Introduction to the

Microsoft Small Business Server

Susan E. Bradley, CPA

Tamiyasu, Smith, Horn & Braun
 

 

 
 
 
 

Introduction to Microsoft Small Business Server

Westside Technology Users Group

May 20, 1999

Susan E. Bradley, CPA

Why should I set up a Network?

• Peer-to-Peer network is not working

• Software needs Client/Server setup

• Need to share equipment

• Share CD-Roms

• Safety of Backups

• Need better communication within the firm

• Need better communication outside of firm

• Will your software work better with Novell or NT?
• If it works with either then:
• Do you love Microsoft Outlook?

• Do you have a need for SQL Server vs. Oracle Server?

• Different security than Novell

• Microsoft Windows NT
• Network operating system, with Version 4.0 and Service Pack 3
• Selected "Backoffice" components
• Limit of 25 users
• Will go to 50 with 4.5 version

What are Backoffice components?

• Microsoft Exchange Server 5.0 (with SP1)
• Organize firm contacts - share phone numbers - one master phonebook
• Allows for Firm Email
• Inexpensive Internet email [jdoe@cpafirm.com]
• Schedule of firm resources [conference rooms, projectors, etc.]
• Use Microsoft Exchange, Outlook 97 or 98 as the workstation software for email, calendaring, scheduling - works with Exchange server

What else is in the SBS?

• Microsoft SQL Server 6.5 [SP3]
• Database software used by client accounting, time and billing packages and other applications. You will need to investigate if your software could benefit from running underneath this platform.
• No part of SBS needs this software – it ships with the SBS but is not needed by any other part of the server to run properly, therefore to maximize the speed of the server you can turn this off without affecting Server

• Microsoft Proxy Server 1.0
• All in the office can use the Internet. BackOffice Small Business Server includes Microsoft Proxy Server for managing Internet access. Proxy Server allows you to control which Web sites users can visit. You can either supply a list of Web sites to block or a list of sites that can be accessed. Proxy Server also keeps a log on the Internet activity of each end user to help a company track Internet usage and implement usage policies.
• Upgrade to Proxy Server 2.0 is available for minimal cost [shipping and handling]. You should plan on installing this as it as Y2K issues. [This will be fully upgraded in 4.5 version].

• Microsoft Fax Server
• Does allow for group faxing and fax pooling but it’s not too functional

• Modem pooling
• Up to 4 modems can be installed in SBS. As long as the modems are identical, they can be set up to automatically default to the free phone line.
• Also can be used for separate access to Internet, phone access to Lacerte, etc.
• MUST: Purchase matching modems at time of install

• Internet Information Server 3.0 and Microsoft Front Page 97
• Used to prepare web pages for Internal use or build a database-driven website using SQL Server and IIS.
• Useful for storing information such as pages with hyperlinks to useful web pages

• Microsoft Windows 95
• Windows 98
• little glitch - must run the wizard twice - it really does work! Microsoft has released an update to let Computer Setup Disk function properly on Windows 98.
• Windows NT and Windows for Workgroups

Can I install it myself?

• Ask yourself the following:
• Do you consider yourself an Intermediate Computer User?
• Are you comfortable with changing items in the Control Panel interface in Windows 95/98?
• Do you already have network cabling installed that is Category 5? [note: can run on Category 3 – but to get the full speed and future upgrading to 100 speed plan on upgrading to category 5 wiring]
• Are you willing to do a bit of homework about what computer to buy and what hardware to purchase?

• Are you willing to follow instructions exactly? The SBS doesn’t like shortcuts. If you do, you’ll pay for them in the long run.

• REMEMBER

1. Follow the SBS setup steps exactly.
2. Adhere to the SBS hardware compatibility list when choosing equipment.
3. Install SBS on a network of newer clients (computers).
4. Make sure your business software supports SBS.
5. Don’t try to save money on your SBS server.
6. Make all available disk space a single NTFS partition.
7. Attach all hardware and services to the network before installing SBS.
8. Attach the SBS server to an "active" network hub.
9. Don’t change the IP numbers used by SBS.
10. Don’t modify the suggested domain name or machine name.
11. Check the communication port share name being used on the SBS server and under the client workstation that has the modem sharing client installed.
12. Use the SBS client disk to add a workstation to the network.
13. Do everything from the Manage Small Business Server management console.
14. Don’t change the Administrator’s password.
15. Don’t use the Netware migration tool.
16. Disable both the Remote Access Connection Manager and Remote Access Server services if you don’t have a modem.
17. Modify the NTFS-based directory permissions to remove the default Read right for domain users.
18. Modify each user’s directory share to make it a hidden share.
19. Add a server-based virus protection solution.
20. Don’t forget to make the emergency repair disk.

