Thread: Setting up a simple network?

I am exploring ways of setting up a simple network for a charity SWMBO and I run. I want to set up a PC at home that will act as a server that 2 outreach workers can log into and store their records on while out and about.

I envisage they will have wireless access (supplemented by a dongle where required). They will have a password protected laptop and will connect to our home server by logging in with another password. The server would store all the data they are processing so they have no need for local storage other than copies of 'master forms' that they will complete and then upload to the server for storage and daily back-up to an external drive.

We don't have the money to go to an IT firm to set it up and manage it... we need to do it ourselves. Any useful pointers on how to proceed?

We are going out to buy the new laptops and PC in the next week or so. Is there any specific software we absolutely must have in order for this to work?

Any advice would be gratefully received.