Answer: Depends on the services the server provides.

DNS servers generally will always need static IP's (*in most cases* things like dyna-dns and no-ip make this possible).

Servers such as...

Not a problem... I guess the technicality you can use to illustrate your point is: What kind of server is this? Was it specified in the question?

If he said "Does a DNS Server require a static...

Here is an article about setting up Samba as a "DC" you may find useful.

http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-samba-tng.html

I would imagine Samba's configuration would differ...

Profits and cost of ownership are two different things. There is no linux-copy of Active Directory that offers even close to the scale/power of its Microsoft Counterpart.

Point being, yes apache...

Hi DarrGlud,

Sounds like you're looking for a domain controller in your description, except it kind of sent up a red flag as to where you're going to place this machine.

Windows domain...

Hi Cassyjack,

No a server is not required to have a static IP.
Yes it is best practice to use static IPs for servers.

You could setup a DHCP reservation for the servers or just let DHCP issue...

gACIA,

Ok...its hard interpreting what you're trying to say here but I'm going to do my best to help.

The "one sever for authentication"...is it configured as a Domain Controller? DNS Server?...

Paddy,

Can you try disabling the firewalls on both clients for me, then attempt connecting. Also try connecting via \\<internal ip address>\

If you are protected by hardware firewall (your...

Don't forget about Group Policy too :)

Group Policy is what you're going to need to put into place about half of those goals you originally listed. Microsoft has a few exams on these different...

If you're unable to access the internet, normally its one of the following:

1. Incorrect client TCP/IP configuration
2. Incorrect gateway TCP/IP configuration

Is the Internet LED illuminated...

No worries, we can try to work through this a step at a time.

I'm thinking there might be a problem with the TCP/IP configureation on the client machine since your internet LED is lit (on the...

Christian,

Without more specifics and/or schematics answering your question will prove difficult.

How do you plan on setting up this VPN? Through a router, RRAS, or other software? What type...

Wow...this is going to be lengthy.

Static IPs are easy to create, just as easy as DHCP reservations. Basically all the router is looking for is a permanant IP to direct traffic to on that port.
...

Sounds like an Active Directory Domain and an ISA Server would do just fine in that environment.

Before you go crazy make sure you research these technologies. You stated you know "a little bit...

Ok....

What LED's are lit on the surfboard modem?

Is the "internet" LED lit on the router?

May sound a little silly, but have we ensured all the cables are correct and have good connection? ...

How about PPPoE settings for the DSL ISP? Most DSL ISP's use PPPoE.

You can change that in the internet setup section of the setup tab. (see attachment)

Speaking from experience, the WRT54G is...