Hey, I have never set up this type of network before and I am not really sure where to configure most of it. I am running 8 computers all through a unmanaged switch>router>modem. I want one of the computers to be the server that controls user logins and also acts as a file server...I know I need to setup a domain, but how? Right now everyone is on the same workgroup and all the computers can see eachother and share files...

can anyone help me with configuring the server and getting all the other computers to login through that domain?

I am running windows XP Pro on all the machines...

Linksys 16 port switch

Linksys 4 port router.

Thanks

Well this is a start, There is a lot to say to this subject, but here are the basics.

Well one of the first things you will need is to get windows 2000 Server, install DNS, DHCP, Active Directory. You then create accounts in the active directory for all your users. you also have to make all these join your domain.

Now tht u got me thinking about this i found this kinda easy guide to some of this stuff.

Hope this helps. OTHER details on administering you might want pick up a MCSA Book.

http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/20040716/index.html

Used MCSE - Microsoft Windows 2000 Active Directory Services, tbh there wasnt much you couldnt find out by yourself but anyhow, better than normal books since its computer-related...