🚀 go-pugleaf

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.

You should be asking them what they
want to see that they dont currently have.

> 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?

It varys depending on how its used. You can have all the files
that matter on it, accessed from there by the individual PCs.

That makes it simpler to backup, but depends
on what the accounting system can support etc.

> What are the relative advantages and disadvantages
> of adding a server eg accessibility and cost effectiveness?

Main advantage is centralising files so they can be backed
up properly. Main disadvantage is that it needs to be fixed
quickly if it breaks and isnt as easy to setup.

> 2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.

I prefer celerons for their quietness, perfectly
adequate performance for that situation.

> 3. Are there any issues bout these
> being accessible and cost effective?

Not really but its not very clear what this question is about. 

"Sam" <sam_man@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4363ff37$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> 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?

You haven't said what  business you are running and what applications you
would be using.

At a glance of what you posted , the ideal way is to set up a Star Network
topology using a central network switch with all the computers and the
server coming off it.

The server will act as a primary domain controller and you will be able to
centralise all the office data files / data base /accounting system .....
etc

The workstations can either logon to  the server domain or they can logon
without joining the server domain.

As with the older computers , if they are not very old , like a 1 Ghz or
above , you can redeploy some
of them for print servers as well one as a firewall /proxy server to the
internet for all your emails and web browsing and you can even use one of
them to be a backup the server data.

Backups can be also be done by using a 200 Gb Maxtor One Touch USB external
HDD that can be placed anywhere away from the server.


As with the type of computers , the server should be a P4 server , you can
get the budget ones for about $4,000 and for the workstations , the Celerons
would be alright.



-- 
------------------------------------
True Multitasking is having three computers and a chair with wheels.


Sandgroper
------------------------------------
Remove KNICKERS to Email
steveray@KNICKERSiinet.net.au

Sam, whenever I was in your position I found it worthwhile to get a number of
'quotes' for the 'item' in question.  While to some degree you will find this a
bit confusing, you will gradually learn the questions to ask.

David



Sam 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.

Sam committed to the eternal aether...:

> 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?

It's a good idea for the reasons already stated by others (backing up being
the biggest benefit). It doesn't need to be a 'real' server, it can be a
lesser machine than the desktops if all you are doing is sharing some files
and printers.

> 2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.

The cheapest one. I use AMD myself but I wouldn't say they are better then
intel or vice versa.

> 3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?

You could probably use the existing computers depending on how old they are
and what software they need to run. If you only need to use existing
software plus a web browser and email client then this may be an option.
Naturally the boffin wants to sell you new stuff.

In your situation it will be difficult if not impossible to justify the
capital on a ROCI basis. I would say do it with minimum specs to suit your
applications but reasonable quality, plan to replace it all in 3 years and
ensure it's well supported by the vendor or someone else.

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.
>


What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance? How
will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How would
you like your business to peform better?


>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.

How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you use
a centralised server for distributing email? 

What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up accounts
too?

What accounting system do you use?

>
>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?

How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
several peices of string would distribute the load better?

>
>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.

I prefer the short string.

>
>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?

I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems rather
than asking for advice on something that no one here can answer. What
has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?

IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and this
may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster. 

You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
on your business.


>
>Thank you.
>
>Sam
>
>

Sam 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

Is your business already wired for networking? If not, are you going to 
try wireless or have it professionally wired for gigabit ethernet? I'd 
recommend the latter, especially if you're going to be having the 
desktops connect to a server for user data and such.

Ari

-- 
spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply

I'm going to die rather sooner than I'd like. I tried to protect my 
neighbours from crime, and became the victim of it. Complications in 
hospital following this resulted in a serious illness. I now need a bone 
marrow transplant. Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow 
transplant, too. Please volunteer to be a marrow donor:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/

The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:

> 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.
>>
> 
> 
> What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
> what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
> peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance? How
> will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How would
> you like your business to peform better?
> 
> 
>>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
> 
> How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you use
> a centralised server for distributing email? 
> 
> What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up accounts
> too?
> 
> What accounting system do you use?
> 
>>
>>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?
> 
> How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
> more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
> several peices of string would distribute the load better?
> 
>>
>>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
> 
> I prefer the short string.
> 
>>
>>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?
> 
> I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
> issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
> not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems rather
> than asking for advice on something that no one here can answer. What
> has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?
> 
> IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
> customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
> analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
> think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
> ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and this
> may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster. 
> 
> You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
> on your business.

