Networking Windows XP to a server computer

[Rikkelz]

Howzit All!

I was just wondering about how to go about setting up a network that has seperate usernames (ie. from 1 - 390) that would connect to the server and would each have, lets say 100mb space each. There are 26 computers and there are 390 users, I was wanting to set it up so that each user would have their own desktop and settings and those setting would stay the same no matter what computer they went to...

Anyone understand what I'm trying to say? I tried a search on google but I dunno exactly what to search for...

Thanks Again...

Rikkelz

[Zac]

Setup your server and name your domain
Just join your pcs to domain (MyComp.-Properties-network id-change, you will need to create a Computer in the domain with the same name as yours first though)
Everything else you are talking about can be controlled using policies (go to run and type gpedit.msc on 2000 or XP, poledit on NT server) if you are using NT server you will need to set up roaming profiles so the users settings follow them around, on 2000 or XP it is standard.

This is just a basic overview if you need any more help post back but a search on "network setup tutorial" should provide some answers for you

[Rikkelz]

Thanks a stack zachariah! So I do the domain thing on all pc's including the server znd then use gpedit.msc? Will I configure the users in gpedit? how does it know to keep its settings saved in one place? Sorry to be a pain!

The server is currently running 2000 (soon to be upgraded to 2003 Server Edition) and the network running xp pro.

Thanks Again!!!

Rikkelz

[Zac]

Yes you need to join all the XP pcs to the domain.
You can apply policies to users or groups with gpedit
It keeps its settings stored centrally using active directory

[Where Did I Go?]

Oh wow, I wanted to do this, so different members of my family have different logins... that where accessable all around the house.
At present I am currently just simply using "sharing", which is ok, but not exactly what I wanted.

I wanted the login facility, so everyone has different rights, around the house.

When I asked this Rikkelz, I was told I had to do it with Windows NT, which costs a fair bit. :confused:

[Where Did I Go?]

Sorry to jump on this thread, just I am looking at doing this same thing.

Do all pc's have to be on XP? is all the data saved on the server machine, for every user? i.e just share a big hard-drive for teh entire network.

How complicated is it to do this? I just looked at that gpedit.msc, and it looks what we'd need to setup the user accounts.

Also, at present, I have an internal ADSL modem in my server PC, and then a netowrk cable running from every computer to a SWITCHER. Is this ok for this network, or woult I need an external modem and router?

Appreciate you help, Many thanks.

Rikkelz, if you dnt want me posting on here, just say, and I will delete my posts, and create a new thread :)

Cheers :cheers:

[Rikkelz]

Where Did I Go? (http://www.dvdrom-guide.com/forums/member.php?u=262); Not a problem! The more people the better! I'll give it a try on the machines!

-----Rikkelz------

[Zac]

You need a server OS that is based on NT you don't need NT. Windows NT server, Windows 2000 server or Server 2003 they are all fairly expensive to buy. If you want the full benefits you need to use NTFS so you need the client pcs to be running an NT based OS too. It can be done with 95, 98 or me but you won't be able to keep seperate files on the PC, ie. if someone logs on to the PC in the lounge they will be able to see all the files stored locally on that PC. Ideally you will want the same OS on the server and the other PCs just for simplicity, and yes you should save all your files on the server

If you don't have basic networking experience this can get fairly complicated, if you do have some experience you should be able to get through it.

Your current cabling and switch setup will do