Laptops in a network

  • Thread starter Thread starter Shaun
  • Start date Start date
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Shaun

Hi,

I am about to set up a network with windows 2000 server and about 5 users.
I've never done this before and would appreciate any sources of information
anyone can direct me to. In particular one of my concerns is that two of the
users of the network will have laptops. How can I maintain security, protect
the network from viruses if the laptops are connected to the internet from
home as well?

Thanks for your help
 
Don't let the users have administrator permissions on the laptops, don't let
them use the laptops on their home network.
 
Don't let the users have administrator permissions on the laptops, don't let
them use the laptops on their home network.
Click to expand...

This is not very practical is it? The whole idea of a laptop is to provide
mobility. Mobility implies being able to connect to client, vendor,
partner, etc. networks while on the road or remotely. (I'm clumping home
network in here too). So why give the users a laptop if you restrict their
mobility (access to other networks)?
 
Can you guarantee the laptop is going to be connected to a secure virus-free
network? No, then what is more important to you? Security or mobility?
Maybe spend a day in a network administrator's shoes and you would have a
different outlook.
 
Can you guarantee the laptop is going to be connected to a secure virus-free
network? No, then what is more important to you? Security or mobility?
Maybe spend a day in a network administrator's shoes and you would have a
different outlook.
Click to expand...

I guess I don't understand our business. I thought we made money by
interacting with clients, vendors, and suppliers. If this interaction
requires and is enhanced by connecting to their networks periodically, then
we need to do that.

I believe our business is not to ease the job of System Administrators, but
to provide service and product. It is the job of System Admins to
facilitate our business process, not to restrict it. If security and
viruses are problems, then it is the job of the Sys Admin to find a
solution without negatively impacting our ability to do business.

In your model, and given your comment regarding the shoes of the Sys Admin,
I guess we should just isolate ourselves to guarantee we will be protected.
This way we will never get a virus and our data will always be secure, and,
Sys Admins would have an easier job, while our competitors interact with
our former clients, vendors, and suppliers.

I understand the need for security. If you are that concerned, do not allow
laptops at all. I think a better solution would be to work with the Sys
Admins of those remote networks to establish connecting and working
policies whereby their and your respective networks are protected. To
recommend not to allow remote connection is an unrealistic approach in a
mobile workplace.
 
I have to agree with you road warrior,

We got a laptop for our sales guy so he could do presentations to clients,
work from home etc. It would be ridiculous to tell him he can't work from
home! Unfortunately it is my job to set up the server and network for the
office. If he has Norton Personal Firewall enabled at home and Norton Anti
Virus turned on all the time would this be adequate protection?

Thanks for your replies.
 
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