I'd be amazed if anyone would actually buy anything from a pretentious
smart arse like you m8.

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.

Damien McBain wrote:
> The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
> 
> 
>>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.
>>>
>>
>>
>>What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
>>what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
>>peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance? How
>>will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How would
>>you like your business to peform better?
>>
>>
>>
>>>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
>>
>>How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you use
>>a centralised server for distributing email? 
>>
>>What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up accounts
>>too?
>>
>>What accounting system do you use?
>>
>>
>>>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?
>>
>>How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
>>more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
>>several peices of string would distribute the load better?
>>
>>
>>>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
>>
>>I prefer the short string.
>>
>>
>>>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?
>>
>>I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
>>issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
>>not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems rather
>>than asking for advice on something that no one here can answer. What
>>has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?
>>
>>IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
>>customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
>>analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
>>think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
>>ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and this
>>may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster. 
>>
>>You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
>>on your business.
> 
> 
> I'd be amazed if anyone would actually buy anything from a pretentious
> smart arse like you m8.

I've read his post, and found most of his comments and questions to be 
pretty relevant for the OP and things I was wondering about, too. What 
did you take issue with?

Cheers,

Ari

-- 
spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply

I'm going to die rather sooner than I'd like. I tried to protect my 
neighbours from crime, and became the victim of it. Complications in 
hospital following this resulted in a serious illness. I now need a bone 
marrow transplant. Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow 
transplant, too. Please volunteer to be a marrow donor:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/

spodosaurus <spodosaurus@_yahoo_.com> wrote
> Damien McBain wrote
>> The Real Andy
>>> 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.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
>>> what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
>>> peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance?
>>> How will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How
>>> would you like your business to peform better?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
>>>
>>> How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you
>>> use a centralised server for distributing email?
>>>
>>> What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up
>>> accounts too?
>>>
>>> What accounting system do you use?
>>>
>>>
>>>> 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?
>>>
>>> How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
>>> more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
>>> several peices of string would distribute the load better?
>>>
>>>
>>>> 2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
>>>
>>> I prefer the short string.
>>>
>>>
>>>> 3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost
>>>> effective?
>>>
>>> I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
>>> issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
>>> not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems
>>> rather than asking for advice on something that no one here can
>>> answer. What has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?
>>>
>>> IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
>>> customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
>>> analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
>>> think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
>>> ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and
>>> this may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster.
>>>
>>> You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
>>> on your business.
>>
>>
>> I'd be amazed if anyone would actually buy anything from a
>> pretentious smart arse like you m8.

> I've read his post, and found most of his comments and questions to be pretty 
> relevant for the OP and things I was wondering about, too. What did you take 
> issue with?

McBain is just another pathetically bitter and twisted drunk. 

On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 14:03:00 GMT, Damien McBain
<news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:

>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>
>> 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.
>>>
>> 
>> 
>> What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
>> what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
>> peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance? How
>> will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How would
>> you like your business to peform better?
>> 
>> 
>>>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
>> 
>> How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you use
>> a centralised server for distributing email? 
>> 
>> What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up accounts
>> too?
>> 
>> What accounting system do you use?
>> 
>>>
>>>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?
>> 
>> How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
>> more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
>> several peices of string would distribute the load better?
>> 
>>>
>>>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
>> 
>> I prefer the short string.
>> 
>>>
>>>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?
>> 
>> I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
>> issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
>> not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems rather
>> than asking for advice on something that no one here can answer. What
>> has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?
>> 
>> IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
>> customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
>> analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
>> think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
>> ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and this
>> may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster. 
>> 
>> You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
>> on your business.
>
>I'd be amazed if anyone would actually buy anything from a pretentious
>smart arse like you m8.


Funny that, i usually find that business like it when i ask them what
they need and force them to question what they really need. I used to
outsell the sales guys in my last job, and guess who always landed the
big contracts?

star network topology you say. and the other choices would be...?

