"Bill" said:
For a small business of 3 networked computers (w/internet
access) would I use Domain or Workgroup. There is no real
definition of these two (that I can find) either on the MS
website or in the XP Pro help file. Thanks
If all of the computers have Windows XP, your only choice is a
workgroup. A domain requires a computer running Windows NT Server,
Windows 2000 Server, or Windows Server 2003 to act as a domain
controller.
Domains are typically used in large networks at businesses, colleges,
etc. Here are some differences between workgroups and domains:
1. In a workgroup, all of the computers are equal. Each computer has
its own list of valid user accounts. Each user's files are stored on
the local computer..
2. In a domain, there are one or more server computers that control
the network. They maintain a centralized list of users. A user's
files might be stored on a domain controller, not on the local
computer.
3. In a domain, the network administrator can define "policies" that
control how each computer can be used. For example, the administrator
can require users to change their passwords periodically, prevent them
from changing Internet Explorer settings, etc.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
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