Setting Up a Small Business Network

[banich]

Hi,

I am currently setting up a network of about 10 - 15 PCs for an office. The PCs all run Win XP and a File Server exists which is running Win 2000. I would like to set up an e-mail server on the server and also virus scanning.

First of all is it worth upgrading to Win2003 Small Business Server?

The internet is accessed via an alcatel DSL modem, therefore each computer accesses this modem to access the internet. How could I go about setting up the server as a gateway meaning that all pcs must pass through the server before connecting to internet? and is this more secure? In that case would Antivirus software on the server cater for all the computers in the office as in viruses coming from the net?

Thankyou for your time.

[cheeze12]

banich,
In my humble opinion, no. You do not need to upgrade the 2003 business edition. Win2k server can handle it just fine. There's much information on the net about how to configure a PC as a Gateway just do a search on "Configuring a PC as a gateway". How are you currently performing email functions? Through an ISP?

As far as virus's are concerned, I would use Norton's Antivurus corporate edition which you can manage from the server and only intall the clients on the individual pc's. This would allow you to automatically update the server on a schedule and then the new definitions would be passed onto the user pc's automatically (without them having to connect to "Live Update" and chew up your bandwith). I wouldn't only use it on the sever because people like to put floppy's and play cd's on their computers that haven't been scanned for viruses.

Another (more secure) alternative would be to use a Firewall appliance that would be your gateway that includes virus detection, web content filtering, VPN etc. This piece of hardware would sit between your LAN (Local area network) and your connection to the outside world (behind the modem/router). There are many out there and one that I know of that can handle most of these with little network knowledge is Clearpath's SNAP VPN. I don't know how well it works as I haven't actually seen it in use but the white papers look pretty impressive. Most run under 1000.00 and are defintely worth a look.
Hope this helps...
G

[banich]

Hi,

Thanks for your help,
The e-mail is currently being handled by an ISP, and I would therefore like to set up an e-mail server. Also what advantages are there in setting up the server as a gateway as opposed to using the DSL modem as the gateway?

Thankyou for your time,

Eric Bonnici

[landisnet]

I do not think you need to upgrade either,
For 15 workstations no database server and no networked business application, W2K Server running microsoft exchange server for your email. Does your DSL provider allow you to connect an exchange server to your line? Most do not like it for the potential of banwidth usage. They will probably tell you that you need a T1 line. So your best bet to outsource mail server.

The most secure way to connect your network to the internet is to rout your gateway. In other words configure a router with your gateway's IP address than directly connecting your file server. You have another level of security with a router.

It's cheaper to outsource a mail client than it is to manage your own for a one-server/15 workstation network. I am assuming you are running a workgroup not a domain.

Good Luck,
Russell Smith
http://www.mawebcenters.com/kate123w...net/index.html

[onthink]

many thanks