"Linux version" of windows active directory

[Will Backman]

On Thu, 2005-01-13 at 18:21 -0500, KenLin wrote:
> If everything in Linux, then I think NIS is what you want to use. If
> it's a mix, then I think Samba is what you want.
> 
> I've never used NIS, so that's about as much help as I ca be :mrgreen:
> 
> 
> -- 
> KenLin
> 

NIS was the standard way of doing this, although it is considered very
insecure.  Combine this with automount to mount home directories, and
people can log into any machine.

Sun Microsystems then came up with NIS+, which was really a whole new
thing, but it never really took off.

Most Network Operating Systems have moved to LDAP compatible network
directories as their primary system.  Novell NDS can talk the LDAP
protocol, as with AD, Sun's Directory, and Apple's OSX server.

In the Linux world, many people use OpenLDAP.  It works, but it requires
some configuration on your part, and the standard management tools don't
assume it to be the default way of doing things.

The situation may improve in the near future with RedHat's purchase of
the Netscape directory.  RedHat has a good history of releasing things
to the community.  I can't speak to the relative advantages or
disadvantages it it over OpenLDAP, but having another directory option
can create some pressure for improvement (like the KDE/GNOME situation).

Another option if you have AD already is the no-cost services for unix
from Microsoft, which will allow AD to become a NIS server.

Samba would allow you to verify passwords, but would not give you a
single directory of user information.  You would still need information
such as home directory and shell in the local /etc/passwd files of each
workstation.

-- 
Will Backman
Coastal Enterprises, Inc.

The ozone layer or cheese in a spray can. Don't make me choose.