Working on a computer network

Your Network

If you are not connected to a network, you can only access files on your hard disk and print to printers connected to your computer. When connected to a network, you can access all network resources, such as network printers, shared folders, and your company's internal Web site.

Logging on and using passwords

To access resources on your Windows® Small Business Server network, you need a user name and password. Typically, the network password is different from the user name or password that you use to log on to your computer.

You might be required to change your network password periodically, usually every six weeks. Do not write your password down, post it near your desk, or give it to a co-worker. If people know your password, they can use it to access private company information. It is your responsibility to protect your network password.

Your password should be:

  • At least seven characters.
  • A mix of numbers, uppercase letters, and lowercase letters.
  • A random mix of characters that does not include your name, the name of a relative, your e-mail alias, your social security number, your phone number, or any words found in a dictionary.

Accessing and sharing files

On a Windows Small Business Server network, you can access and share files from several locations and in several situations:

  • Folders on your computer. Files on your computer are for your use and typically are not shared with co-workers. Your My Documents folder may be stored on the server, but any files in that folder are not accessible by co-workers. If you want to share files, use the company's internal Web site or a shared folder on the server.
    Note
    • You can share folders on your computer, but be careful in determining who can access information in these folders.
  • The company's internal Web site. Your company's internal Web site provides document libraries where you can share documents and files with co-workers. By default, all network users can access files on this site, so ensure that the information you store in document libraries is information that you want co-workers to view. You might be able to create a subsite on the company's internal Web site and thereby restrict access to a select number of co-workers.
  • Shared folders on the server. If you have the proper permissions, you might be able to share a folder on the computer running Windows Small Business Server 2003. Use this option when you want to share files to a select number of co-workers and you are unable to create a subsite on the company's internal Web site.

Managing the network

The network typically is managed by a computer consultant. This person might designate an on-site user to handle day-to-day administration. If your company does not use a computer consultant, the company owner or a designated user might manage the network. It is important to know the name of the person responsible for the network so that you can escalate computer-related issues.

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