SME network

[n3il123]

I am trying to set up a small network with MS server, exchange, sql server etc and a couple of clients. This is purely for myco's purposes (1 man IT contractor) however I am thinking of the future and would like to be in the position that I could take on people, test software/ databases in a client/ server environment etc..

Anyway, I am struggling to setup the whole Active directory, exchange thing (I am more development than infrastructure background) so was wondering if anyone could reccomend a "dummies" style guide or website to setup this sort of environment?

Thanks in advance as always

[UpTheIron]

1. VMware Server on every machine you've got.
2. This is a complete guess, as I have no idea of your requirements, but...use virtual machines to give you something like:
- 2x DC's
- 1x Exchange
- 1x F&P + backup
- 1x Application Server (production)
- 1x Application Server (development)
- 1x DB Server (production)
- 1x DB Server (development)
- multiple test clients

[n3il123]

Sorry I don't think that I made myself too clear what I meant was a "dummies" guide to configuring the whole lot i.e. configuring AD and exchange to work together in a domain, picking up internet e-mails etc etc, not nes a book maybe a website, all I want is a "one stop shop" to get all the info.

Thanks again in advance

[greenlandy]

Where in East Anglia are you I might be able to pop in and help.

[n3il123]

Hi I am in the centre of ipswich.. but any help would be appreciated... if you're not that close then perhaps a pint for advice could be sorted?

[greenlandy]

www.amazon.com/Active-Directory-Dummies-Marcia-Loughry/dp/0764506595
www.serverwatch.com/tutorials/article.php/1474461

Edited by greenlandy on Wednesday 4th October 17:05

[randlemarcus]

Or go the SBS route.
The wizard more or less does everything for you, which is nice, and you can run SQL on another bit of tin, so as not to start mixing dev with revenue earning email systems.

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkI

[greenlandy]

Neil YHM.