General Computers Network Administrator? Set Up a Software Server With the plethora of files available on the Internet, network users will want to get their hands on everything that is available. This may include shareware programs, freeware utilities, operating system updates, and more. Clearly, if everyone spends time downloading files, this could seriously tie up the network's Internet connection. As some files are hard to find, much time can be wasted downloading the exact same file over and over again. My advice (and I have seen this in practice) is to set up a server or section of a server (depending on the size of the network) to hold software. Download all of the patches and useful utilities that you can think of and place these files on the server. Create a directory layout, divided by software name or type, to ease the server#s use. Encourage everyone to look for files on the server first and the Internet second. Tell people that if they download files from the net, have them send a copy to you so that the files can be added to the server. If you do not have automatic network-based software installation set up, and if you let your users make changes to your system, this tip can save you, and your network users, a great deal of time. Plus, since the accessed files are on your server and not the Internet, the threat of viruses is diminished somewhat if you virus scan all your files.   Add: Del.icio.us | Digg | Furl | My Yahoo!   Discuss This Tip Print This Tip Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online Return to the General Computers page.