Small office network/remote access
Overview: Four mixed OS (W98SE and XP [Home version]) boxes on a token ring (unless there’s a more suitable topology). It’s unlikely that the setup will need to expand for three or more years. A client/server steup doesn’t SEEM to make make much financial sence, but please feel free to comment.
Objective: Have the four boxes share files/stand-alone printers AND permit browser-based remote IP access, primarily via through DSL/cable but occasionally through dial up.
There is only one box that will regulaly accessed both remotely and locally since it possesses the one program of mutual interest to all parties: QuickBooks Pro. And at no time will the same data file be accessed by more than one user. However there is a possibility that two or more remote users will need to access QuickBooks Pro.
And now…the questions:
Is this a realistic objective?
Will the box hosting QuickBooks Pro be useable by the local user when being remotely accessed?
Hardware, remote access software and alternative recommendations will be gratefully appreciated.
