I'm helping some pals relocate their small business and need some info.
The new building is bare so cabling will be done from scratch.
They plan to buy all new computer gear (subject to costs!)

They have 3 staff, and want to set it up so that 4 desktop computers can share files and printers, access the internet, etc. It would also be good if the Directors laptops can plug in/connect via wi-fi when they visit.

For such a small network, is a server really needed? What does a server actually do?
Will a print-server be necessary, or just buy printers with network cards?
Would a scanner also connect on a network?

What about data security - would Norton be good in this environment, or should they just have a single PC connected to the outside world? How would they transfer data from this to the others?

Anything else i should be aware of? (eg connecting the phone system to the computers, either for Skype or for for answering services)

 

A server does what it says on the tin in effect... it provides a service
A web server provides a web service, A mail server provides mail and so on... The question of do you need a server depends upon how you intend to work in the environment... I run a server at my home, do I actually require one, of course not.... So why ?

I use my server to share documents and media between all the systems which come into contact with it, it also allows the desktop systems to continue performing their best as the drives are not stuffed to the brim with files.
I also use this server as a web cache which vastly improves performance of the internet and a mail server scan and distribute emails to the correct machines....

The only person who can answer is a server wanted is yourself

 

Norton is rubbish in any environment imho... I would only advise removing it

 

just run one pc with the printers and scanners on and allow file and print sharing... save the money

 

Your could get away with something as simple as a wireless/dsl router and workgroup the pc's to share files and printers then run skype usb handsets from there.

This would fill your requirements but its not how I would personally do it