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Building an Application Server

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by tj8 1 view

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We currently have a P2P network with 6 pc's (2 XPpro,2XPhe,2W98)One pc is setup as a file and print server. We have a number of graphics programs that we use occasionally, not enough to warrent a copy for each machine. We've been using Remote Access in XP to share the applications from one machine. Works, but not great. Is there a way to do application sharing or build an application server w/out going the entire route to a WS2003 system? I'm the 'network administrator' by default and the thought of the time away from client work to administer 2003 Server makes my head spin. Don't need email, web hosting, and since we're all close by,collaboration is in real time.

7 replies

by cg it

well a server would be the way to go. you can get Windows 2000 Server for about $690.00 USD +tax+license+shipping+dealer prep from Newegg.com. You can set it up as a file server and if everyone accesses it via the internet install Routing Remote Access Server and do a VPN into the server. No fancy smancy stuff just a plain old file server. You can just get a cheapo computer running W2K or XP and do the same thing your doing now just run PC Anywhere for access.

by tj8

We already have a file server and are using Remote Access to access the computer with the programs. The problem is that it shuts down 2 pc's while we're doing that.

by cg it

thats were the Windows 2000 server comes in which I recommended. Heck go with a Linux server for that matter and a lot less costly than a microsoft server. Other than going with a server there aren't a lot of other options.

by tj8

Poster rated this answer. Through additional research I found a program that's called WinConnect Server XP that does what I want. It allows you to access one XP machine without tying it up and you can have multiple users using remote access to a machine. Minimal learning curve and will keep everyone happy until I have the time to master Server 2003. It's also relatively inexpensive compared to the alternatives.

by pgm554

Try Novell Small Business Server 6.5 ,free 5 user
from an authorized dealer.You pay only for the install .Basic setup for file and print should be around $400 to $500.

Novell has a reputation for set and forget.I have had Novell boxes up and running for years without being turned off or rebooted.

Oh yeah, very little if any patching needing to be done because of viruses.Try that with a 'doze machine.

A complete no-brainer.

www.novell.com/smallbiz

by tj8

I tried to get this to see if it would work, but I could not get an answer as to whether or not it would allow application serving and what, if any, additional apps would be necessary. I was referred to a 'partner'

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