How you organize your business computers on your business network is important in both terms of functionality and efficiency. First, you should consider what do you really need to accomplish with your network, and what are the resources that you have available.
What is a Windows Domain Environment?
Simply put, within the domain, your computers (however many you need) become the servers. This allows changes to be made instantaneously to all computers when changes are made. Making changes will be limited, however, unless you are an administrator. Domains can limit who has these administrative powers, and only their credentials will gain access for higher-level actions. As an enhanced security measure, everyone must use log-in credentials every time you access a computer, but you do not need an account on that computer. For large businesses, thousands of computers can be in one domain, and spread out over several networks.
It sounds like businesses will have to pay for all of that enhanced security.
And you would be right. For a company with 20 users, depending on the software you need (and minus any further equipment purchases) initial setup can be approximately $40 extra per user. The tremendous organization and security is well worth the money, but you have to make sure to really evaluate your business’s needs.
A simpler approach, depending on how many computers you have.
Workgroups allow all computers running on the same local internet network to be peers. This means they all work together, with no authority over each other, and are able to share files with each other’s permission. Each computer has to have a user account setup for each user, as there is no one password to access all of the computers in the workgroup. This can become tedious, depending on the number of users you have within your group.
Microsoft recommends a rule of 1-10 users in a workgroup, but certainly not more than 20. For ease of data management and dependable security, it is easy to see how the Windows Domain Environment is optimal. Businesses need to analyze their current systems and predict their future trends in order to correctly diagnose the solution to their computer network needs. A dependable IT management service is another great route to go in order get the most accurate information for your unique situation.
As always, Nerds in a Flash is here to help you decide what IT Support needs are best for you. Please call 877-250-8575 or book online now.