Anybody know anything about servers?

[almighty]

I've just bought 2 computers and an HP server from ebuyer.com and plan to set up a network for office use with what I've just bought.

I'm currently installing XP on the 2 new machines but what do I need to put on the HP server? Server 2003?

Do I need a hub or a firewall?

I'm so confused

 

[Silent_Buddha]

What are you planning to do with it? Or to put it another way what do you need your server to do? You may not even need Server 2003. WHS is great for many "server" tasks for a home user/home office.

Regards,
SB

 

[flynn]

What SB said, what exactly do you want to do with it? File server, printer server, render node server, domain controler, whathaveyou?

Yes you need some networking gear to link the computer together. Gigabit ethernet switches are very cheap these so that would do it. A firewall serves a different purpose, your cable/adsl router most likely has a basic firewall already.

 

[Bouncing Zabaglione Bros.]

I've just bought 2 computers and an HP server from ebuyer.com and plan to set up a network for office use with what I've just bought.

I'm currently installing XP on the 2 new machines but what do I need to put on the HP server? Server 2003?

Depends on what you are doing. A server is called that because it supplies a service. That may be files storage, print control, web server, VPN gateway, etc. You can even have one machine supplying multiple services to the other machines on the network (although it may be bad security security for instance to have your files on the same machine as an outward facing web server).

Do I need a hub or a firewall?

I'm so confused

You need a router if you want to share your internet connection with your machines, and have your machines talk to one another or printers on a LAN. Router functionality may come integrated with you modem (if DSL) or may be separate box that you connect into your modem. Most consumer grade routers will come with a hub and firewall built in - it is one box that will just connect to your modem and will allow you to have firewalled LAN in your office. Basically you can look for a router with firewall/hub capability.