Need Firewall / Backup suggestions for Server 2003/small network

[ClickCntrlCmmd]

Server 2003 and the workstations are running XP. I need a firewall in place to help protect these guys from people trying to get in... It's not like a financial services business where there's a lot of people's personal data-just business data mainly that I'd like to have secured more. I've been looking into a hardware firewall, however, I'm trying to find something in the $400/$500 range to fit my customers budget. Can anyone suggest a good hardware firewall in that price range or a software one that would do the trick? They don't have a VPN, they login remotely either thru RDC or Logmein, so I just need to be able to forward/open ports for them.

Also, I'm looking for backup software to backup the server and to also backup the workstations... Can any recommend freeware or something affordable that works well?

[Trenatos]

Id' suggest looking at ClearOS or SME Server, they should do all you need and they have free options so you can put a few $$ on hardware to run it on instead of a license.

[Paul Rodgers]

I suggest mapping the Documents folder from the workstations to a user folder on the server. You can then use a backup program and two USB harddrives (to swap out daily) to backup the server. If you want to save on cost use NT Backup instead of purchasing backup software.

That leaves you a good amount of money to buy a proper firewall.

[ClickCntrlCmmd]

My Documents and Desktop is mapped to the server on the workstations... All I really need to grab off the workstations daily is outlook data file, address book, and favorites...one machine I've gotta grab the quickbooks data file.

[dbdawn]

Originally Posted by ClickCntrlCmmd

My Documents and Desktop is mapped to the server on the workstations... All I really need to grab off the workstations daily is outlook data file, address book, and favorites...one machine I've gotta grab the quickbooks data file.

Why don't you just script the backups? Would make your job much easier.

[Knightsman]

How much space do you need for the backup?

[ClickCntrlCmmd]

175GB I'd say.


I'd also like to be able to do an image of the server...

[jdpetrov]

I'm currently looking into Webroot SaaS options. They seem to be more flexible than end-point or hardware solutions, and more effective. I've got a call out to them for more information (specifically pricing) so I should have more information soon.

[MobileTechie]

Originally Posted by ClickCntrlCmmd

My Documents and Desktop is mapped to the server on the workstations... All I really need to grab off the workstations daily is outlook data file, address book, and favorites...one machine I've gotta grab the quickbooks data file.

You can move the outlook data etc to the server too. Having all data on the server and hence one backup point is one of the advantages of using a server.

[ProTech-MN]

Originally Posted by MobileTechie

You can move the outlook data etc to the server too. Having all data on the server and hence one backup point is one of the advantages of using a server.

Just be aware that storing Outlook PST files on a network share isn't supported nor recommended by MS:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/297019

While often times it works without any complications, I have seen a few instances where it caused some Outlook & network issues.

As for the user's document folder - I would redirect those to a user's home directory on the server - easier to ensure their files get backed up from one central location.

-Randy