Recommended server set up?

[Super Simon]

I'm new to the whole server and systems administration world and I was hoping for some guidance before I employ the services of a local company. What sort of server set up do you guys think would be best for this example?

Having a central server that multiple users access. The user will log on via their own computer and internet connection. By logging on to the server, a network administrator can remotely access a client PC (for support) and they can allow access to extra features (such as programs and other privileges). Is it just a case of having a server set up (Windows Server 2012?) and setting up active directories etc? Does each client computer need to be a fully made up PC, i.e. with it's own operating system etc or can this be done through virtualisation?

 

[ssh]

I'm a bit confused since your post doesn't state the exact problem.
You need to share more details.
The purpose of a server is to serve services and content.
From your post it reads that you're trying to set some type of remote desktops fueled by a central server.
You can post more details of what you're trying to achieve or send me a PM.

 

[rob_james]

What you want is perfectly feasible and many companies do this.

Essentially this central server needs to be the biggest, best, most powerful machine you can afford.

I recently saw this setup go into a business for a little over 5k - hope that helps.

 

[Super Simon]

I'm a bit confused since your post doesn't state the exact problem.
You need to share more details.
The purpose of a server is to serve services and content.
From your post it reads that you're trying to set some type of remote desktops fueled by a central server.
You can post more details of what you're trying to achieve or send me a PM.

Sure, it's pretty much what I've already included.

So I have a central server that I want family to access as their main gateway. So for example, I have a mum and dad in Yorkshire, a brother in Lancashire, a sister in Cornwall and a grandparent in Kent. I would want to connect them all via a network and allow them privileges based on what they need. So they would log on to the "network" and based on what they want, I would grant them access to use programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook etc or restrict their access to certain websites etc.

It essentially gives the network administrator ultimate control to restrict and support client PCs.

I hope that makes sense?

 

[rob_james]

Ah, didn't realise this was a personal setup - 5k setup is probably not what you're after eh?!

You should just allow them RDC access to your own machine and be done with it.

 

[ssh]

Yes, it does.
However, in this situation I would use Linux. System can be set as VPS or central server and accessed by remote clients - terminal "ssh -X ..."

 

[Super Simon]

Ah, didn't realise this was a personal setup - 5k setup is probably not what you're after eh?!

You should just allow them RDC access to your own machine and be done with it.

Hi Rob

It's not strictly family, I guess anyone could join it (like family friends) so I suspect a business set up might be required to keep everyone in line!

 

[Adam.Vause]

If your are wanting to do this on the cheap with basic redundancy which would only be good for a few users i would.

You would need an decent broadband connection with a static IP for remote connections.

• Set-up a domain name that points to your static IP
  
• open ports on your router
  
• Purchase a server and install Hyper-v 2012. you will want something with a decent amount of RAM.
• Setup a server 2012 essentials virtual machine and configure. This will be your logon server.
• Setup Windows 7 virtual machines with your software installed and connect to 2012 essentials
• Set up SSL cert. cheapest method would be to self cert but SSL certs are quite cheap so would be worth while having one
• Setup Remote access through 2012 essentials.
  
• you will need a workstation or thin client to connect to the virtual machines using RDP

I think this is what you are after.

 

[Super Simon]

Sounds exactly what I'm after Adam, thank you.

How much would that advice differ it was say 100 clients, or 1,000? Is it a pretty industrial operation?

I obviously have no ideas for that many (I don't have that many friends!) but I'm intrigued.

 

[Adam.Vause]

The concept is the same, however you would need bigger servers with redundancy/failover and connected directly to the internet backbone with cisco firewalls not to mention the software licensing would need to change as 2012 essential is good only for up to 25 users

 

[ssh]

Same set up could be done free of licensing cost by using Linux.

 

[Super Simon]

Same set up could be done free of licensing cost by using Linux.

But users will still need licensing for the Windows platform that they use? Unless of course you are suggesting they use a free OS like Ubuntu which quite frankly, isn't an option.

 

[drdialeruk]

I would want to connect them all via a network and allow them privileges based on what they need. So they would log on to the "network" and based on what they want, I would grant them access to use programs such as Microsoft Word.

 

[pjperez]

If your business is giving technical support you don't want to spend your time working on managing your server. Why don't you use an existing service like LogMeIn, TeamViewer or similar? I'm sure they've got your use case covered.

 

[javismiles]

you may want to check Amazon cloud but i find their prices expensive in the long run