need help setting up computer network for small business (need info)

[E Pluribus Unum]

Sensitive much? Since Linux was brought up my response was a general one, not really specific to anything other than the OP.

No... not sensitive... I have very thick skin my friend.. I thought your post was a direct response to mine... my bad.

[Dark Paladin]

You show me a high school that has even just ONE linux desktop setup for kids to use.

When I was still in TX, our local chapter of ACM regularly performed volunteer hours at local schools setting up donated computers for use in class. We started with using what Windows licenses were available. Towards the end we convinced some of the teachers to experiment with Linux in the classroom. Then I graduated from college, but I'm sure there are still plenty of CS majors pushing for mainstream Linux adoption.

[E Pluribus Unum]

When I was still in TX, our local chapter of ACM regularly performed volunteer hours at local schools setting up donated computers for use in class. We started with using what Windows licenses were available. Towards the end we convinced some of the teachers to experiment with Linux in the classroom. Then I graduated from college, but I'm sure there are still plenty of CS majors pushing for mainstream Linux adoption.

That's Texas bud...

My girlfriend is a substitute teacher who loves linux. If she came across a classroom that had it, she would tell me.

Bakersfield City School District is the biggest school district in the state of California and she is sent to every single school in the district.

[Blackhawk556]

ok thanks for all the responses

many people brought up really good points. Some like linux, some like windows. talking about computers is always hard because it will always bring out people who love Macs, Windows, or Linux flavors.

I'm interested and what should be the essentials of the network. If a network was being built by say 5 friends that are starting a business what equipment should they buy and why. What will be the easiest to manage if they don't have cisco certifications like some of you guys do.

To make some of you mad let's say they will focus on using windows because they were "brainwashed" into using windows

Why should they buy a switch? why a router? Should they use a star topology or a mesh? What would be the benefits of these things?

What would be the easiest method to implement to secure their network? What should they look for when looking for a firewall?

Why should they choose cable over DSL or vice-versa?

why RAID and which backup method should they use to make it easier on them

I'm not trying to look for a fight on why they should choose linux over Windows. Yes both have their advantages and it's my fault for not giving more info in the OP

[jammer2k]

I am going to make a couple of assumptions on what you asked and go for the gusto.

Sounds like you are looking for a workgroup more than a full out network/IT environment.

For that I would say a decent router like linksys, dlink, or such. A Networkable printer of some sort would be useful a shared resource and NAS (network attached storage) for a common place to store files.

As for DSL/Cable/whatever, that really depends on availability and cost more than anything at that point. If you are wanting to setup some remote access for the storage and such you may want to look into a static IP or a dynamic DNS.

If you are wanting to setup an actual server of some sort then maybe a SBS (small business server) from MS would do the job. For the backups it would depend on the volume of data you are talking about but burning DVD's would probably be enough for most small uses, just remember to store the backups in a different physical location than the business and server.