Workgroup or DOMAIN 5

[mikeybarrows]

I have 12 computers I want to setup. They have to have access to the internet, a small database application and ISP e-mail.
Shall I create a windows 2003 domain or would a workgroup...work.


Thanks Mikey

 

[aquias]

It is your preference really, you could do this either way. My personal suggestion, is to setup a domain, just for ease of administration. But, this isn't a requirement for this setup, especially when in such a small shop.

 

[5jgibbs]

setup the domain... it may take more work.. but it will save you work in the long run.. it also alows for more flexibal options if you need to lock down a computer using GP.. because if you get a user playing games all day.. BYE BYE IE..

 

[technome]

With 12 machine it is debatable. A workgroup of 12 users is super easy to restore in an emergency. An AD domain would not be that much harder. The active directory will have no affect on performance if you have a hardware raid, believe it turns off disk caching on the volume with the ntds.dit. I tested a active directory FSMO vs a workgroup server on a small network and found no disk array performance differences.

 

[sab4you]

do you care about privacy or security?

if not, then just make it simple and create a workgroup.

if you do, or think you may sometime, then create a domain.

 

[Wishdiak]

mikeybarrows,

I think the deciding factor would be whether you have a computer that you can dedicate as a domain controller, which would not be used as a client computer.

If this increases the cost (of hardware or labor) beyond expectation, then a workgroup solution would probably be more justifiable.

If you have a spare computer that you can dedicate as a domain controller without increasing expense, in the long run this will be the more efficient route.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[5jgibbs]

DOMAIN.. you can greatly improve network performance by limiting users that play to much.. "if they do"

you have the added features of folder redirection, for instant implementation of a new computer.. with the same user.. "roaming profile" this also adds more security because you need to authenticate before you log in.. so not just anyone can log in.