Help Deciding Whether To Use Windows Server 2008

[dEhiN]

Hi my name is David, and I have some questions about using Win Server 2k8 in a small to mid-size business environment. I'm helping a non-profit with some IT work and their computer environment is such:

 

They use a service called Apps On Tap (http://www.appsontap.ca/) to store and access their data and applications (MS Office, Raisers Edge (a fundraising software package for non-profits), etc.). They have about 35-40 computers set up for a mix of management and non-management staff, and comprising desktop workstations and laptops. The workstations for the non-management staff have been set up using the same setup procedures, so they are almost mirrors of each other in terms of software. The setup does involve installing local copies of MS Office and some basic, common applications (like Adobe Reader, etc.). They all have a standard log in name and password. The management desktops and laptops have the same initial setups. But these do have unique log in names and passwords specific to the user. As such the software on it may be different as each user has installed their own specific applications. Primarily though all users use Apps on Tap, and access it through their local computer's browser. All the local computers are networked together in a workgroup. The internet connection is through a VoIP service that also connects the phone system to the network.

 

The situation I am facing is this: the client wants to be able to have greater control over the computers. They want to be able to make sure that all the computers are automatically updated to the latest Windows Software Updates as well as virus definitions (they use Symantec AntiVirus for Business). They also want to be able to see at a glance information for each computer, such as what software is installed on it, which updates it has, what hardware is on it, etc.. They have been using Belarc Advisor (http://www.belarc.co...e_download.html) to create reports for each computer. But that requires manually running the report on each computer. They also want to be able to control what software is installed on the computers.

 

They are thinking of using Windows Server 2008. They have a desktop workstation that is powerful enough to run Virtual PC and host a virtual Windows Server 2008 machine. If I set one up, would it make sense to create a domain and have all the computers run on this domain? If so, then I suppose each computer (desktop & laptop) would have to have its own log in name and password? Or rather each user would have to have their own log in. The concern with this is what if a user forgets their password? Are they locked out until somebody can log into the server and reset the password for that user? Also, when using a domain, is it possible to have a local, mirrored copy of the user profile on the server on each local machine? Because especially with the laptops, many times somebody from management has to travel and takes their laptop with them. In that instance, they cannot be relying upon having access to the company server to log in. The same is also true of Outlook synchronization. The current set up is that the remote Exchange server used is host by Apps on Tap. And when a user has to travel, they synchronize their local computer's Outlook with the remote server through Apps on Tap, and then they have an almost current version of their email structure. How would this be achieved using a local company server?

 

If I don't set up a local domain, and leave the computer structure the way things are, but still install a Windows Server 2008 workstation, can I still achieve what the client wants? Can Windows Server 2008 manage computers in terms of reports on computer information, and pushing through relevant software updates if the computers it is managing are connected via a workgroup? Can the server limit what software is installed on the computers via a workgroup?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

David

[F2 Staff]

Everything you ask is doable with Windows 2008.

 

You can push software updates, store user profiles and everything else you ask.

[dEhiN]

But do I need to create a domain for the workstations to log onto to be able to push software updates, and view computer/network information at a glance? Or can I set up Windows 2008 without creating a domain (so using workgroups) and still push software updates, etc.? Thanks.

 

David