networking, permissions, router

hi
I have some experience in networking winmdows machines, nothing on a large scale, maximum of around 15 pc's on 1 network. I have played around with the settings, studied the background a bit, so I do have some knowledge.
I am hoping to configure a new network that has a router, 12 pc's and 2 laptops (connected wirelessly), 2 printers, in a way that all machines on network can share the printers, but so that access within network is limited to a degree. I would like to protect a few pc's sop that they may access all the network resources, but these pc's cant be accessed by others on the network. I would also like to be able to have 1 pc act as a file server/storage in a way that every pc can save data on this pc, but the data can be accessed by only the pc that has done the saving and a few other pc's that should be able to access all the available data on network.
So far I havent been able (I didnt have the time) to configure the router (has wireless) so that the laptops can print.I am also unsure how toproceed with the file access permissions set up. I have a few ideas but would appreciate if anyone could give me some pointers on how they would suggest I could set it up.

many thanks in advance
sami

 

With 12 pc and 12 users, I'd strongly recommend investing in a small server. Windows 2003 is very good. Linux with Samba is an alternative if you are familiar with Linux. Trying to do what you want on a peer to peer network will be hard work, but is bread and butter for a server.

 

hi, thanks for the comments.
is the windows 2003 difficult to manage?
I could easily take one of the existing machines and turn it to a server.
how about incorporating ms exchange into it?
one of the laptops moves from location to location, and would then download emails from another physical location. any advice there?
sami

 

2003 isn't difficult to manage, but I would recommend you do some homework.

A good book will get you started. There are a lot out there. I'm an O'Reilly fan but have a browse around a book store to find a book that suits you. Some of the Microsoft press titles may be better for someone new to servers.

If you've not used a server before, it would probably be worth your while doing one of the basic Microsoft courses. I see they are doing e-training couses and there appear to be one for 2003. Of have a look at the option using the training search tool.

 

I'd recommend getting a dedicated server, but you can use an existing PC. If so don't let someone use it as their desktop PC. Keep it dedicated to the server role.

Main thing you need is lots of memory. I'd recommend at least a gig of RAM. Also think about back up. A tape drive will give you the best back up option, especially if you combine it with 2003's shadow copy. If you go for a tape, invest in Backup Assist. It makes backup much easier and is cheap.

If you are thinking along those lines SBS is a good option. It combines 2003 server, Exchange and some other systems. If you go this router, definitely invest in a dedicated server. Have a look at the Microsoft site for information on SBS specific training, and Microsoft press for books.

SBS will give you those options. The web outlook tool might well be the best solution.

 

sambkk has posted a request for advice on getting information about running Windows 2003. I think sambkk is more likely to get the best response in the Windows Server System forum. So I have moved that post to that forum.

The new thread can be found here and is called "Advice please on learning how to use win2003 ".