Hello,

Ok, its like this. I run a family business where I need 6 computers sharing files and the internet connection for web browsing and email at all times. I installed a wireless network - bought a 3com 11mps gateway with 5 usb external lan cards. One computer is connected by a Lan cable to gateway. At first it was great: sharing files, the email account from the ISP, sharing WinFax, sharring the printer (which is connected to one of the computers as the host). But I keep having reoccuring network problems: email account is flooded with emails, one of the computer loses its connection to the router and on the LAN, winfax crashes and doesnt operate on any of the client PCs, just on the host.

My problem is this: given the circumstances mentioned above, can someone give me step-by-step instructions of installing and configuring a network server? I don't know anything about network servers. At first, I was told I have to spend US$4000 on a single machine called a 'server' and then hook it up to my gateway. Then sometime later, someone said I just need to be a stand-alone desktop with a fast CPU, 1gb of DDR RAM, 100gb hd (which would cost about US$700) and than just install Windows Server 2003 (which I dont know how to install, configure and operate). So for someone who doesn't know squat about network servers is somewhat clueless what to do. One thing I want to avoid is to hire someone do it for me when I can do it myself and learn something worthwhile along the way. SO some guidance and expert advice would be greatly appreciated from anyone.

Thanks
Alex :)

First what OS's are you running?

Did the fax work at one time?

You should work on one problem at a time.

I don't think you need a server yet. However a server would be good to have a central repository for files. A modestly priced machine would be sufficient.

HI,

all the machines are using windows xp home ed. Actually, I have become accustomed to solving the problems mentioned above. The bigger problem is that these network problems keep reoccuring. I am under the impression that a server will ensure the stability and reliability of our broadband internet connection to the gateway and hence all the computers on the LAN. Also since we get a lot of emails everyday, it would be nice to have a program like mircosoft exchange server to keep and maintain an effective database of all the receivable emails on a daily business assorted by the contacts which we send and receive emails too.

Alex

Hello,

Ok, its like this. I run a family business where I need 6 computers sharing files and the internet connection for web browsing and email at all times. I installed a wireless network - bought

you might want a "file server" to house all the files that your employees share. Just a regular pc would do. If you are wanting to setup a domain with a domain controller, you will have to first purchase XP Pro for all your employees. XP Home does not allow a domain setup, it only works for workgroups. The advantages of setting up a domain controller would be better security and centralization of user accounts.

From the discription of some of the problems that you are having. It could be caused by viruses or a crap load of spyware. Do you have a firewall or just a dsl modem? I recommed installing adaware on all the pc's and let it scan for spy ware. That crap can cause alot of issues. You can get it from www.lavasoftusa.com There is a free version there to download. If you do not have a firewall, the cheap way is to download zonealarm from www.zonealarm.com It's easy to install and will block alot of the junk coming in. One problem I found with it was that I have 3 pc's on a workgroup at home and with zonealarm running, we couldn't share files so I had to do a little research to figure out how to get zonealarm to let us share files.
If this is your business and you rely on it to put grub in the frig, I recommend spending a few bucks to get it setup right. Just think what it would cost if you lost it all.