Small business solutions for networking

• Set up e-mail, instant messaging, and online meeting software so employees can communicate and collaborate in real time
• Find the best free and low-cost Internet connection sharing software?including using the built-in capabilities in the Microsoft Windows? 98 Second Edition and Windows 2000 operating systems
• Match a network solution to your business needs?from direct PC-to-PC connections to thin servers and high-powered client/server systems
• Understand what kinds of network operations you can build and manage yourself?and which require the full-time or part-time services of a professional administrator
• Help your company save money?and work smarter?by sharing files, printers, programs, removable-media drives, and other resources
• Follow the numbered, do-it-yourself tips that make running cables and installing other network hardware and software go faster and smoother
• Use remote access software so you can dial in from home or on the road

Table of contents

Part 1: Choosing Among Network Options

Chapter 1 Why It Pays to Network

Sharing Files and Folders

Sharing CD-ROMs and Removable Drives

Sharing Printers

Sharing the Internet

Managing the Workgroup

Maximizing Your Investment

Chapter 2 Making Basic Network Decisions

Start by Planning Your Network

Deciding on Network Control

Deciding on the Connection

Chapter 3 Ethernet Networks

Types of Cables

Chapter 4 Alternatives to Ethernet Networks

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Using Wireless Network Devices

Setting up a Phone Line Network

Setting up a Power Line Network

Chapter 5 Networking with Thin Servers

The Development of Thin Servers

Chapter 6 Client-Server Networking With Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server

Levels of Expertise

Network Operating System Security

Multiple Platforms

Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server

Microsoft Windows NT

Chapter 7 When Does Your Business Need Exchange Server?

How Exchange Server Works

Client and Server

Chapter 8 Does Your Business Need Microsoft Windows 2000?

Ease of Installation

Security

Working Remotely

Intellimirror

Part 2: Installing Hardware, Cards, And Cables

Chapter 9 Installing Network Interface Cards

Are You Network-Ready?

Working Without Cards

Can You Do It Yourself

Buying and Installing NICs

Chapter 10 Cabling Your Network

Before Proceeding

Planning for Network Hubs

Getting to the Hub of the Matter

Running the Cables

Using Twisted-Pair Cables

Using ThinNet Coaxial

Using Fiberoptic Cable

Good Cabling Equals Good Networking

Expanding Your Network

Chapter 11 Hardware for Thin Servers

Choosing a Thin Server

Connecting Thin Servers

The Windows-Based Server Appliance

Network Attached Storage

Chapter 12 Hardware for Client/Server Networks

Using Domain Controllers

Selecting Client-Server Hardware

Setting up Client-Server Hardware

Using Thin Clients

Part 3 - Setting Up Computers On A Network

Chapter 13 Installing Software on Network Workstations

Installing Network Drivers

Configuring Windows for Networking

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Troubleshooting

Chapter 14 Configuring Personal Profiles

What's in a Profile?

Turning on Profiles

Adding Users

Logging On as a Different User

Using the Microsoft Family Logon

Locating Your Folders

Changing Passwords

Microsoft Windows 2000 Profiles

Chapter 15 Setting up a Windows-Based Server Appliance

Assigning IP Addresses

Setting Up a Windows-Based Server Appliance

Setting Up Clients

Chapter 16 Setting Up Clients on Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server

User Accounts

Configuring Client Computers

Part 4 --Running Your Office On A Network

Chapter 17 Learning to Share

Turning On File Sharing

Types of Access Controls

Accessing Shared Disks and Folders

Sharing with Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Sharing Programs

Backing Up Important Files

Chapter 18 Printing Anywhere on the Network

Sharing Printers

Connecting Printers Directly to the Network

Chapter 19 Communicating over a Peer-to-Peer Network

Sending and Receiving Pop-Up Messages

Creating Your Own Peer Post Office

Setting Up Microsoft Outlook

Chapter 20 Client-Server Communications with Exchange Server

Creating Mailboxes

Offline Address Book

Security

Setting Up Exchange Client

Communicating with Microsoft Outlook

Coordinating Calendars on Your Network

Setting Up a Meeting

Chapter 21 Sharing Modems and Internet Accounts

Internet Sharing Alternatives

Using Modem-Sharing Software

Using Internet Routers

Sharing Fax Modems

Chapter 22 Setting Up Servers for an Office Intranet

Personal Web Server

Internet Information Server

Chapter 23 Networking for Road Warriors

Packing for the Road

Dialing In to Your ISP

Connecting to Your Network

Keeping in Touch with the Office

Controlling an Office Computer Remotely

Other Remote Control Options

Appendix A If You're Not Quite Ready to Network

When Sharing Printers is Enough

Making a Direct Connection

Sharing Files and Printers through Remote Control