To connect five computers, I am unsure whether to use a terminal to host, a file server, or a client/server connection. Which would be the least expensive and why?
These five computers will just be used to access email and browse the internet. Not really for work related tasks, but for my customers.
The cheapest solution is to buy a switch or a router and plug all the computers into it. There is no dedicated "server". The only cost is the price of the switch/router.
If you buy a server, obviously you'll have to pay for the server plus you still have to buy a switch/router (unless the server has built-in capabilities).
If you need file-storage, consider buying a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device instead of buying a file-server. You can plug this directly into the switch/router and all the systems on the network can access it at the same time. (Don't confuse a NAS with a normal external hard-drive).
The type of setup you choose depends on what your needs are. Do you need to share a database? Or do you simply need to share documents? If you have a program that will require multi-user access to a complex database, I recommend a file-server. Otherwise, if you're doing simple tasks like file-sharing and print-sharing, I recommend buying a router/switch and possibly a NAS device.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:09 am
The cheapest solution is to buy a switch or a router and plug all the computers into it. There is no dedicated "server". The only cost is the price of the switch/router.
If you buy a server, obviously you'll have to pay for the server plus you still have to buy a switch/router (unless the server has built-in capabilities).
If you need file-storage, consider buying a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device instead of buying a file-server. You can plug this directly into the switch/router and all the systems on the network can access it at the same time. (Don't confuse a NAS with a normal external hard-drive).
The type of setup you choose depends on what your needs are. Do you need to share a database? Or do you simply need to share documents? If you have a program that will require multi-user access to a complex database, I recommend a file-server. Otherwise, if you're doing simple tasks like file-sharing and print-sharing, I recommend buying a router/switch and possibly a NAS device.
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November 30th, 2008 at 8:52 am
A router for your private home network is the best choice. Routers are better for networking. The technology used knows what computers are connected to what ports. Routers also incorporate firmware software that enables you to connect directly to the router and configure tons of options to further secure your home network. Routers acts like a buffer between your home network with the 5 computers and the internet. The key is to configure the router once everything is plugged in.
Most Switches are not intelligent and will flood every port looking for computers constantly.
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November 30th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I recommend using a wireless router.that will let you share files and access Internet if you hook the Internet up to it.you will also need wireless cards for all the computer.I recommend using the wireless cads that the router brand makes.
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November 30th, 2008 at 9:37 am
only a router with 5-6 ports is needed.
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November 30th, 2008 at 10:25 am
You'll need a broadband connection to the Internet (probably cable or DSL), which will come with a modem (which incidentally is a technically inaccurate name, but what the heck). You will also need a cable or DSL router with at least 5 ports (you may have to look around for one, many of the retail stores only sell 4 port models, but you should be able to find some that go as high as 8). Your 5 computers will need ethernet ports in them (most computers come with that today). Connect the router to the cable modem, connect the computers to the router and you are basically ready to go. Alternately you could use a wireless router and put wireless cards in your computers. This is a good option if you don't want to run wires, or cannot for some reason. However this opens up a number of additional configuration, security and performance issues, so you should think carefully about that. Whichever router you purchase, refer to its documentation and be sure you change the default administator password at a minumum.
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