Domain vs. Workgroup

[leeym]

I'm creating a small network for my office and have choice between making it workgroup or domain based.

What are the pros and cons of either?

Thanks

[darelf]

I guess if I was creating a small (10 or less) network I would have one act as a primary server and make all the workstations LTSP (or something similar) clients. Install the apps on one machine, and the workstations don't need any drives. Simple, clean, efficient, easily managed, and completely open source. Also, generally cheaper.

Job done.

But if you MUST use windows.... just make one a domain controller and do it that way.

[stuka]

Domain
Pros: centralized user/group/printer management
Cons: requires Windows Server for the Domain Controller, which is relatively expensive. Also requires DNS running on the DC, which is another piece to administer

Workgroup
Pros: simple to set up, requires no central server
Cons: All management is distributed, and there is little (if any) support for user authentication

NOTE: If you use Samba as the Domain Controller, most of the arguments against a domain-based setup go away (license cost, etc.), as on a small network the Samba DC need not be a powerhouse box.