Different Windows Versions+Centralised File Folder

[simonseckkm]

Hi, This is my first time joining the forum, seeking help.

My problems is that we are running some 15 PCs (O/S - WinME, Win2000 Pro & WinXP Pro) whereby all documents are stored in individual respective PC. All PCs are networked without a server (a workgroup).

We're looking forward to getting all PC connected to the Internet whereby everyone could access to our hosted mail server.

Our main concern here is security over our data and restrictions on internet access.

Furthermore, if possible, we need to implement sort of activity monitoring over the network.

How to go about? Convert the entire system to Client-Server environment?

Can someone give me some kind advice on setting up & control.

Thanks.

Seck K M

[aghaznavi]

You can secure your network from the Internet using a Cisco PIX or ASA device. To configure the PIX to allow access to your email server, you can use this example

PIX Firewall 7.x with Mail Server Access on Outside Network Configuration Example

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/vpndevc/ps2030/products_configuration_example09186a0080683db5.shtml

As the data passes via the Internet, it again becomes a secuity issue. To avoid this situation you must have a tunnel between these sites. Couple of devices can be used on the remote site (email server site) for this purpose - a PIX/ASA, a Concentrator, or even a Router.

Here are some example documents:

IPsec Tunnel Between PIX 7.x and VPN 3000 Concentrator Configuration Example

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/vpndevc/ps2030/products_configuration_example09186a008064a06f.shtml

IPsec: Router-to-PIX Security Appliance 7.x and Later or ASA Configuration Example

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/vpndevc/ps2030/products_configuration_example09186a00805e8c80.shtml

Configuring a Simple PIX-to-PIX VPN Tunnel Using IPSec

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/vpndevc/ps2030/products_configuration_example09186a0080094761.shtml