Small Business Network setup and free tech Support

[kagman]

I agree with the quote "A network's size doesn't determine the necessity of a server; the usage requirements do." However they might not need one now but later on they will. Would it not be wise to have one on place just in case they end up needing one???

I say this because one of my clients had me setup a small office network. When it came to a sever we talked about, asked what software they would use etc etc. It was decided not to have a server. 2 months later guess what happened?? They needed a sever after all !!! Why you ask??? They had software that needed a dedicated computer.

My mistake was not getting a server in the first place!!! They only had 3 computers. You live and learn.

 

[ATTech]

I agree with the quote "A network's size doesn't determine the necessity of a server; the usage requirements do." However they might not need one now but later on they will. Would it not be wise to have one on place just in case they end up needing one???

I say this because one of my clients had me setup a small office network. When it came to a sever we talked about, asked what software they would use etc etc. It was decided not to have a server. 2 months later guess what happened?? They needed a sever after all !!! Why you ask??? They had software that needed a dedicated computer.

My mistake was not getting a server in the first place!!! They only had 3 computers. You live and learn.

And if they never end up needing it, they just wasted thousands of dollars. Part of the usage requirements is looking at the needs of the future. If there is no foreseeable need for a server, than why install one? What does a company have to gain by installing a server years before they actually need one? I mean obviously you stand to gain money from set-up an management, but what about them?

 

[dominik]

They don't need any server, just NAS. I would charge $50 per computer to connect to the network, and the same with printers. I am not sure what else he will do, what other services or tasks he will be doing there.?

Server can be simply a normal PC on which Server 2003 or 2008 is installed. Well, according to needs

 

[kevinjhaag]

OK, I have a question..... Why would you friend (the one running the computer business) ask you and not him to sign up for a forum that is about running a computer repair business? In other words..... why are you playing the middle man?

Do you own a computer repair business??

I agree. Why you asking for your friend? He's the one that needs the advice and should be learning this on his own. I smell pizza too.
All I can add is be compensated for your work. You can easily go out of business if you do a lot of free support. The business has expenses too...