Hi I wanted to know what would be the best way to network together 5 computers to run a tax software off of one main PC (not a server just a regular PC) for my business

The network itself is of minor importance. A simple Peer to Peer network via a switch may is probably all that is required. The deciding factor is the Tax Software you are using and whether is written to allow multi-user access over a network. The documentation for the software should tell you all you need to know as regards networking if it has networking capabilities. Stuart

yeah i baught a network version of the tax software (cost more) i am purchasing a server would the peer to peer networking still be the way to go?

There are two ways to run an application on more than one machine. Either it needs to be setup to run under terminal services (Microsoft or something like citrix or 2X) or you can run some sort of remote desktop. Remote desktops include Microsoft's and other third party. Also there is a device that allows one to run such as Ncomputing. If you purchased a product that is for Microsoft and it is for terminal services then you would need some way to deploy it. Either an Active Directory or standard type of workgroup would work to deploy it. You'd need a server Operating System or some other way to deploy terminal services. It might be easier to get 5 copies of simple software. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

As the first responder stated the most important factor is the software itself and what it is capable of. You state that you bougt the "network" version. What exactly does that mean? Does the network versin require a dedicated server? Or does it mean that the application can be run by multiple users and just needs to be installed to a centralized location? There are a lot of variables involved, but all of which should be provided by the software vendor. BTW: I happen work for a Tax & Accounting software company and if it was our software you could simply call tech support. That would be a better route than asking on a forum such as this as the people responding typically would not have the background information needed to properly answer your questions. Michael J

It is true that some products such as filemaker pro can run as a sudo networked system. In computer world that would be the exception to the rule. Most "networked" versions are for terminal services. But, let us know what you purchased. Unless someone knew for sure what you purchased then not even tax software company employees would know. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

"sudo"? Is that the computer equivalent of "judo" or did you mean to say "pseudo"? Most network versions of "accounting" software do not use terminal services. This comes from first hand experience with my own company's software as well as the major competitors. In fact I've used many "network" versions of software and very few have utilized terminal services. The majority have used a dedicated service running on a machine with a client install on the user's machines. Michael J