Hi everyone,
I really need some help with a subject I have never had any dealings with before, Networking. I work part time for a local wholesalers and as the only person with any knowledge of computers they asked me if I could program a database system that would keep details of customers, suppliers, stock, produce invoices etc. This I have done and it works fine. Currently the database is only running on one machine in the main office, but all departments (sales, accounts, purchasing, warehouse and stock control) need to use it. This can cause a queue of people so I would like to implement a small local area network, of 12 computers with room for possible future expansion. I would like all machines to have Internet access for possible future ecommerce but this is not a priority at the moment.
I have been searching the Internet but have only found out very limited information about how to complete this task. As some people may be trying to access and modify the same customer information at the same time I read that this might cause problems. A Client/Server Network was suggested, but I don't know what this is? The other option I have read is to have a Peer-Peer Network but again I am not sure what this? So far I realise that I will need:
12 computers (I am looking at Dimension 5000 from Dell -
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/desktops?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd&~ck=mn)
12 network interface cards? unsure what these do, how they connect.
A server (I am looking at the PowerEdge 2800 from Dell -
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/servers?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd) Is this suitable?
Windows 2003 (I read that it was quite good)
Loads of cable, approx 300 metres. Again unsure of what to use.
Each of the 5 departments need to have a printer which will be accessed by the computers in that department. Again this is something that I have no idea how to do - Looking at black and white lasers.
The applications that these machines will need to run are the basic MS Office package and the database system I designed.
What I really need is for someone to tell me exactly what I need to make this work, server, computers, cables, hubs?, switches? network cards?, because I really don't know. Just a list would be great. If you could offer some good brands or approximate prices that would be brilliant but don't worry about it if you can't, this is something I can research myself once I know what I need.
I think that I have explained everything, but if I have missed something, or you require clarification please let me know and I will do my best to answer.
Kindest Regards,
John
