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Workgroup / Domain

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by izeltine

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Hello First Time and just finding my way in the I.T world,

Any gentle pointers on this subject?

As I understand a workgroup is basically a shared internet connection, with printer and file sharing capabilities. As opposed to a domain that is hosted by a server with all of the good stuff that comes with server software.

I am helping out on a project and the workgroup is sharing a broadband connection, on windows 2000 pro. Is there anyway to:
Create roaming profiles;
Redirect users my documents to a central location;
Desktop Configuration

I think that basically I am trying to say can I configure a workgroup in the same way that I can, adjust a users login on a Windows Server.

Thanks for your time people,
All the best
Ian

2 replies

by timwalsh

The primary isues that should be looked at when deciding whether to use a workgroup- or domain-based network are management and security.

In a workgroup (peer-to-peer) environment, there is no centralized anything. Security and management/configuration are handled on a by-computer basis.

In order to have centralized control of security and configuration (through Active Directory Group Policy), you must use a domain environment.

To specifically answer your questions:
In a workgroup environment -
Roaming profiles cannot be done.
You can redirect user's My Document folders to central location, but this must be done on a by-computer basis.
Desktop configuration is handled on a by-computer basis.
There is no centralized management of user accounts and log-ons. Any computer that hosts a shared resource must have user account created on that computer for any users needing access to that shared resource. (i.e. If you have 10 computers, each of which host a shared resource that all users need to access, you would need to setup a user account for all 10 users on each of the 10 computers).

Hope this helps.

by izeltine

I have been looking for some clear and concise answers, you have done that for me, thankyou. It looks like I have a lot of work on my hands!
Do you have any advice on redirection of My Documents on Win2000pro on a peer to peer, as I only have one machine with a tape backup and would Ideally like to be able to back up all of the users work?
Tahnkyou once again though,
Ian

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