Internet made easy with Windows 2000

The Internet has become an essential tool for business activities, as well as source of new opportunities. Today, being connected to the Internet can make the difference between existing and thriving, which makes Internet connectivity a requirement for many businesses. Justin Agar, Microsoft product manager at AXiZ, discusses the services and technologies provided by Microsoft Windows 2000 Server to enable businesses of all sizes to provide complete Internet connectivity.

"Connecting to the Internet may just mean providing browser access for employees who need to do research, or to work with a partner through e-mail," says Agar. "For some, it means posting a Web site used to sell products. And for others, it`s a way to extend company networks to partners and customers to maximise competitive advantage. Windows 2000 gives you all the features you need to do any or all of these things."

The Windows 2000 Professional operating system makes it easy for people to get connected. Internet access means having an account and connecting through dial-up or high-speed DSL or cable modems. Windows 2000 Professional helps make this all easier through Plug and Play services, new device support and an easy-to-use New Connections Wizard. Plug and Play services relieve users from having to be experts in configuring hardware, interrupts, or IP addresses. Windows 2000 Professional automatically recognises more than 700 network interface cards and over 4,000 modems today. If it`s not recognised yet, a device with the Windows 2000 logo will include the Plug and Play driver required.

"Because the drivers are tested by Microsoft and digitally signed, you won`t accidentally install a driver that `kind of works` but fails," says Agar. "Only the driver intended for the device can be used. For users connecting workstations to the network using DSL or cable modems, USB-compatible interface devices eliminate the need to open up the computer case to install a network card. Regardless of the link type you use, the PC hardware setup is easier than it`s ever been and you can have choices from a range of suppliers."

Windows 2000 Professional simplifies setting up an Internet link through the New Connections Wizard. A simple dialog box guides you through defining the connection. You can choose to establish a new Internet account, transfer an account or manually set up an account. You can connect through your modem, or through a LAN connection (typically used for DSL or cable modem). Or you can set up your Internet e-mail account and integrate the connection with the Microsoft Outlook messaging and collaboration client. The only three things you have to know are your login name, password, and the telephone number for the Internet service provider.

Because Windows 2000 supports standard Internet protocols, any additional network configurations can happen automatically. And when you`re finished, Internet Explorer knows which links are available and remembers the browser configurations so that whatever connection you use, Web access works like it should.

Small businesses typically have limited networking needs, work on tight budgets, and lack the resources of a dedicated IT staff. To accommodate these requirements and constraints, Windows 2000 combines the simplicity of the New Connections Wizard with self-configuring services that securely link your small business to the Internet. And if you want to add more security to your network, Windows 2000 is an excellent platform for more advanced firewall solutions.

Because of these powerful features, Windows 2000 Server was the heart of some of the Internet`s largest e-commerce sites even before it shipped! Today companies are looking for ways to reduce equipment costs by using the Internet as their wide area network. Whether connecting remote employees or networks, companies can save money by using the Internet to reduce management costs, modem infrastructure, long distance telephone service, and more.

"Windows 2000 includes all the services needed to capitalise on the connections delivered by your Internet service provider," says Agar. Windows 2000 also makes it easy for people to connect to their company networks through the Internet using its integrated virtual private networking (VPN) features. This can dramatically reduce costs by letting people use local telephone access to the Internet rather than expensive long-distance connections.."

These same features can be used to connect remote networks to the company network, eliminating the need to pay for leased lines. Whether you are adding VPN features to an existing remote access and routing infrastructure, replacing the infrastructure, or creating a new infrastructure from scratch, Windows 2000 can help make this easier and more affordable.