Joining a Domain

[Ray]

In a school situation...

We are about to purchase several netbooks for some students to use.
The problem is, most netbooks come with some "home" version of
windows. I know we could probably run an OS other than Windows - but
the rest of the school is WinXP pro, and it could get confusing to
everyone involved if we required them to switch back and forth between
different systems.

So I have to ask ... what are the advantages and disadvantages of
running something like Windows XP Home and not being able to join the
school's domain? We should be able to configure the wireless so the
users can access the internet.. but the shared folders on the servers
would be unavailable...

Any suggestions or advice...before we spend money ????

Thanks
Ray

 

[Bruce Chambers]

In a school situation...

We are about to purchase several netbooks for some students to use.
The problem is, most netbooks come with some "home" version of
windows. I know we could probably run an OS other than Windows - but
the rest of the school is WinXP pro, and it could get confusing to
everyone involved if we required them to switch back and forth between
different systems.

WinXP Home is not designed to, nor can it truly be made to, join a
domain. Nor does it allow the same sort of seamless access provided by
Win9x, although domain resources can be manually accessed by properly
authenticated users.

Windows XP Comparison Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp

Which Edition Is Right for You
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp

While a WinXP Home machine cannot be made a domain member, it's
still possible for a properly authenticated user to access domain
resources from a WinXP Home PC. He/she merely has to enter his domain
user name and password for each connection/share required.

So I have to ask ... what are the advantages and disadvantages of
running something like Windows XP Home and not being able to join the
school's domain?

Advantages? None, other than a small initial cost savings, which will
be offset by the inevitable higher maintenance and management costs
associated with being unable to centrally manage those computers.

Disadvantages? Being unable to centrally manage and control the
computers. And your users will quickly get frustrated having to enter
their domain credentials (user name & password) every time they need to
access a domain resource, such as a shared folder or printer.

We should be able to configure the wireless so the
users can access the internet.. but the shared folders on the servers
would be unavailable...

Any suggestions or advice...before we spend money ????

Purchase computers with the proper operating system for your
environment, rather that futilely trying to save a little money up front.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Ray]

Thank you!
That's pretty much the way I feel about it - but the additional advice
is very useful.

Thanks again
Ray

Thank you!

I felt that was the case, but your confirmation is very helpful. As
the school ventures into the Netbook arena, the extra $100 -
$150/machine is a stumbling block to those concerned with the
financing.

I appreciate your time...
Ray

 

[Anteaus]

http://mylogon.net

will overcome the issue of access to shares from Home, and allow you to do a
fair range of admin tasks such as software rollouts, config changes, etc.

Presently it will not allow you to update group policies remotely.