Question : Network is slow and I want to make a checklist of improvements to solve the issues.

We had a server a few months  ago with windows server 2003 installed and 602LAN Suite to issue the e-mails to the different computers.

The e-mails work fine but the internet and file sharing and seriously slow sometimes then other times its ok.

First, the server does not have antivirus and i'm guessing that a starndard Norton 2004 or McAfee Virus Scan V.8.0 will not work although I have both I have not tried because it may cause problems.

Secondly I have been told that a router should be bought to replace the 5 port d-link switch that I am using to share to 3 pc's and 1 laptop.

The network is hard wired....

Thirdly  the computers being used are typically duron 1000 computers but they are also about 3+ years old and the problems seem to be with slow log on, and file access, internet sharing... Should I consider upgrading the pc's at the same time.  E.G. a motherboard bundle upgrade consisting of a new cpu, MB, DDR and fan/heatsink and finally a new case

2 of the pc's are on win 2000 pro and the other pc in on xp pro and the laptop is on xphome although the laptop doesnt really come into it as it never really gets connected to the server.

your help will be appreciated

thanks

Mat

Answer : Network is slow and I want to make a checklist of improvements to solve the issues.

Dear Mat:

I understand that "602LAN Suite" has a built-in Antivirus, Anti-Spam and Firewall. So, i guess that you don't need an additional antivirus for your email system. But you sure need for the Server files and the PC's. I recommend McAfee Enterprise 7 with the Total Virus Defense Package including the e-Policy Orchestrator to enable auto Pull-Push Update.

So, here's the Checklist i recommend:

1- Scan the server and the PC's for Viruses.

2- Check that the NIC's and the Switch are running on 10/100

3- Make a Defrag and Scandisk for the Server and the PC's

4- Check the free Diskspace on the Server and the PC's

5- If you are using RAID on the Server, Check that the RAID Card is operating well

6- Check the Event Viewer for the Server when the problem happens to see if you have any problems reported in the Application Log or the System Log.

7- Try Lyle Suggestion running DNS and DHCP on the Server.

If you are finished with these last points and problem persists, go head and upgrade one PC and see how its performance is going on. If it worked well, you can go ahead upgrading the other PC's.


Best of Luck