If you are now considering the possibilities of a computer network within your office you are faced with myriad decisions and opportunities. It can be overwhelming even to the tech savvy financial professional. For the technical novice, it can be an overwhelming nightmare.
This document will try to shed some light on the opportunities and the decisions that you will face. Unfortunately, the variety of equipment, operating systems and configurations precludes an easy, one choice - "this is the best way to do it" answer - but we hope this document and the attached references will guide you to sound decisions.
The opportunities provided by an office computer network probably extend beyond what you have considered. Here are just a few that may be important to you:
- An additional communication channel within the office
- Shared files and access to common data
- Possibility of remote access to the network from outside the office
The question of connection of one PC to another in the same office; or to your office PC from a computer in a remote location, is a problem that can be solved in any one of many different ways. Careful consideration of all the information that follows will lead you through that decision making process and guide you as you do it yourself or select a local computer technician to make the proper connections.
The first decision a network engineer (that’s your new title as you struggle with these options, choices and decisions) faces is one of network architecture – or more simply, between a peer to peer network and a true, client/server network.
Peer to Peer Networks
Peer to Peer (often abbreviated as P2P) is a type of network where each computer (or workstation) has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. Peer to peer networks are generally simple and easier to set up - but they usually do not offer the same performance under heavy loads.
One of the earliest, largest and most famous examples of P2P networks was probably Napster, which saw its peak in the late 90's before they were shutdown at the hands of the music industry. The Napster network allowed people from all over the world to "share" files online via the Internet. Files were stored on individual users' computers, and transfers took place between users.
In your office this could mean simply that your desktop PC would serve as the main repository of all important files and data. Your staff associate’s computer and perhaps your notebook computer could both then access these files – or share the information. Generally, additional computer equipment (other than network adapters commonly included with most PCs) will not be required to set up a P2P network.
Here are links to articles describing Windows 95-98, P2P set-up:
Windows95 Peer-to-Peer Networking
Windows 9X Peer to Peer Networks
Windows XP takes this a step further and makes it even easier to share a computer's disks and folders with other computers on the network, using a method called Simple File Sharing. And it really is simple. If a disk or folder is shared, everyone on the network can access it. There are no user permissions and no passwords. Because sharing in this way is so wide open, Windows XP tries to protect you from some potential security risks. Note: Windows XP Professional has a much more powerful way to control file sharing. For full details, see the article on Windows XP Professional File Sharing
True Client/Server
P2P networks differ from client/server architecture, in which some computers are dedicated to serving the others. Servers are powerful computers dedicated to managing disk drives (file servers), printers (print servers), or network traffic (network servers). The clients in this case are the PCs or workstations on which users run applications. Client computers rely on servers for resources, such as files, devices, and even processing power.
Many small businesses mistakenly think that they're too small to cost-justify a "real" client/server network, however because small businesses want, and in most cases need, the same technology tools as their larger competitors, deploying a peer-to-peer network doesn't make small business sense.
In fact, when purchase decisions are based solely on the initial price, small businesses tend to underestimate their technology requirements. If your organization merits a secure, reliable, scalable, and flexible technology backbone, you need a "real", dedicated server. The site below will give total definition to the problem and full network solution.
http://www.7thdimension.com/jf1.html
Remote Access
Now that you have your office network up and running, the next step that you’ll find incredibly valuable is to enable remote access. Several options are available, depending on the network options you have chosen above. Some of the more popular are PC Anywhere, Go to My PC, BeInSync and Terminal Services options located in Windows XP. Your choice of this connection should be explained to your local PC Network Technician at the time he sets the Network up on your computers.
Symantec's PC Anywhere
Go to my PC
Be In Sync
Terminal Services in Windows Server 2003 provides new options for application deployment, more efficient access to data over low bandwidth, reuse of older hardware, remote management, and other tasks. Complete information can be found at the site below.
www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/terminalservices/
However you decide to connect from an off site location you should have the facts available to make your decision. Explore the page below to learn about some of the things to consider and tools you can use to access your email and files, as well as the pros and cons of using each. Depending on your situation, you may use all or just one of these methods.
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/stayconnected/home/connect.mspx
Lea Pence, Senior Support Specialist is responsible for assisting customers with the installation, implementation, and routine use of Practice Builder. She also functions as a liaison between customers and our development team to ensure enhancements are added that strengthen their use of our programs. We are very pleased to have her contribute articles and support tips to enhance your user experience.
You may contact Lea Pence t the Financial Planning Building, P. O. Box 0430, Middletown, OH 45042, phone 800. 666.1656 ext. 21 or support@FinancialSoftware.com
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