, do I need to leave that PC on as well, or just the server?

3. In dialling into the server remotely, how do I get around the firewall (as the computer I dial in from can have any IP address)?

 

1. Yes, best practice is to dedicate a computer to the server role.

2. To access your office PC, you will need to leave on both the office PC and the server.

3. Access will be controlled by authentication at the server. You need to make sure you use a secure password for anyone you give "dial-in" (which includes VPN) access. Secure passwords use upper and lower case, and include numbers. By default, Windows 2003 user policy enforces a password policy that requires this level of password (not sure if the same is true for SBS but I would expect it is). You'll also need a static IP address for the server's connection to the internet and an always on service such as ADSL/DSL.

 

Thanks Reggi eB