Taken from the A Guide to Help Technology Providers, Consultants and Resellers Market Microsoft^® BackOffice^® Small Business Server Version 4.5
 
 

• Hardware requirements
• Pentium 100 with 32 meg
• Reality check: Pentium 300 +
• 128 meg RAM

• Dell, Gateway sell network servers with SBS package
• Ship with NT installed
• You must install the 2 CD’s
• Already have tested all hardware

• Administrator setup/password
• case sensitive
• Use the wizard to change password, this will change the passwords throughout the system. Changing the password manually – you may miss one!

• Select network support protocol

• TCP/IP is the default protocol and manditory protocol. IPX/SPX, NetBEUI protocol are also available but do not auto-load. Try not to run NetBEUI if at all possible. Will slow down the network.
• Can still connect to Novell Network and bridge over to a Novell network, however, the more protocols you have running, the network will be slower. NWLink can run on a SBS to facilitate Gateway Services for Netware which clients log onto a SBS server and access resources on a Novell Server.

• Have modem and NIC card in computer before you begin to install. Can install without modem, but certain services will not load and you will have to add them manually later (Modem sharing, Remote access services for example).

• NOT exactly Plug and Play – you may have to "mess" with Bios setups if modems are not recognized.

Can I support it myself?

• Are you an intermediate Computer user?
• Are you used to fixing Windows 95/98 computers? Troubleshooting a SBS file server is very similar. If you have a computer consultant install the SBS, watch over his or her shoulder. Ask questions.
• Wizards built into SBS assist your tasks will assist you in making your tasks easier.
• Integrated server setup - asks you questions as it walks through the setup
• Setup computer wizard - quickly adds PCs to your existing network – it gives you a diskette that you then use on the workstation to easily setup the workstation
• Small Business Server Console – Integrated help program that assists in in the normal administration tasks.
• Online Documentation – much information regarding the SBS is built into the SBS computer as "web" based pages. If you are used to navigating the web, you can easily use the online guide.
• Manage Console – the backbone of the SBS administration
• New user wizard – helps you to easily add a new user to the system. Sets up user name, file permissions, email, etc.
• Walks you through the process, step by step and asks all the questions.
• Event Viewer
•     The SBS’s guide to what’s working and not working on your file server – hint- Look for Red and Yellow lights. Some Red lights are OK and can be disregarded.

• Performance monitor
•         Hitting CONTROL-ALT-DELETE
•         See what activity or process is occurring that possibly should not be running. If you are using a workstation and the network "feels" sluggish, check out the performance monitor. Are there services that should only launch manually [and thus should not be running] that are running and are slowing down the file server? If something doesn’t feel right…check it out…you use the file server more than the computer consultant does. Believe it or not, it is perfectly normal to need to shut the server down once a month. The SBS actually works better when it gets a chance to "reset" itself every now and then.
• Backup software
•         ArcServe by Computer Associates is the recommended tape backup software. Look specifically for the package built for the Microsoft Small Business Server – not the NT version. The SBS version actually shuts down "services" that are running in order to properly backup the file server. Check the log to ensure that the backup is running properly. The log should indicate a properly completed job, not an interrupted one.
•         Personal problems with Seagate – caused file server to indicate that it was "out of memory" and requested that excess programs be shut down – there weren’t any other programs running other than the base programs needed for the file server! Also had to type in a manually .bat file progam to shut down the email services in order to back them up. Seagate did not do this properly.

• Choosing an ISP for use with Exchange Server
• Don’t have to go with Microsoft’s list.
• Can use any ISP
• ISP’s are beginning to get more info on SBS
• ALSO NEW WITH THE 4.5:  Microsoft now provides a file that allows you to connect to any ISP without obtaining a static IP address.  Go to the Microsoft web site at for more info.

