Workgroup vs. Domain?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tavish Muldoon
  • Start date Start date
T

Tavish Muldoon

What is the difference between a workgroup and a domain? Would there
be any benefit into setting up a domain for a small group of computers
2-3?

How does one setup a domain in a networked group of computers? (url?)

Windows 98se cannot use domains - correct? Anyway around that?

Thanks,

Tmuld.
 
a domain requires a server. servers are more expensive than desktops and
require more care and feeding to setup and maintain. generally this is not
something i would not recommend taking on without some basic training or at
least a good bit of reading. security is a big part of it today, especially
if anything is exposed to the internet. domains provide centralized user
account control, sharing of server resources, network services, centralized
software license control, centralized software installation, and lots of
other stuff.

workgroups are automatic, unless you specifically join a domain when you
install windows you are part of a default workgroup. they provide nothing
beyond grouping of computers in the network part of windows explorer. one
big limitation is that any single win nt/2k/xp computer is limited to a max
of 10 connections from other computers, to get past that you need a
server... before that you will probably be just as happy with a workgroup
unless you require some specific server functions.

win98se can use domains, as can everything since win 95. having to ask a
question like that points out that you have LOTS of reading to do before you
attempt a domain setup.
 
Read here:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...cs/en-us/workgroups_compared_with_domains.asp

As for how to set up a domain - if you must ask, you need professional
advice and assistance.

Finally, Windows 98 cannot join a domain but can authenticate a user against
the domain controller and allow access to shared resources.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
 
The only advantage is security. There would be no need to set up a domain
for 3 computers.

Go with the workgroup.
 
Thanks all for the great information.

No need for a domain...yet. That is what I got out of this!

This info is for a charity group who do not have resources. But as
they grow (donated computers) - it might have to be done.

Most have Windows 98se.

I know this is an MS group - but would a Linux box do. Could it be
used as a domain controller for W98se machines? Or should I be
checking other groups.

Thanks again for your time - much appreciated.

Tmuld.
 
Treebeard said:
The only advantage is security.
Click to expand...

Well, that and centralized policies, and easy centralized data storage, and
roaming profiles, etc....
There would be no need to set up a
domain for 3 computers.

Go with the workgroup.
Click to expand...

Probably best unless there's a need for something that will only work with a
domain model - I've seen very happy 3-computer domains using Exchange
heavily.
 
Tavish said:
Thanks all for the great information.

No need for a domain...yet. That is what I got out of this!

This info is for a charity group who do not have resources. But as
they grow (donated computers) - it might have to be done.

Most have Windows 98se.

I know this is an MS group - but would a Linux box do.
Click to expand...

For what?
Could it be
used as a domain controller for W98se machines?
Click to expand...

No, but it could be a server.
 
Tavish Muldoon said:
Thanks all for the great information.

No need for a domain...yet. That is what I got out of this!

This info is for a charity group who do not have resources. But as
they grow (donated computers) - it might have to be done.

Most have Windows 98se.

I know this is an MS group - but would a Linux box do. Could it be
used as a domain controller for W98se machines? Or should I be
checking other groups.

Thanks again for your time - much appreciated.

Tmuld.
Click to expand...

no, a linux box could not be a domain controller. but it can be used as a
file and printer server and even as an internet firewall/gateway/router to
get beyond the 10 connection limit on workgroup machines.
 
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