"Sandgroper" <steveray@KNICKERSiinet.net.au> wrote in message 
news:43645002$0$20395$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>
> "Sam" <sam_man@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:4363ff37$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>> 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?
>
> You haven't said what  business you are running and what applications you
> would be using.
>
> At a glance of what you posted , the ideal way is to set up a Star Network
> topology using a central network switch with all the computers and the
> server coming off it.
>
> The server will act as a primary domain controller and you will be able to
> centralise all the office data files / data base /accounting system .....
> etc
>
> The workstations can either logon to  the server domain or they can logon
> without joining the server domain.
>
> As with the older computers , if they are not very old , like a 1 Ghz or
> above , you can redeploy some
> of them for print servers as well one as a firewall /proxy server to the
> internet for all your emails and web browsing and you can even use one of
> them to be a backup the server data.
>
> Backups can be also be done by using a 200 Gb Maxtor One Touch USB 
> external
> HDD that can be placed anywhere away from the server.
>
>
> As with the type of computers , the server should be a P4 server , you can
> get the budget ones for about $4,000 and for the workstations , the 
> Celerons
> would be alright.
>
>
>
> -- 
> ------------------------------------
> True Multitasking is having three computers and a chair with wheels.
>
>
> Sandgroper
> ------------------------------------
> Remove KNICKERS to Email
> steveray@KNICKERSiinet.net.au
>
>
> 

"nbs" <nbs@hotmail.com> wrote in message 
news:43659fa4$0$20419$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
> star network topology you say. and the other choices would be...?


P2P - your ignorance is showing !

And you need to know the difference between an ohm and an arsehole.

You have to put the correct quantity of the right one on the end of each 
cable. 

The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:

> On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 14:03:00 GMT, Damien McBain
> <news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:
> 
>>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>>
>>> 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.
>>>>
>>> 
>>> 
>>> What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
>>> what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
>>> peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance? How
>>> will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How would
>>> you like your business to peform better?
>>> 
>>> 
>>>>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
>>> 
>>> How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you use
>>> a centralised server for distributing email? 
>>> 
>>> What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up accounts
>>> too?
>>> 
>>> What accounting system do you use?
>>> 
>>>>
>>>>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?
>>> 
>>> How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
>>> more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
>>> several peices of string would distribute the load better?
>>> 
>>>>
>>>>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
>>> 
>>> I prefer the short string.
>>> 
>>>>
>>>>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?
>>> 
>>> I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
>>> issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
>>> not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems rather
>>> than asking for advice on something that no one here can answer. What
>>> has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?
>>> 
>>> IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
>>> customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
>>> analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
>>> think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
>>> ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and this
>>> may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster. 
>>> 
>>> You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
>>> on your business.
>>
>>I'd be amazed if anyone would actually buy anything from a pretentious
>>smart arse like you m8.
> 
> 
> Funny that, i usually find that business like it when i ask them what
> they need and force them to question what they really need. I used to
> outsell the sales guys in my last job, and guess who always landed the
> big contracts?

That's fair enough even if it's true, but in your previous post you were
insinuating that the fella is a complete dope who knows nothing about his
business, or has not already analysed his business. You don't know anything
about his process to date, you just assume it's flawed. Pretentious.

On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:26:59 GMT, Damien McBain
<news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:

