NT network, without a domain?

Matthew Geddes mgeddes at xavier.sa.edu.au
Thu Mar 30 23:33:11 GMT 2000


Bruce Vrieling wrote:

> I'm wondering (and perhaps this is a stupid question): Can I setup an NT
> network to mimic my 'domainless' Win95 setup? Ie. cause authentication to
> occur against the Linux server, and run a login script, but do NOT create a
> domain. My needs are simple, and it seems a domain is overkill. Is this
> possible? Or is using a domain simply 'the way it needs to be done' with NT?
> 

smbpasswd is needed even if you don't use a domain. The only way to get
around it is to have it access the SAM of a Domain Controller.

Unless you use an NT domain (even if you are running NT server), the
Win95 machines will not be Authenticating against the server (except on
a share-by-share basis). What do you mean by "force the users"? Do you
mean you have told them to use their Linux account? Because you are
using the workgroup model, you can't guarantee that Windows is
authenticating anything.

Using a domain can't really be classed as overkill. It's just a
different way of doing things. If you want a centrally managed security
model, you don't really have much alternative. It would probably be
easier for you to make use of the domain.

There are tools which can help keep the unix and samba passwords
synchronised also. Things like linuxconf on RedHat linux will change
both passwords. So you don't need to worry about the smbpasswd file at
all. It keeps itself.

If you want help setting up the domain, that's what the NT-DOM mailing
list is for - we'd gladly offer solutions to specific problems.

> 
> P.S. If I DO have to make use of a domain, which is the 'best' Samba code to
> use for such a project? 2.0.6/7, a TNG snapshot, or a HEAD snapshot?
> 

TNG is the best for Windows NT, but still has some issues. Samba 2.x is
good for Win9x and can control a Domain consisting of NT workstations.

-- 
Matthew Geddes
Network Manager
Xavier College
Gawler, SA

mgeddes at xavier.sa.edu.au

"Our goal for the next release of Windows 2000 is to have zero bugs."
- Lucovsky, Microsoft


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