Preparing to implement Server into small business

[panthersfan2548]

Good Afternoon All,

 

I am looking to implement a server into the small business that I currently work for. I have a few questions on what I need to do and what will be the best way. Let me explain our infrastructure first;

 

8 Users (6 Desktops and 2 Laptops that will work remotely 2 Weeks/Month) (3 Users Windows 7, 5 Users XP)

Currently use a tower running XP setup primarily for File Sharing

All applications (ACT!, Microsoft Outlook, QuickBooks, etc.) are installed on each computer and only the company files are stored on the file sharing PC.

 

It is a very poor setup and I have tried since being hired (6 months ago) to implement an actual server.

 

I have received a quote from Dell on a Windows Server 2008 Tower Server with Raid 1. I am new to the server software.

 

Ultimately we want to be able to logon from any network computer and access our personal desktop. I know that this can be done through using the Active Directory function. My question is, does that mean that all of the software needs to be installed on the server and not the personal computers. Because it currently is all installed on the personal computers. By implementing this I am hoping to use RealVNC to allow the 2 remote users to connect from outside the office.

 

Can anyone help shed some light on the issues I have mentioned. I am also willing to make a call to anyone to save from having to write a book.

 

Thanks!!

 

Brent

P.S. Sorry for the long Message.

[ICTCity]

Simply answer:

 

Install Windows Server, activate Remote Desktop Service.

 

Now from each client connect to the server via remote desktop, so everything can be centralized to the server.

 

Because your environment is not complex, you can save lot of time with this configuration.