>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>
>> On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 14:03:00 GMT, Damien McBain
>> <news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:
>> 
>>>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>>>
>>>> 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.
>>>>>
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
>>>> what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
>>>> peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance? How
>>>> will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How would
>>>> you like your business to peform better?
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
>>>> 
>>>> How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you use
>>>> a centralised server for distributing email? 
>>>> 
>>>> What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up accounts
>>>> too?
>>>> 
>>>> What accounting system do you use?
>>>> 
>>>>>
>>>>>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?
>>>> 
>>>> How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
>>>> more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
>>>> several peices of string would distribute the load better?
>>>> 
>>>>>
>>>>>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
>>>> 
>>>> I prefer the short string.
>>>> 
>>>>>
>>>>>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?
>>>> 
>>>> I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
>>>> issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
>>>> not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems rather
>>>> than asking for advice on something that no one here can answer. What
>>>> has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?
>>>> 
>>>> IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
>>>> customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
>>>> analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
>>>> think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
>>>> ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and this
>>>> may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster. 
>>>> 
>>>> You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
>>>> on your business.
>>>
>>>I'd be amazed if anyone would actually buy anything from a pretentious
>>>smart arse like you m8.
>> 
>> 
>> Funny that, i usually find that business like it when i ask them what
>> they need and force them to question what they really need. I used to
>> outsell the sales guys in my last job, and guess who always landed the
>> big contracts?
>
>That's fair enough even if it's true, but in your previous post you were
>insinuating that the fella is a complete dope who knows nothing about his
>business, or has not already analysed his business. You don't know anything
>about his process to date, you just assume it's flawed. Pretentious.

Hang on a tick, let me quote the OP.

"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." 

"Please bear in mind that I am not far advanced from computer
illiterate. If these questions are incomprehensible then that might be
the explanation."

I was not assuming he did not know his business. I was assuming that
based on the comments that he did not understand how the computers or
data requirements affected his business.

The Real Andy wrote:
> On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:26:59 GMT, Damien McBain
> <news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:
> 
> 
>>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>>
>>
>>>On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 14:03:00 GMT, Damien McBain
>>><news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>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.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
>>>>>what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
>>>>>peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance? How
>>>>>will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How would
>>>>>you like your business to peform better?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
>>>>>
>>>>>How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you use
>>>>>a centralised server for distributing email? 
>>>>>
>>>>>What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up accounts
>>>>>too?
>>>>>
>>>>>What accounting system do you use?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>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?
>>>>>
>>>>>How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
>>>>>more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
>>>>>several peices of string would distribute the load better?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
>>>>>
>>>>>I prefer the short string.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?
>>>>>
>>>>>I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
>>>>>issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
>>>>>not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems rather
>>>>>than asking for advice on something that no one here can answer. What
>>>>>has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?
>>>>>
>>>>>IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
>>>>>customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
>>>>>analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
>>>>>think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
>>>>>ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and this
>>>>>may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster. 
>>>>>
>>>>>You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
>>>>>on your business.
>>>>
>>>>I'd be amazed if anyone would actually buy anything from a pretentious
>>>>smart arse like you m8.
>>>
>>>
>>>Funny that, i usually find that business like it when i ask them what
>>>they need and force them to question what they really need. I used to
>>>outsell the sales guys in my last job, and guess who always landed the
>>>big contracts?
>>
>>That's fair enough even if it's true, but in your previous post you were
>>insinuating that the fella is a complete dope who knows nothing about his
>>business, or has not already analysed his business. You don't know anything
>>about his process to date, you just assume it's flawed. Pretentious.
> 
> 
> Hang on a tick, let me quote the OP.
> 
> "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." 
> 
> "Please bear in mind that I am not far advanced from computer
> illiterate. If these questions are incomprehensible then that might be
> the explanation."
> 
> I was not assuming he did not know his business. I was assuming that
> based on the comments that he did not understand how the computers or
> data requirements affected his business.
> 
> 

And I got the same impression from the OP's post. I'm really not sure 
what crawled up Damien's backside and laid eggs, as he still hasn't 
responded to my other post in this thread asking him what precisely he 
took issue with.

Ari


-- 
spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply

I'm going to die rather sooner than I'd like. I tried to protect my 
neighbours from crime, and became the victim of it. Complications in 
hospital following this resulted in a serious illness. I now need a bone 
marrow transplant. Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow 
transplant, too. Please volunteer to be a marrow donor:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/

spodosaurus committed to the eternal aether...:

