What do you recommend to start an office network with 5-6 computers?

Question

How should I start? Should I get a server? I want to have all these computers share a medical program in real time. I dont have dsl-only dial up at this point, but in the future it is possible. Would I have to get the walls wired for CAT5 cables? What is the most feasible choice-Any help is appreciated. My first choice is to designate one computer as the server and then link thru wireless--not sure if it can be done, so I need some advice. I dont have much experience in networking.

Answer 1

I would always recommend a server, a workstation acting as a server is never a good idea, especially if someone will be using the workstation on a regular basis. If you can't foresee going beyond 10 or 20 workstations and one server in the future, Windows 2003r2 SBS is a good choice. It will allow you to administer files, users, and printers all from one location.

I would also stay away from wireless, especially if you're going to be working with medical records. Although WPA does a better job then WEP with encryption, you're still radiating any data out to the rest of the world. I would look into running copper to your six computers.

About the medical software, that's a difficult question to answer without knowing the software. I would call the software manufacturer with all of your question and see what they say.

My suggestion to you is to look into hiring a network consulting firm to manage your network. I'm not saying that you don't know what you're doing, but it's always 1000% better to have someone who's experienced in these matters setting up and managing your network. Being as small as it is you'll probably only have to pay them to come in and set it up once with one or two service calls a year.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Everything depends on the Medical program. If the medical program was designed to allow multiple users in at the same time. I would get a computer(server) so way the program can always be accessed when not all the computers are on and the data is current. You would also need a switch (I would suggest if you are planning to grow) or a router to allow the computers to connect to the server and allow access to the internet.
Run CAT5 in the walls wired to hide them - connection speed is faster. If you are worried about wire cluster, just bunch the wires in a single group and nylon strap them together. Wireless is good connection, but the speed is slower than CAT5 wiring. If the wireless connection point goes down you are SLOing not just one person but everyone. Troubleshooting the issue can be difficult and depending on the location of the access point (wireless) and the location of the desks the signal could be stronger in one location and weaker in another.
You also have to keep in mind future growth wireless may not be the best option.
As far as dsl or dial-up, I would got with dsl connection - a way better connection than dial-up. Always you may qualify for a business account which may have better bandwith than residential

Answer 3

It will depend upon the software you are talking about.
Can the software run on a server?
Do you need a license for each user?
Will it only run on windows or some other type of operating system?
Will each desktop need to share files with other pcs?
What are the security requirements?
You could use wireless but if this network would provide access to confidential information, it's not a good idea in which case cat 5 or 6 wiring would be preferred.

At a minimum, if you are planning to provide internet access to these pcs, you need to think about what type of firewall protection you need to protect from outside attacks and if you are dealing with patient files, you want the confidential information isolated from those users just browsing the internet.

If you have to purchase the software for each machine, you'll need to compare it to going the server route. Using a server is easier from an administration standpoint but it also means that if the server is down, none of the other pcs can access the software. How does a multiple license server version compare to buying multiple copies of desktop software. You'll need to compare pricing.

Even if you are only currently on dialup, I would give serious thought to the security implications of your design as it will be impacted down the road when you add a faster internet connection.

Answer 4

if you are not real familiar with networking, call some networking companies around your area to see if they will give an estimate.

you are on the right track though, dedicate one computer as a server and have it dialed-in to the internet. windows supports 10 connections through peer-to-peer networking, so you have that covered. connections between computers will require cross over cables and the speed won't be that bad. your slowest resource will be the server connected to the internet because of the dial up. if you can afford dsl, go that route. your entire set-up will improve from it.

if you go dsl, you will want to buy a workgroup switch, which will split your connection but you won't lose bandwidth. this is your best bet. hope this helps

Answer 5

First of all you don't need a server for just one application. You will need an additional computer that will handle the request load of that application. Do you have license for all the computers to run this application? I'm assuming you want to install this on all the computers and have the files saved on the new computer. Another note you need to research the application to verify it can do what your needing.

You need to put all the computers in a work group.You DON"T need wireless in this small setting. Having CAT5 ran throughout the office is the best option you could also get a router to cut down on the wiring cost. email me if you need more help (title yahoo Q & A). this is what i do for a living.

Answer 6

If you have a new office I would wire for CAT5 as this would be good for future expansion and ease of networking. You are right instead of buying an expensive server just have 1 PC (yours would work) and point everyone to that PC. Make sure that everyone is on the same workgroup (I believe Windows is MSHOME for the workgroup) also make sure that everyones PC is on the same subnet (Example: 192.168.3.1 (your PC) 192.168.3.2 (co-workers PC) and so on). I wouldn't worry about wireless at this time (security issues you have to learn about). If you are running WinXP than you could just share your Internet connection and files (mind you it will be really SLOWWWW). Then all can share this medical program and Internet.

Answer 7

Network cards, leads and a hub. That's it, oh and you'll spend a little time setting up. It's cheaper than you think. No server is needed in a peer to peer system. It's also a good idea to have each machine running the same version of the operating system.

Answer 8

a million) First make sure that your workplace has a broadband interent connection. I might believe any workplace might have this already. two) Purchase a Router and set up it among the Cable/DSL modem and the PCs three) Connect each and every PC to the router (this might be stressed out cat5e or Wirelessly). Done. All PCs will now be at the identical community and proportion the web connection.

Answer 9

is the medical server web based? If so, you can get use the http ports