The following information is courtesy of Cris Hanna, BS, MCP, SBS – Most Valuable Player of the microsoft.public.backoffice.smallbiz newsgroup (crishanna@aol.com):

1. 1.  Ask your ISP if they are willing to collect and hold SMTP mail and then relay to you via ETRN when you dialup to get it.


2. You will need your own internet domain name, ie mycompany.com.

2. 3.  Your ISP must be willing to provide you with a static IP address to be used each time you dialup for mail

1. 4.  Your ISP must then create the appropriate DNS records (MX and A)for your domain name pointing to the IP address in #3. He must post these records on his DNS servers.

1. 5.  Go to: http://www.microsoft.com/backofficesmallbiz/guide/ispconnectivity.asp?A=2&B=6

• How do I get the mail
• Using Exchange Server’s ETRN
• ISP must support it
• dedicated communications line, DSU/CSU and packet router needed [costs] ISP’s usually do charge you for a static IP address.
• Security issues - There are also reports that due to the way the ETRN mail system works - someone can send a large email to you and thus can "open" a pipeline into your file server that will stay open as long as that email takes to be sent to you.

• Using 3 party add-on software
• Pop3gateway from JAK.com is the one I personally use
• Use normal pop mailbox
• All mail is addressed to unique name, dumped into one mailbox, Exchange redirects to users. ISP may charge you for this "addressing setup" and you still must have a domain name. Costs: approximately $100 for domain name registration, $19.95 mailbox and Internet access through Earthlink, $19.95 for "star" addressing [their name for email aliasing], and $19.95 for web hosting [this is optional]

• Learn to Navigate the Microsoft web site
• http://www.microsoft.com/smallbiz and http://www.microsoft.com/backofficesmallbiz
• Read release notes and white papers – search in the technical support section of Microsoft http://www.microsoft.

com/support/ for knowledge base articles on the SBS
• Don’t use non-approved Hardware – follow the hardware compatibility guide exactly – this is not the time to pinch pennies!

• Sign up for the Microsoft Newsgroup on the Internet microsoft.public.backoffice.smallbiz You will find that others are having the same problems that you are having and they are WORLDWIDE!
• Sign up for Microsoft email – give them your profile and sign up for automatically newsletters. You will get notifications on security patches, updates, free seminars – you name it!
• Sign up for TechNet web site – you tell them more about yourself and you get access to a very in depth web site with great technical information. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/

• MORE RESOURCES:  Books
• Books
• Microsoft Backoffice Small Business Server Bible by William C. Jeansonne

• Running Microsoft Backoffice Small Business Server by Sharon Crawford, Charlie Russel

• Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Small Business Server in 21 Days by Harry M. Brelsford

• Microsoft Backoffice Small Business Server 4.5 Resource Kit (Resource Kit) by Microsoft Corp (Editor) [not yet published]

Useful Web sites

UPDATE AS OF 5/26/99:  MICROSOFT JUST RELEASED THE 4.5 VERSION AND MANY OF THE MICROSOFT WEB SITES LISTED ON THIS PAGE ARE NOW OUT OF DATE.  I WILL BE UPDATING THEM AS SOON AS I CAN FIND WHERE MICROSOFT MOVED THEM TO.  THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
 
 

• http://www.microsoft.com/backofficesmallbiz/default.asp

• http://www.microsoft.com/technet/

• http://www.tshb.com/sbs built specially for this presentation – It has all the links to the pages I’ve referred to during this presentation.

• http://web.infoave.net/~solutions/sbs.htm – Run by Grey Lancaster of the SBS MVPs.

• http://www.microsoft.com/directaccess/products/salescenters/sbs/howsell.asp - Information on the new 4.5

• http://www.birkbinnard.com/SBS/ Another unofficial site with valuable information UPDATE:  SHUT DOWN AS OF 5/99

• http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q186/3/88.asp Don’t panic if your manage console won’t work. Look here for advice

• http://support.microsoft.com/support/default.asp?PR=sbs&SU=http://www.microsoft.com/office/default.asp?&SG=last+site%2E%2E%2E&FR=0&SD=SO& - The frequently requested support issue site for the SBS

• http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q189/8/49.asp Don’t panic if you get a GPF error when installing to Windows 98 clients

• http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q191/3/14.asp Installing Outlook in the SBS environment

• http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q196/0/94.asp How to manually get a computer to talk to the SBS.