> The Real Andy wrote:
>> On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:26:59 GMT, Damien McBain
>> <news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>>>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>>>
>>>
>>>>On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 14:03:00 GMT, Damien McBain
>>>><news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>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.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
>>>>>>what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
>>>>>>peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance? How
>>>>>>will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How would
>>>>>>you like your business to peform better?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you use
>>>>>>a centralised server for distributing email? 
>>>>>>
>>>>>>What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up accounts
>>>>>>too?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>What accounting system do you use?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>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?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
>>>>>>more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
>>>>>>several peices of string would distribute the load better?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I prefer the short string.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
>>>>>>issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
>>>>>>not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems rather
>>>>>>than asking for advice on something that no one here can answer. What
>>>>>>has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
>>>>>>customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
>>>>>>analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
>>>>>>think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
>>>>>>ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and this
>>>>>>may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster. 
>>>>>>
>>>>>>You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
>>>>>>on your business.
>>>>>
>>>>>I'd be amazed if anyone would actually buy anything from a pretentious
>>>>>smart arse like you m8.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Funny that, i usually find that business like it when i ask them what
>>>>they need and force them to question what they really need. I used to
>>>>outsell the sales guys in my last job, and guess who always landed the
>>>>big contracts?
>>>
>>>That's fair enough even if it's true, but in your previous post you were
>>>insinuating that the fella is a complete dope who knows nothing about his
>>>business, or has not already analysed his business. You don't know anything
>>>about his process to date, you just assume it's flawed. Pretentious.

>> Hang on a tick, let me quote the OP.
>> 
>> "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." 
>> 
>> "Please bear in mind that I am not far advanced from computer
>> illiterate. If these questions are incomprehensible then that might be
>> the explanation."
>> 
>> I was not assuming he did not know his business. I was assuming that
>> based on the comments that he did not understand how the computers or
>> data requirements affected his business.

> And I got the same impression from the OP's post. I'm really not sure 
> what crawled up Damien's backside and laid eggs, as he still hasn't 
> responded to my other post in this thread asking him what precisely he 
> took issue with.

It would have been along the lines of what I responded to Andy's with.

I don't think the OP indicated any ignorance about his business, only about
computers. For all we know, he's briefed the 'boffin' about what his needs
are, the boffin has proposed a solution and OP is soliciting some feedback
from this petshop.

Andy wrote "You need to analyse your business before you ask questions".
Presumptuous at minimum.

BTW, I don't necessarily disagree with the advice, it's just worded in a
smart-arse disingenuous way.

peer to peer with four computers ya reckon

"Colin ." <tobyjug7@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message 
news:h8i9f.5118$Hj2.1725@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
> "nbs" <nbs@hotmail.com> wrote in message 
> news:43659fa4$0$20419$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>> star network topology you say. and the other choices would be...?
>
>
> P2P - your ignorance is showing !
>
> And you need to know the difference between an ohm and an arsehole.
>
> You have to put the correct quantity of the right one on the end of each 
> cable.
> 

"nbs" <nbs@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:43659fa4$0$20419$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
> star network topology you say. and the other choices would be...?

Maybe you are showing your ignorance a bit .
There are a few choices of a network , depending on the size of the set-up
involved and I was merely telling the OP the exact type of network to use
since he has no experience with computers or computer networks.

The other networks that can be used are

Ring
Bus
Tree

And you also have within each group different types of networks.
Read up on them , you might learn something.



-- 
------------------------------------
True Multitasking is having three computers and a chair with wheels.


Sandgroper
------------------------------------
Remove KNICKERS to Email
steveray@KNICKERSiinet.net.au

Oh so you do know smartarse - try PTPP then.

And the ohms and arseholes still apply.


"nbs" <nbs@hotmail.com> wrote in message 
news:43660b48$0$20428$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
> peer to peer with four computers ya reckon
>
> "Colin ." <tobyjug7@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message 
> news:h8i9f.5118$Hj2.1725@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>>
>> "nbs" <nbs@hotmail.com> wrote in message 
>> news:43659fa4$0$20419$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>>> star network topology you say. and the other choices would be...?
>>
>>
>> P2P - your ignorance is showing !
>>
>> And you need to know the difference between an ohm and an arsehole.
>>
>> You have to put the correct quantity of the right one on the end of each 
>> cable.
>>
>
> 

"Colin ." <tobyjug7@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message 
news:K%w9f.5590$Hj2.4865@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Oh so you do know smartarse - try PTPP then.
>

Yeah PTPP would be very useful in this situation too wouldn't it :P

What I was inferring by my original response to the 'star topology' advice 
was that there are no practical topology options for the desired network. 
Show me some generally available, cost-effective products other than a 
single ethernet switch that would make any practical performance difference 
to a four or five node, general purpose office network. Why advise someone 
who admits to knowing next to nothing about networking, about technologies 
that have no relevance? 

