how to setup a server network

Hi.
I am intending to setup a server based network with windows server 2003 and
using 5 worksations under windows xp home edition. i am a total newbie to
networking and i have done some research. So from ny research i came up know
that i should connect both the server and the workstations to a switch using
cat5 cable. So i am stuck here . Whats the next step is configuring the
server and the workstations which i am having a head to understand. CAN
ANYONE HELP ME IN A VERY VERY EXPLICIT WAY? PLEASE.
Thanks

thats it. the physical network is set up. you are done with layer 1 of the
7 layer osi network model. if you are really stuck here the next step i
recommend is to get out your checkbook or credit card and call a local IT
services company and have them pay you a visit.


"Preet" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:C670102E-66F1-4759-B13F-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi.
> I am intending to setup a server based network with windows server 2003
> and
> using 5 worksations under windows xp home edition. i am a total newbie to
> networking and i have done some research. So from ny research i came up
> know
> that i should connect both the server and the workstations to a switch
> using
> cat5 cable. So i am stuck here . Whats the next step is configuring the
> server and the workstations which i am having a head to understand. CAN
> ANYONE HELP ME IN A VERY VERY EXPLICIT WAY? PLEASE.
> Thanks

Greetings,

The question you really need to ask yourself is if your Windows 2003 Server
will just simply act as a file server to your workstations or do you want it
to host a domain. If you wish for it to host a domain then you will need to
upgrade your current workstations to Windows XP Professional or take a free
downgrade to Windows 2000 Professional. Unfortunately Windows XP Home does
not support domain joining.

As for your actual setup, you will need a switch of some sort to connect
your workstations to your server (regardless if a file server or domain
controller). You will need your computers to have an IP address. The IP
address can be static (one you assign yourself), or one given from a DHCP
(router, windows server, etc). The IP address scheme must be the same
throughout your network. A common network scheme would be 192.168.1.X with a
subnet of 255.255.255.0. The X would change depending on the computer. This
scheme will allow all the computers to be able to communicate with each
other without the need of expensive equipment or engineering type
configurations.

My recommendations to you is to find out what you really want to do with
your server and pick up a couple networking/server books from Amazon or your
local book store (like Borders). Despite the name, Networking for Dummies
and Windows Server 2003 for Dummies gives first time networkers some really
helpful information in terms you can understand and relate to.

Hope this helps,
--
Louis Vitiello Jr.
------------------------------
MCSE, MCSA, MCP, A+/N+
ERCP XP Pro / Net Concepts

"Preet" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:C670102E-66F1-4759-B13F-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi.
> I am intending to setup a server based network with windows server 2003
> and
> using 5 worksations under windows xp home edition. i am a total newbie to
> networking and i have done some research. So from ny research i came up
> know
> that i should connect both the server and the workstations to a switch
> using
> cat5 cable. So i am stuck here . Whats the next step is configuring the
> server and the workstations which i am having a head to understand. CAN
> ANYONE HELP ME IN A VERY VERY EXPLICIT WAY? PLEASE.
> Thanks