• http://microsoft.com/misc/mstw/ Go to this URL and look for the link to the profile center to sign up for emails

• http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q192/7/12.asp Article about problems with Outlook and Exchange licenses.

• http://www.jak.com Web site for the add on program for using a standard pop mailbox.

• http://www.microsoft.com/backofficesmallbiz/guide/netwaredeployguide.asp?A=5&B=1 Whitepaper on the subject of linking a Novell and SBS server.

• http://www.exemplar.software.com Web site for another add on program for using a standard pop mailbox

What I like….what I don’t like

• LIKES
• Easier to share CDroms than old Novell
• Modem sharing and pooling – very efficient
• Exchange Server combined with Outlook can be powerful
• Office 97’s whistles and bells work
• Setup of new computers easier – take diskette to computer and setup
• Printers set up using Jet Direct cards from HP work great and print faster

• DISLIKES
• Lack of documentation [this is the book?]
• Online guides
• Had to find out the hard way about Seagate backup
• Lots of great stuff on Microsoft’s site but hard to navigate
• Getting all the patch fixes

t’s next

• SBS 4.5 [free to 4.0 users]
• 50 users
• Updated versions of programs
• all the patch fixes installed – all Y2K compliant
• Office 2000 Integrated Bundle
• Microsoft 4.5 Resource kit - finally a book!

Closer look at the SBS

• Control Panel
• Like Windows 95/98 but different – more icons, more issues.

• Services
• If "automatic" is listed in the Startup panel, the services automatically start up in Bootup
• Need to know how to manually shut down – you must manually shut down Internet email AND you must change to manual start up in order to properly install upgrades.
• How to change to manual start up: Click on Startup and change the option.

Using the SBS to be an Internet Server

• Must upgrade to Proxy 2.0. Proxy 1.0 is problematic and doesn’t work well with Exchange.
• Another server must run the public website
• Security issues. Here’s that open pipeline again….do you feel comfortable with the security issues? For most small businesses: have your ISP host the public site and have any commerce through them.

What ways can I connect to the Internet?

• Fastest setup, cheapest, slowest access, most supported method that is guaranteed work without major problems.

• Traditional analog modem connection with traditional ISP. It’s not necessary that this ISP support SMTP mail. With a third party program – it can be a traditional pop mailbox.

• Faster connections, less support

• ISDN
• connection shut down problems. If workstations sign up for "push" technology where information is updated at a regular interval, the ISDN pipeline may remain open and thus running up your bill.

• DSL

• Cable modems

• Using Proxy Server – one accessed the Internet and all in the office can get online at the same time.

• Analog dialup
• speed declines as users log on – more people on the pipeline, the speed declines.

• Dedicated access [ISDN, DSL, cable]
• faster connections – speed is noticeably faster
• speed still declines…the same rules still apply..as more users use the one pipeline, the speed decreases. However, users report with 2 to 3 on the pipeline at the same time there is not a noticeable impact
• More support issues – some cable companies and ISP’s don’t know what you need to get a SBS hooked on

Remote connection to the SBS

• Remote Access Server [RAS] built into SBS.

• Relatively easy to connect laptops and desktops remotely. With laptops, you will probably want to set them up manually. Microsoft has a detailed "white paper" giving the steps for this.

• Speed issues
• Analog - too slow

• DSL – again fast connection but additional hardware is needed.
• Virtual private networking – you actually make an Internet connection in order to log into the network. You must download some patches from Microsoft to instal VPN properties and setup a VPN dial up Icon. The user will use this Icon to log into the SBS network. Windows 2000 Server is supposed to come with a 10 user package of Terminal Server. This software acts more like PC Anywhere and streamlines the data coming across the wire. There are also software solutions from Citrix that will work in a similar fashion.
• Bottom line – you can easily connect with traditional analog connections but it ain’t pretty.

What does the SBS look like in action?

Live demonstration of the SBS Server in action.
 
 
 
 

NOTES