Windows 2000 Active Directory switch?

Question

Is going from Windows NT 4.0 to Windows 2000 Active Directory really worth the time and effort? The current network works fine and we only have about 20 users.

Answer 1

I assume you mean 2003, instead of 2000 (which is also out of date).

It's not worth it at all, until someone hacks your NT network because it lacks even basic security built in. Or until you want to have file security to keep disgruntled/inept users from accessing or destroying your confidential business data. Or if you want to use Exchange 2003, Sharepoint Services, OWA, ISA or any one of a score of major enhancements. Or if you want your users to be more productive with better integration with Office and other applications. Or if you want to set up VPN or other secure remote access. Or... or... or.

I once owned a 1956 International pickup. It worked just fine. But it didn't have an air conditioner, radio, back seat for the kids, automatic transmission, seat belts, disk brakes... It was hard to find spare parts, or anyone who really knew how to work on it. The bed was way too small for a sheet of plywood. But, hey... no "need" to replace it, was there?

When I was a kid, they were asking the same question about push-button phones (remember the old rotary dialers?). It all depends upon whether you want to enter the modern era, or cripple along with antiquated equipment.

Answer 2

Connect the DSL modem to the phone line using a normal telephone cable. Connect the DSL modem's ethernet port to the router's WAN port, using an ethernet cable. Connect the router's LAN port to one of the switch's ports, using an ethernet cable. Connect each computer's LAN port to the other ports on the switch, using ethernet cables. In all, you will need one DSL modem, one router, one switch with at least sixteen ports, one telephone cable, and seventeen ethernet cables. Each computer will require a LAN port, either built-in or a PCI card. Unless you have reasons to assign fixed IP addresses, set each computer's LAN connections to use dynamically assigned IP addresses, and configure the router to assign IP addresses via DHCP. The router and modem settings specific to the DSL connection will vary with your ISP, who should provide you with the information you need. Windows 2000 does not include a software firewall. So you should either install firewall software on each computer (which would be a pain to manage fifteen times over) or use a router with a built-in firewall. Most of today's routers have at least some firewall capability. This description directly answers your question with the specific pieces of hardware you mentioned. There are other variations, such as wireless connections, using multiple switches, using a combined DSL modem/router, etc. Perhaps the links below may be useful.

Answer 3

If its not broke then don't fix it. It could be time consuming and depends on how much knowledge you have on this sort of thing. But I'd say just leave as is for noew until it becomes broken :-)