🚀 go-pugleaf

On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 10:01:10 +1100, "Sam" <sam_man@hotmail.com> wrote:

>I am interested in getting views on a proposed office network. I have taken
>some advice from a boffin but have no way of checking whether that advice is
>good or bad. I am hoping that the collective brains trust in these groups
>might shed some light on the subject. Please bear in mind that I am not far
>advanced from computer illiterate. If these questions are incomprehensible
>then that might be the explanation.
>
>We have 4 staff, each with their own stand alone computers. I am going to
>acquire four new computers. Those in my office tell me that I need to change
>the current arrangement to an office network.
>
>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
>
>The questions I would like to answer for the new office network are
>
>1. is a server as well as the 4 desk tops a good idea. ie what would a
>server add? Is it just the ability to view/access others files? What are the
>relative advantages and disadvantages of adding a server eg accessibility
>and cost effectiveness?
>
>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
>
>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?
>
>Thank you.
>
>Sam
>
>
First ask yourself 

What are the business needs in this operation?
What are the identified WORK problems with the
current situation - If it aint broke dont fix it?
Does everybody need to have email access?
Does everybody need to have Internet access?
Will time be lost to personal or general surfing?
What will or could be stored on a server?
What programs need to be accessable by more than
one person?
Do you really need new computers?

I have often been consulted by small enterprises with
these same ideas and found that many did not need to
make any changes beyond buying a switch and network cards
to allow internal message sending. 

Where you go will depend upon those answers. You can also
have a local network without it having to be on the Internet.

I know a small business where only one machine is connected
to the Internet for corporate emails and business surfing -
it is shared by all staff.

Many small operations find it more productive to use an
accounting package that sits on a server and the staff all
access it from the server via the local network. Often this
means a new version of the software that allows this.

If setting up a network you need Network Interface Cards
in each machine and a switch to connect them, cable connection
provides better security - wifi provides easier rearrangement.

If making major changes you may wish to consider alternative
software etc. Using Linux you could save lots of money on
the licence fees for the basic software and get by with lower
level equipment.

There are many arguements for and against particular hardware,
most are personal preference and experience only. All are
reasonable but you should be guided by the requirements of the
software that you intend to use.

If you are based anywhere in the Riverina I would be happy to
provide a proper analysis and quote.

But keep in mind the computers are a tool to assist your
business needs not staff toys.