Win Server 2K setup question....

I just bought a Win Server 2K (OEM) and want to setup a server for a small group (5 computers). what I want is all 5 clients MUST logon to this server (for LAN use ONLY). My question is after I install it. What is a next steps do I have to do? How can I setup it act like primary domain controller without register an internet domain name (I mean I can make up 1 domain name for LAN use). Do I need to this server become DHCP or I don't have to? what is the advance / disadvance when setting DHCP? Please help. Thanks

 

Sounds like your looking to setup a network. I can answer the questions that you asked but it is more complicated than what I can write. I would recommend buying the Windows 2000 Administrative Guide in order to setup the network properly.

After you install the win2k server, run dcpromo in order to set it up as a Domain Controller (2k doesn't have PDC/BDC). If you don't want the server to hand out IP addresses, setup the workstations with Static IP's and you don't have install DHCP. DHCP is better so you don't have to manage all your workstations on the network. If anything ever changes, you just update DHCP and the next time it requests an IP it will make the changes.

For the workstations MUST logon to the server ... you didn't say what OS the workstations are. If they are 2000, then as long as you don't create any ID's locally on the workstations and you don't give out the Workstation Administrative password, then they won't be able to logon locally.

 

What GusD said.

But a little amplification - the domain you set up by making your 2K server a domain controller has nothing at all to do with the internet. All yours and you can name it pretty much to suit yourself.

If you have client PCs running any Win9X operating system, there is no way to force them to log on to the domain. The user can just cancel at the login screen and work locally. The only option is to make all the goodies available only via the network so all they get if the cancel rather than loging on is a very expensive paper weight or a place to play solitaire.