want network with file server

How would I create a network with a file server and 2 Dell workstations that can access Autocad .dwg files? If it is totally more involved, where would I get a "cookbook" for information on how to do this. Yes, I realize I could hire it done, but I want to do it myself. Thanks for your ideas. Ken

 

To clarify:

File Server = a PC that holds the data files for access/modification by other PCs. With this, each PC would need the application loaded to work with the files. The file server would simply act as a large data storage device.

Application Server = The client PCs use an application that is only loaded on the server rather than having a local copy installed. Data files can reside either on the server or on the local PC.

Which did you have in mind? The "file server" thing is fairly simple. The "application server" is quiet a bit more involved - but still very possible.

And specify the operating systems you have running. Makes a difference in the way things are set up.

 

Thanks for the reply, Newt. When I posted the original msg, I had a data (not applications) file server in mind. Since that post, three people have told me to use a peer-to-peer network, storing the files on one of the two computers. The existing machine is running Windows NT, the new machine would be Windows XP Pro. The only application outside windows will be Autocad 2002, which I understand I need to purchase 2 licenses, with one copy residing on each machine. The only external hardware is an HP Laserjet 4+ printer to be shared. I have been told I need a network card, a small hub, and cables. Any advise or comments will be helpful. I still need to learn how to hook this stuff up and do the proper commands to get it running properly. Thanks, Ken

 

For the autocad specifics, a good starting place is Networking Autocad from A to Z.

For networking your systems - and especially since autocad is a bit of a hog, you want a fast and agile network. My suggestions (and they are only valid for the type of hardware specified below):

1. Get a good router/switch. The switch piece will run around 20 times faster than a hub would. The same device can connect all your network PCs to the internet if you want using one connection. And this particular device will take care of much of the network configuration for you. Linksys, Dlink, Netgear, SMC all make good devices. Cost for a 4 port (4 PCs or connect other switches/hubs for as many as you want up to 253 PCs) is around $50 to $60.

- just be aware that any PCs connected to a hub will run maximum 10Mbs half-duplex (can send or receive but not both at once). The switch will run 100Mbs full-duplex (send & receive at the same time) and has some logic built in that will make network traffic handling much better than a hub could manage.

2. Get 10/100 NICs for each PC. Insert the NIC and run a straight cat5 UTP cable (category 5 unshielded twisted pair) from NIC to a normal port on the switch. Have the router/switch powered on and it should automatically help you with networking the PCs once you have set up the networking stuff on them. Do not connect the router to a modem at this point.

3. Use TCP/IP and set to obtain an address automatically. The gateway value is one you should specify if you are going to work the internet and it will be the router address. Something like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 depending on which one you get.

4. Give each PC a different name (stick to 8 characters or less) but put them in the same workgroup.

5. Use a different username/password for each PC. Add all 3 username/passwords to each PC (and this part is case sensitive). Then put the user accounts into a group with the permissions you want that user to have. Both these things can be done from a right-click on My Computer and then manage~users & groups.

6. Install "file & print sharing" and "client for microsoft networks" on each PC. Share at least one folder on each PC just for testing purposes. If your users all have administrative rights, the drive root(s) is automatically shared on these systems as C$, D$, etc. but only an administrator should connect to those shares.

7. Each PC will need to be set so a logon /w password is required to get on the PC. NT (NTx/2K/XP) demands to know who is trying to connect and uses the logon information for finding out. No logon = no connection.

The above should have you pretty well good to go. If you are also going to get on the internet with these systems, post back since enabling file & printer sharing has probably opened them up a bit too much to PCs on the internet and you need to do a couple of things to let your LAN work within itself but to block unwanted outsiders from also having access.

 

Thanks Newt, I'll give it a go and let you know how I come out. Software and computers should be on order today. Install set for next week. No internet connection tied in - their choice. I'm doing this for a friend who has a small Tool Manufacturing shop and he thinks I'm smarter than I really am. LOL Ken

 

Newt, Said I'd let you know how we came out. Autocad is up and running on two Dells with a shared printer paralled off one of the dells and cad files shared off a partitioned drive in the same dell. All I used was a cat 5 crossover cable (peer to peer network). No switch or hub was used. Networking/sharing on the new machine with XP was a breeze. Existing computer with Windows 2000 wouldn't share; so it was upgraded to XP as well and a new Com3 ethernet card was installed. Then everything worked fine! Thanks again for your input!! Ken S

 

Thanks for posting back results and very glad it worked out for you/him.