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date: Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:37:02 -0700,
group: microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
back
Re: recommendation for small office network
husky86 wrote:
> My wife works in a small office situation where there are 3 computers
> connected by a small local area network. Her computer is the unofficial hub
> of the office, the computer where most of the client files are located. The
> other 2 computers tap into her system in order to have access to those files.
>
> She has now been given official clearance to begin looking for a replacement
> computer system for her office as a result of her system being 7 years old.
>
> With respect to recommendations: outside of trying to get the fastest hard
> drive(s) (the budget will allow), the most memory (also tied to budget), and
> an adequate video card, is there any specific hardware recommendations that
> might be made with respect to her particular computer serving as the hub of
> the office? With respect to this local area network situation?
>
> As it is now, whenever people are attempting to access files, it slows down
> her system quite noticeably.
It will be easier to manage if all PCs run the same OS. If you plan to
replace the pseudo-server PC with something that runs Vista, then you should
also replace the other PCs with Vista PCs; alternatively, if you want to
continue with XP (I'm guessing) on the client PCs, then try to get another
XP PC for the pseudo-server PC. And, if you opt for Vista, plan on some
learning curve for all users.
For the HD, don't look for speed: all standard PC HDs run 7200 RPM, and the
speed variation is pretty minor. Look for capacity, and don't be tempted to
get some no-name brand. Also, larger HD caches will help performance a bit,
but don't spend major extra $s for that.
For a pseudo-server PC, I'd get an Intel Core2Duo CPU, so that one core will
be available for the local user while the other core handles the networking
(and disk serving) traffic; don't get hung up on getting the fastest such
CPU, since you'll be charged a hefty premium for the last ounce of speed.
{It seems to me that Intel's CPUs are better than AMD's right now, but I'm
certainly not afraid of AMD stuff.}
As for memory, get at least 1GB for XP or at least 2GB for Vista. More RAM
will help performance -- 2GB for XP and 3GB for 32-bit Vista.
Also, since those PCs are not for gamers, integrated graphics should suffice
and will save a few $s.
Just my opinions.
--
Cheers, Bob
date: Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:30:14 -0400
author: Bob Willard
Re: recommendation for small office network
Thanks very much for this information
We actually like the cost of this potential Home Server situation quite a
bit. It's much less expensive than the ML110 entry-level server offered by
HP. (With even a basic configuration we are still talking about nearly twice
the price.)
After contacting an HP representative about the Home Server today, he
actually tried to talk me out of it, saying that it probably wasn't fast
enough or powerful enough for our small office situation (even though I
explained to him that we are only talking about 3 computers being hooked up).
It seems to me that he was more interested in making a more expensive sale. I
could be incorrect about this, but it was the general feeling that I got.
After looking at the link that you provided, I'm of the opinion that this
Home Server would still be adequate for our needs.
To give you a few more technical specs regarding the operation:
This is a financial services business. We are sharing files from Office 2007
Pro, UltraTax, and Peachtree accounting software. That's it. Those are the
only associated program files that need to be shared. So we are still
thinking that a server situation would be better than having my wife's
computer serve as the hub.
Just wanted to get a double confirmation on this.
Many thanks!
"Jack (MVP-Networking)." wrote:
> Hi
> Take a look at the HP Media server. It runs Windows Home Server.
> http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2007/11/23/hp-mediasmart-server-ex475-hands-on-review/
> What type of Windows is running on the other computers is Not so crucial.\
> Upgrading each computer to Giga Network card, and connecting it to a Giga
> Switch can improve significantly the Network performance.
> Jack (MS, MVP-Networking)
>
> "husky86" wrote in message
> news:F7CA40EF-0473-4567-A241-4906379BB09D@microsoft.com...
> > My wife works in a small office situation where there are 3 computers
> > connected by a small local area network. Her computer is the unofficial
> > hub
> > of the office, the computer where most of the client files are located.
> > The
> > other 2 computers tap into her system in order to have access to those
> > files.
> >
> > She has now been given official clearance to begin looking for a
> > replacement
> > computer system for her office as a result of her system being 7 years
> > old.
> >
> > With respect to recommendations: outside of trying to get the fastest hard
> > drive(s) (the budget will allow), the most memory (also tied to budget),
> > and
> > an adequate video card, is there any specific hardware recommendations
> > that
> > might be made with respect to her particular computer serving as the hub
> > of
> > the office? With respect to this local area network situation?
> >
> > As it is now, whenever people are attempting to access files, it slows
> > down
> > her system quite noticeably.
>
>
date: Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:42:01 -0700
author: husky86
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