One of the primary reasons businesses purchase a server computer is to share files and printers. With Microsoft Windows NT Server behind the scenes, Small Business Server provides the best rated file and printer sharing services available. You can buy fewer but reliable and speedy printers and share them with everyone, instead of providing each person with a personal printer.
File sharing means that you store files and documents on the server computer in folders. You share the folders so that your users can access them. Files that are stored on the server are available to anyone in your organization. This makes them accessible so they can be backed up easily to protect your information assets.
From the Small Business Server console, you can easily manage printers and folders. You can add or remove printers, manage print jobs, and share folders. For each folder and its documents, you can specify the kind of access you want each user to have.
If you have more than one printer set up in a printer pool, Small Business Server selects a printer that is available. For example, if one printer runs out of paper, Small Business Server automatically uses the next available printer in the pool. This configuration maximizes use of print devices while minimizing the time users must wait for documents.
Small Business Server automatically creates a folder of shared company files called Company and a folder for user folders called Users. The Add User wizard creates a home folder in the Users folder for every person you add to the network, ensuring that shared files are stored in a known location. By storing your documents in folders on your server computer, you’ll be able to:
You can create and share as many folders as you like, based on business need. In addition to user home folders, you can create folders for contacts, marketing plans, or whatever you choose.