"Sandgroper" <steveray@KNICKERSiinet.net.au> wrote in message 
news:436685d0$0$20397$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>
> "nbs" <nbs@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:43659fa4$0$20419$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>> star network topology you say. and the other choices would be...?
>
> Maybe you are showing your ignorance a bit .
> There are a few choices of a network , depending on the size of the set-up
> involved and I was merely telling the OP the exact type of network to use
> since he has no experience with computers or computer networks.
>
> The other networks that can be used are
>
> Ring
> Bus
> Tree
>
> And you also have within each group different types of networks.
> Read up on them , you might learn something.

My apologies, it was a rhetorical question. The OP is a self-confessed "not 
far advanced from computer illiterate" so any discussion of network 
topologies is hardly relevent. You don't have any practical choices when 
connecting such a small number of PCs because there is no point - there 
would be no performance gains to be had by implementing a certain topology.

If a customer asked me to implement any particular network topology I'd 
immediately know they have no clue, unless it was for a reasonably large 
network and/or they had particularly high throughput requirements, AND they 
had some credible reason for requesting it. Where specialist networking is 
required you need to get professional advice. I would argue that even for a 
small business you should get professional advice because unlike your home 
internet-sharing setup, businesses need to maximise functionality and 
reliability.

Well, you weren't too bloody clear.

I agree, the suggestions have been all for BHP not some little office.

Yes, a simple switch is the way to go.

All this server stuff is way over the top if you don't know the needs. Just 
use a workstation as the file/print server.


"nbs" <nbs@hotmail.com> wrote in message 
news:4366ceac$0$20397$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>
> "Colin ." <tobyjug7@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message 
> news:K%w9f.5590$Hj2.4865@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> Oh so you do know smartarse - try PTPP then.
>>
>
> Yeah PTPP would be very useful in this situation too wouldn't it :P
>
> What I was inferring by my original response to the 'star topology' advice 
> was that there are no practical topology options for the desired network. 
> Show me some generally available, cost-effective products other than a 
> single ethernet switch that would make any practical performance 
> difference to a four or five node, general purpose office network. Why 
> advise someone who admits to knowing next to nothing about networking, 
> about technologies that have no relevance?
> 

