We have a small network of 8 PC's running a mixture of Vista Pro and Windows 7 Pro. We can't afford a proper server so one of the Vista PC's is used as a server with some folders shared. In the early days we had everyone logging into the same user on every PC and that user exists on the server PC, all the PC's had the same password for that user account. This meant that everyone could update all the shared data. Now we are growing we need a bit more security. I want to be able to have some folders which only management can use and some which are generally available. I'm thinking that the only way to do this will be for everyone to have their own individual user on their own PC and that I will need to create all the users on the server PC with the same passwords. I will then be able to add the users to groups on the server PC and give NTFS permissions for the folders on the server PC. I think I will give full permission to everyone on the actual share. Does this sound correct? Is there an easier way please as its going to be a pain having to keep the passwords the same on the server PC and the users PC? ...... and dont say buy a server... I've tried and been told no :( Simon

Hi Simon, I think, you should read about Windows Home Server, which is the ideal server for a workgroup scenario - and it is very affordable. Other than that, the description sounds about correct. although you may have to do some struggles, that the remote users are not treated as Guest. Best greetings from Germany Olaf