Which hardware and software should I use for a simple SMB computer network? Why?

Question

I have been tasked to purchase hardware and software for a small business (20 employees) that uses both MacIntosh and IBM computers.

What are your recommendations? Why?
What are your experiences. Tips and tricks.
I am interested in using MS-Dynamics, both as as hosted online service and to put on the network. Any comments or feedback or experience with MS-Dynamics?

James Waryk
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Answer 1

Since this is a mixed environment, Ethernet is the logical choice for the network type. There are several hub vendors that you could use for a wired network. If you do not have huge data security concerns(security on wireless can get complicated) and limited bandwidth (54mbps) you could go wireless (802.11b/g).

Make sure that you have a broadband connection to the Internet if you are going the hosted direction for MS Dynamics. Microsoft actually has white papers on these sorts of things.... Good Luck

Answer 2

Easy and cheat why would be to take an old computer, load a version of Linux on it and use it as the SMB drive. Map each computer to it and all the computers can then share and exchange files. You can also attach a wireless access point to it to give you wireless capabilities. If your not familiar with Linux, use the Fedora Core. There is good documentation on this and its very easy to use. It took me a day to set one up the first time.

Answer 3

Easy and cheat why would be to take an old computer, load a version of Linux on it and use it as the SMB drive. Map each computer to it and all the computers can then share and exchange files. You can also attach a wireless access point to it to give you wireless capabilities. If your not familiar with Linux, use the Fedora Core. There is good documentation on this and its very easy to use. It took me a day to set one up the first time.