Workgroup Vs Domain

[Elux 0]

Hi all

 

3 computers on my LAN all runningXP pro, they are networked as a workgroup, can I set them up as a domain? and what would be the advantages/ disadvantage of doing this?.

[Champion_R 0]

You need a server OS running on one box to even make a domain controller.

[sapiens74 0]

Joining a Domain also disbles the welcome screen and fast user switching

[adamvjackson 0]

Advantages would be centralized administration, adding/changing user rights and restrictions, roaming profiles, if you share computers.

 

Also, you can get a free (you may need to pay shipping) 120/180 day evaluation copy of Microsoft's server OS's, so that's a good (legal) route to go if you just want to learn a bit more about p2p/server network structures.

 

Also, asking here is another good way to learn!

 

 

Sorry for the long hiatus, everyone, I am back now!

[duhmez 0]

3 pc's?

you don't need a domain.

[Elux 0]

Thanx Guys

 

Just 1 final question, although I only have 3 PCs if I install server O/S on one of them, can I then set up other PCs at different geographical locations and administer them over the net?

 

Elux

[adamvjackson 0]

If you use RAS/RADIUS or VPN, then yes.

[Four and Twenty 0]

you don't need a server os for remote admin

 

use a program like dameware nt utilities

 

or if you have xp use remote desktop

[sapiens74 0]

Remote desktop if they have static ip's

[Four and Twenty 0]

or a dynamic dns service.

[DS3Circuit 0]

Im gonna throw in conf.exe or Netmeeting as a viable way to remote control a machine