We have a small network, peer to peer, with 4 pcs all running Win XP. Currently only one PC is connected to the internet (not wireless). That PC uses Outlook Express - simply because that was the easy way to set up.
What I want to do is use the PC connected to the internet to act as the server for the other PCs to send and receive emails, with only those addressed to named persons going direct to that PC. We have a domain name whereby [email protected] will come to the main PC.
We run Mircrosoft Office 97 - but I have never set up Outlook and don't know how that would run anyway.
Are there any easy solutions?
Many thanks
Andy
Replies (9)
Please login or register to join the discussion.
Mail server
I'd suggest a good router/modem as a starter: the Netgear DG834n (4 ports) and it has wireless too. We then run Outlook on our 2 pc's with separate mailboxes set up with our ISP - that way the right person receives the e-mail directed to them. We use Outlook rather than Outlook Express because of the Task / Calender /
Using outlook rules
Hi
The danger of this system is if the host computer fails then nothing works.
I would go along withy the suggestion of a router - wirless if you like. As you have a domain you can for about £5 a year have it hosted by a omeone like 1and1.co.uk and the hosting co will direct emails to the different users on your net work. So for abou £100 upfront including a visit to your office you will have a very viable sytem. If one PC fails you will not loose the whole set up. We have used this for a number of years.
Have a look at Vpop3
This might be worth a look at:
http://www.pscs.co.uk/products/vpop3/index.php
It looks like it might tick some of the box's.
Phillip
Thanks for the ideas!
As a starter I will try the message rules option and see what happens. Later on I will check if I can use IMAP as that may be more comprehensive without excessive cost.
Get wireless
Get a wireless router for around £50 and get everyone on the internet.
Setup free outlook express on each machine.
Job done.
Most domain hosting with pop3 offer around 20 free unique email accounts for around £25 including the actual hosting of your website.
If you want roaming profiles etc then you probably need Microsoft Exchange Server and for 4 machines that would be too costly.
Use message rules
We have this situation but we run Outlook Express on all machines and use message rules to sort out the emails. My machine is the main one but I tell it to leave message for [email protected] on the server. Then when that person logs on they receive their email. They need to set their rules to leave [email protected] and [email protected] on the server so it comes to my machine but it generally works for just a few machines. Saves having to spend any money!
Mailtraq
We use Mailtraq (Mailtraq.com) for a similar size operation - its much cheaper than Exchange - and is simple to set up and operate
Why wireless?
You can buy a modem router without going wireless. Substitute this for your current hub/switch. Sometimes the modem router offers both wired and wireless connections - up to you.
I agree with Samuel
Investing in a wireless router is probably your best option.
If the PC currently connected to the internet is used as a workstation, getting it to act as a server and a workstation may produce performance issues that could be counter productive.