[luau] SERVER: Primary Domain Controller with Samba (part 1)

[Warren Togami]

This article talks about Samba's capability of doing the job as a Windows
Primary Domain Controller.

http://networking.earthweb.com/netos/article/0,,12083_1144701,00.html
Build A Primary Domain Controller With Samba
By Carla Schroder

Managing heterogenous networks is one of the bigger challenges facing the
harried network administrator. Users want what they want: Linux/UNIX, the
many Windows variants, OS/2, Macintosh, OS X, who knows what else. Bringing
cooperation and harmony to all of these incompatible platforms is made
possible by Samba.
Samba is the Open Source implementation of the SMB/CIFS (server messaging
block/ common Internet file system) protocols. CIFS is an evolution of SMB,
capable not only of enabling file and printer sharing across different
platforms, over various transport protocols, but is also a transport
protocol itself. (See the SNIA link below for all the gory, yet fascinating
details.) Samba is most commonly used to enable file and printer sharing
between Windows clients and Linux/UNIX servers. As a file server, it ranks
at the top of the class, outperforming Windows NT/2000 handily, both in
speed and reliability.

Domain Controller
Microsoft's concept of a Primary Domain Controller is most useful, as it
simplifies a number of network administration chores. It provides a "single
sign-on", storing information about domain users, and providing user
authentication. User's profiles are stored on the PDC; the PDC handles all
authentication requests, allowing users to access different services in the
domain without needing multiple authentications.
Samba makes a fine NT-type PDC. It supports roaming profiles, domain logon
from all Windows clients, Windows NT4-type system policies, name services,
master browser, and user-level security for Windows 9x/ME clients. Which in
my opinion do not belong in a business environment, but if they're there and
you have to deal with them, Samba doesn't mind in the least.
(continued in article)
http://networking.earthweb.com/netos/article/0,,12083_1144701,00.html