Neptune

Sounds ideal, Synack.... Any thoughts on backups and how this should be acheived?

Hi, I have an ageing server (Windows 2003) that is starting to have a few hardware issues and will likely soon need replacing, however, could I get away with replacing it with a NAS? My big concern is PERFORMANCE. Here's the current setup: - Windows 2003 server with 1gb RAM and 1TB hdd (SCSI) - 6 PCs and 2 laptops connected to the network - 2 users on the network - Security and logging on is not an issue - Each user needs access to each other's files anyway and nothing is private - Never any more users than above although 5-6 PCs will be in use at any one time - No applications, etc at all served from the server - No Exchange/SQL databases, etc are used or ever likely to be - Server currently used just for file storage - Backups daily to 3x attached USB drives - DHCP provided by server - Cloud services not suitable, as it's in a rural location with VERY POOR internet access My big concern is going for NAS is what to go for, as its very important to me to get same or better performance when loading files from over the network - I don't want it to grind to a halt if both users happen to open big files at the same time. Both users always have Outlook open (with approx. 2GB mailboxes) - These would need to be stored on the NAS and obviously open the whole time. As mentioned, security is not an issue internally and no group polices are used. Very important that we can make regular and reliable backups - What do you suggest. Any thoughts???? Should we go for a NAS or look to replace the server? Thanks.

All the network points in the school go back to a single unmanaged switch - The WAPs are plugged in in the classrooms. Apart from a NAS box and a photocopier, nothing else is attached to the network. The big problem is, everything works fine when I'm at the school, when I leave things go wrong!!!! Is there any free software or anything I can do to log the issues? I have checked power saving and don't think the wifi is turned off to save power. Where shouldI be looking, in case I've missed something? No intercom in school, but yes to Microwave & Cordless phone... Any thoughts, etc??

Hope someone can give me some good pointers!!! We have setup 4x Wireless access points in a very small school and the problem is that the laptops can just loose the wireless connection for absolutely no reason, maybe 10-15 minutes after starting up - No access to LAN or Internet, but fine until that point. It's completely random as to what laptops it happens to and how many and often even at different points in the school. Here's the school setup PHYSICAL - Old building with thick walls - Neighbouring houses with wireless NETWORK/LAPTOPS - NO server - Peer to peer laptops only - NO DHCP server - All Windows XP laptops - Static IP addresses on each laptop WIRELESS - 4x Netgear WG103 WAPs - Located throughout school, channels seperated from each other and neighbouring houses - Using 802.11b wireless - WPA-PSK2 encryption

Hi Sted, You're a star - Thanks for this!!! Will try this out when I'm next in the school. Many thanks. Martyn.

Hi, We're running Dazzle Plus - v.2.10. We've had this several years, but Granada back in 2004 sent us a patch disc (on floppy disc) to allow it to run on XP & 2000 - You had to run the patch before installing from the main disc, then run the "after" patch to complete it. It worked fine. However, just gone to re-install it on a machine and the Floppy Disc is corrupted !!!!!!! Does anyone have the patch they could email? It's NOT the program itself, I'm asking for just the install patches. Hope you can help! Martyn.

Thanks all for your advice and help... much appreciated and a bit to work through! Sounds like my biggest issue will be between XP and 7.... Best if the school can go for all Windows 7?

Hi, I'm soon to be installing a new server in a Primary school (to replace their 2003 server) and upgrading all the machines with Windows 7 (although some will still have XP). 2008 R2 will be going on the server and as I've no direct experience of this I could really do with some general advice on the best way to go about setting things up, so it does what's needed. i've listed below my initial requirements/concerns so any help is appreciated. Just one thing though.... Please, please, please can you stick to my requirements - It's just a small Primary school, with non-ICT technical staff and my technician visit once a fortnight, so nothing that's high maintenance or likely to go wrong! Also they will be getting Windows 7 and 2008-R2, so advice for purchasing other systems is not helpful! Hope you all understand and appreciate!!!! - Need Windows 7 and XP clients to be able to login - All staff and junior classes to have individual logons / infant classes to have single class logon - Any user to be able to login to any workstation (My issue here is I've seen Win7 be quite awkward about security permissions on who logs in where - Just need this simple and reliable) - Staff to be able to use their laptops off the network at home - Locked desktops, with "Programs" folder on the desktop, that is stored on the server with program shortcuts - Printers that default based on the PCs location in the school - ie. ICT suite printers print in ICT suite, if using one in the staffroom it prints to the staffroom printer.... Unsure entirely how to achieve this in Win 7 - Private and shared user directories on the network... Again I'm only used to Netuse scripts from an NT box - Policies in force for different users - Profiles so that desktops, settings etc the same where-ever the user works ... I'm sure I'll think of more as the thread progresses! Many thanks for your help!