>If you're contemplating linking more than 4 or 5 computers together I strongly recommend setting up a Windows domain. This requires an actual Windows server computer to act as an Active Directory/Domain Controller (DC). These days there are some file-sharing Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices which can act as Windows DCs despite not running Windows; they can be a lower-cost alternative to a true Windows server.

Hi Al,

Re NAS boxes running as a DC - do you remember which one(s)? I have one smaller customer who I would like to be on some sort of DC but they do not want to jump to having (or more accurately "paying for") a new server. They choke on the $1000 or so for a Win server license. And these NAS boxes, what are they actually running for the DC - I take it not a Windows domain but some other OS?

Albert