Setting up server, need help

[astrooptics]

I have 10 computers running Win98SE, all P2 and celeron machines and 1 P4 machine. I want to create a server on which all users have their files. I want to create different users and give different folder permissions and maybe at sub-folder level also. I also want to set up a shared internet connection on the server for all to access. I also want to connect 3 laptops using XP Home and XP Pro to this server if required, to view the data and maybe post some files also.
I had done this using Win2000 Server on the P4 machine. However I have had some problem with the HDD and it requires re-format. Do I really need Win 2000 server or can I get these things done using Win XP Pro also. I hope I can get some good answers. I am not a hardware or software expert but based on the inputs, I can get the things done from our computer guy

 

[justme]

I have 10 computers running Win98SE, all P2 and celeron machines and 1 P4 machine. I want to create a server on which all users have their files. I want to create different users and give different folder permissions and maybe at sub-folder level also. I also want to set up a shared internet connection on the server for all to access. I also want to connect 3 laptops using XP Home and XP Pro to this server if required, to view the data and maybe post some files also.
I had done this using Win2000 Server on the P4 machine. However I have had some problem with the HDD and it requires re-format. Do I really need Win 2000 server or can I get these things done using Win XP Pro also. I hope I can get some good answers. I am not a hardware or software expert but based on the inputs, I can get the things done from our computer guy

I can get the things done from our computer guy.
You said it
Then trust him not strangers at forums.
These forums are more intended for the Home user.Not business.
Try google
title:business forums

 

[Byteman]

Your going to need someone who knows windows networking. Most prob you'll want to setup the server with win2k server. It's built to handle file and print, and all your authentication will be run from there (permissions to folders, so users cant get into other peoples stuff). You can't have win98 clients participate in a windows2000 domain, but they can have limited access to resources. You'd do better to put windowsNT on the old machines, they have the same hardware requirements as win98 but, NT can participate in the domain structure, (basically any NT/2K/XP client can participate in a domain, [user level access to domain resources]). As i said in the beginning, you might want to get someone who know win2k networking to set it up for you and then show you the basics of server/client management.