libsmbclient: Browsing and a URI spec?

[Christopher R. Hertel]

> Ok, I have talked to one of the NT guys and apparently we don't
> have "workgroups" at all but rather use a "domain model" and "trust"
> something-or-others(relationships?) ...blah, blah, blah. We have a pretty
> big network(1000s across many countries). If I look at the networking
> configuration on my machine I have a domain specified that I thought
> of as my "workgroup".

This is a terminology problem that was brought to light during the recent 
discussions regarding the smb:// URI.

People wonder why I'm pedantic.  This is why...

A "workgroup" in MS terms is simply a grouping of machines on a LAN.  The
members all share the same workgroup name.  A workgroup becomes an
ntdomain when a domain controller is added.  The domain controller
provides a common security database.  It also provides a Domain Master 
Browser, which can coordinate browse lists across different subnets.

The problem we get into is that it is convenient to use the term
"workgroup" when referring to the computers listed under the same
workgroup/ntdomain name in the browse list.  It is also convenient to use
the term "domain" or "ntdomain" when referring to the authentication
service provided by the PDC/BDC.  This, however, is a 90-degree shift in 
the meanings of the terms.

Okay, who put the soapbox under my feet?!?!?

Anyway, I do get pedantic about this stuff, and I think this shows why.

See also:  http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/winresource/dnwinnt/S7581.HTM

-- 
Christopher R. Hertel -)-----                   University of Minnesota
crh at nts.umn.edu              Networking and Telecommunications Services

    Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them
    with your hands...you choose them as your guides, and following
    them you will reach your destiny.  --Carl Schultz