Damien McBain wrote:
> spodosaurus committed to the eternal aether...:
> 
> 
>>The Real Andy wrote:
>>
>>>On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:26:59 GMT, Damien McBain
>>><news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 14:03:00 GMT, Damien McBain
>>>>><news1@themadbomber.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>The Real Andy committed to the eternal aether...:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>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.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>What is wrong with what you have now? Why would you want to change
>>>>>>>what you have? Does what you have work? Would you prefer more
>>>>>>>peformance? If so, how would you like an increase in performance? How
>>>>>>>will buying 4 new PC's help your business perform better? How would
>>>>>>>you like your business to peform better?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>The use will be e-mail, web searching and small accounting system.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>How do you currently use email? Does everyone have a modem? Do you use
>>>>>>>a centralised server for distributing email? 
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>What about web serching? IS that done via individual dial up accounts
>>>>>>>too?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>What accounting system do you use?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>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?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>How long is a piece of string? If my string was longer, could i do
>>>>>>>more? If the string was shorter, would i save more money? Perhaps
>>>>>>>several peices of string would distribute the load better?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>2. Is Celeron or AMD preferable vis-a-vis pentium 4.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I prefer the short string.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>3. Are there any issues bout these being accessible and cost effective?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I dont think you really know what you want here, that is the big
>>>>>>>issue. Buying 4 new computers just becuase your staff want them may
>>>>>>>not be the right thing to do. You need to tell us your problems rather
>>>>>>>than asking for advice on something that no one here can answer. What
>>>>>>>has prompted you to investigate buying new PC's?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>IT is my life now, and one thing i can assure you is that 95% of my
>>>>>>>customers do not know, nor understand what they want. You need to
>>>>>>>analyse your business before you ask questions. Have a good solid
>>>>>>>think about where your problems are, then use that as a grounding to
>>>>>>>ask questions. Think aboout how you can increase performance, and this
>>>>>>>may lay in buying PC's that dont crash or a faster. 
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>You boffin may be trying to sell you his business. You need to focus
>>>>>>>on your business.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I'd be amazed if anyone would actually buy anything from a pretentious
>>>>>>smart arse like you m8.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Funny that, i usually find that business like it when i ask them what
>>>>>they need and force them to question what they really need. I used to
>>>>>outsell the sales guys in my last job, and guess who always landed the
>>>>>big contracts?
>>>>
>>>>That's fair enough even if it's true, but in your previous post you were
>>>>insinuating that the fella is a complete dope who knows nothing about his
>>>>business, or has not already analysed his business. You don't know anything
>>>>about his process to date, you just assume it's flawed. Pretentious.
> 
> 
>>>Hang on a tick, let me quote the OP.
>>>
>>>"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." 
>>>
>>>"Please bear in mind that I am not far advanced from computer
>>>illiterate. If these questions are incomprehensible then that might be
>>>the explanation."
>>>
>>>I was not assuming he did not know his business. I was assuming that
>>>based on the comments that he did not understand how the computers or
>>>data requirements affected his business.
> 
> 
>>And I got the same impression from the OP's post. I'm really not sure 
>>what crawled up Damien's backside and laid eggs, as he still hasn't 
>>responded to my other post in this thread asking him what precisely he 
>>took issue with.
> 
> 
> It would have been along the lines of what I responded to Andy's with.
> 
> I don't think the OP indicated any ignorance about his business, only about
> computers. For all we know, he's briefed the 'boffin' about what his needs
> are, the boffin has proposed a solution and OP is soliciting some feedback
> from this petshop.
> 
> Andy wrote "You need to analyse your business before you ask questions".
> Presumptuous at minimum.

How so? He needs to determine if an upgrade is necessary. If so, then he 
needs to analyse what aspects of his business will possibly improve from 
an upgrade. Then you can start looking at other options. For all we 
know, the current computers are perfectly adequate and upgrading those 
is not necessary, but perhaps adding a server would improve interoffice 
cooperation and communication. Maybe a router behind a broadband 
connection is all that's needed to improve productivity.

> BTW, I don't necessarily disagree with the advice, it's just worded in a
> smart-arse disingenuous way.

I didn't get that at all. :-/

Ari

-- 
spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply

I'm going to die rather sooner than I'd like. I tried to protect my 
neighbours from crime, and became the victim of it. Complications in 
hospital following this resulted in a serious illness. I now need a bone 
marrow transplant. Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow 
transplant, too. Please volunteer to be a marrow donor:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/

"nbs" <nbs@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4366d224$0$20450$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>
>
> My apologies, it was a rhetorical question. The OP is a self-confessed
"not
> far advanced from computer illiterate" so any discussion of network
> topologies is hardly relevent. You don't have any practical choices when
> connecting such a small number of PCs because there is no point - there
> would be no performance gains to be had by implementing a certain
topology.

Yeah , one of the reasons why I mentioned a star network topology is because
the OP is sort of like computer illiterate and I was giving a basic overview
and explanation of a small office network and some additional idea so that
he could do a bit of a quick search to see what was involved.

Normally , to design a network for a business , it would involve asking a
lot of questions to define the business , the businesses needs and future
needs ...etc ,  but in this case I was just giving a quick overview for a
standard small network to somebody that is not very computer literate.


-- 
------------------------------------
True Multitasking is having three computers and a chair with wheels.


Sandgroper
------------------------------------
Remove KNICKERS to Email
steveray@KNICKERSiinet.net.au


>
> If a customer asked me to implement any particular network topology I'd
> immediately know they have no clue, unless it was for a reasonably large
> network and/or they had particularly high throughput requirements, AND
they
> had some credible reason for requesting it. Where specialist networking is
> required you need to get professional advice. I would argue that even for
a
> small business you should get professional advice because unlike your home
> internet-sharing setup, businesses need to maximise functionality and
> reliability.
>
>