Creating a Network

I'm trying to figure out what to buy for a network I'm building. I will have 3 workstations to start with. One will be a PC in the front of the building that I will be doing credit card transactions, etc.., the other will be a laptop, and the third one is an old desktop that doesn't necessarily need to connect but I would prefer it.

I have a wireless router that the laptop and the desktop at the front of the building will be using to access the internet and a cable connection from the wireless router to the Old desktop PC. The IP address is static.

My question is what should hardware should I buy if I want to have a central location to save the data so that all three PCs can see the same info. Would I need to buy a server or can I just buy a regular PC and install an NOS on it and do it from there. What do you suggest I buy, my budget can't go over $400.00


Thanks,



P.S if you need more info let me know

 

Just a thought. Maybe you could either install a 2nd HD in the front desktop and use it as a central acess point for all 3 pcs. Or go buy a cheapo $300 pc and use it like a server or simply an access point(a point where all 3 pc's would have permission to access it's HD) as well. Would make a good place to do backups. I'm trying to keep cost in mind.

 

Another possibilty, NAS device. (Network Attached Storage)
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=124&name=Network-Storage-NAS

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822122020


I think I'll get the one that's on the link. But how do I go about setting it up and would it work for file sharing or is it only multimedia. For these so we have to buy and operating system for it or do they already come with one or what?


Thank you

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822165060

I found a better one. the same questions as as above. How would I be able to know all this info and if it will work on different OSs


Thanks

 

Look at the Specifications tab on the NewEgg site.
Does not support Vista.
Set up routine should be in the documentation.

Below quoted from spec tab -
Setup Utility OS Support:
Windows Operating Systems

Client OS Support:
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98 SE,
Linux (SMB)

Simplified File Sharing For Home or Small Office Network
Easy Setup Does Not Require Drivers
Control Access With Group and User Level Security
Access Data from any Windows or Macintosh Computer on Your Network
Minimal Power Consumption
Active Directory Support: Works as a client in an Active Directory domain allowing LinkStation Pro to utilize the domain users and groups
High Speed Processor and Fast 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Auto-Sensing 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Port
Space-Saving Compact and Aesthetic Design
Expand Storage by Adding a USB Hard Drive
Expand Storage by Adding a USB Hard Drive
Backup one LinkStation to another over your Network

 

Ok thanks I will continue looking for things. If I just add a second HDD to the PC in the front would I be able to access these files from outside the network. How can I set it up to do this.


Thank you

 

there are several way of setting up a small home or office network. The easiest way to do this using what you already have is windows networking.
First click on my network place>click setup home or small office network> and follow the prompts all the way through, you will need to do this for each computer on your network, be reminded that each computer has to have the same network name. This will link all the computers in your network. Once the network is set up , you will want to enable the extra drive you install int he pc to share. this is done by clicking on my computer>right click on the hard drive letter>click share tab> follow the prompts ans settings you want from their.

 

I personally think NAS is better then using a second hd in one of your pc's. The only reason I say this is eash time you will want to access the other drive the pc has to be on and connected. The NAs is stand alone, so for some reason the pc has to come offline for repairs of you want to replace it you will not be able to access any information from the other computers in your office. Also since NAS is stand alone there is no operating system that can crash or have to be rebooted, it's just storage and less of a chance that things will go wrong. Remember you are working with electronics and nothing is 100% and since you are working with a business I would also recommend a backup system just in case.

 

How do I set up the NAS?

 

If you are still looking at the BUFFALO LS-1000GL 1TB LinkStation Pro Network Storage, go to this link, download the manual or quick set up guide and go from there.