Adrian Hall said:
In a workgroup, all of the workstations maintain their own security
settings and user database.
In an old style domain you use a Windows NT Server as a Domain
Controller and it manages security and maintains the user database for
all workstations that have joined the domain.
If you use Active Directory then you would need to use Windows 2000
Servers or Windows 2003 Servers as Domain Controllers and these maintain
the user and security information.
Domains provide greater security and easier management of users and
workstations than workgroups but are only really applicable once you
have more than about 5-10 workstations.
If you have just one or two PC's running Windows 2000 professional or
Windows XP Home/Professional then you will have to stick with using
workgroups - without in-depth knowledge of the Windows Servers this
would be the best way to run.
Regards,
Ade.
Although I generally agree with your comments, I must take exception to your
statement:
"Domains provide greater security and easier management of users and
workstations than workgroups but are only really applicable once you
have more than about 5-10 workstations"
I know of networks that have 40 computers and have no use for a domain or a
server. At the same time there are 4 computer networks that greatly benefit
from a domain server. In my humble opinion, Microsoft has promoted the idea
that a large network (5 or more) needs a server thus the 5 connection
limitation to XP home or the 10 limitation to pro. It's all about the
almighty $ and not the number of computers. Don't fall for the Microsoft
propaganda.
With regard to the original post: In a nutshell a domain will give you
security, backup, control and documentation of users activities, and much
more before we even consider active directory (w2k server and 2003 server).
Backup can be accomplished without a domain. The bottom line is do you need
the security. Many security issues can be addressed in a workgroup.
Sorry, Ade, with all due respect, I'm just so tired of hearing the Microsoft
line that large networks need a server.
IMHO,
Dave H.
