My boss just asked me to buy a new server for our office network. I know next to nothing about servers and networking, so I need someone to point me in the right direction.
He said he wants this to be our e-mail server with a network login. I have no idea how to set up an e-mail server, especially one that sends/receives e-mail using our domain name.
We use a terrible piece of order/inventory software called Mail Order Manager (MOM). Our computers currently connect to the MOM database through a networked drive. My boss would like to move away from this peer-to-peer MOM setup. The software publisher offers a SQL version of MOM, but it's way overpriced. Is there a better way to connect to these databases without using the SQL version?
Finally, the server needs to be running Windows.
Does this question make sense, is it possible, and can someone help me get started?
Thanks!
Best Answer
If your boss came to you and said, "I need you to replace the engine in my car", would you then peruse a car forum and ask "where do I get started replacing the engine in my car"?
My assumption is your boss came to you and asked you to do this because "you're good with computers". This doesn't extrapolate into "I know what the hell I'm doing and make a living as a Systems Administrator", so I'm not sure what makes you think we can point you in the right direction other than to say, HIRE A CONSULTANT.
Not quite sure why people think that Systems Administration is something you can just pick up by being pointed in the right direction. It's a bit like saying, "I'd like to be a brain surgeon. Can someone point me in the right direction?"...
Edited to add
@Jason - I apologize for being snarky in my answer above. I simply wanted to point out to you that sometimes people are in over their heads (based on the way you worded your question). I in no way wanted you to get the impression that I didn't think you were capable of doing this, just that it's not particularly easy to do right and it can be VERY EASY to do wrong.