[Samba] file server or member server?

[Michael Wood]

Hi Steve

On 2 July 2013 09:28, steve <steve at steve-ss.com> wrote:

> On Mon, 2013-07-01 at 19:55 -0500, Ricky Nance wrote:
>
> > I feel like I am saying what has already been said, so if you could be
> > more specific about what kind of hierarchy you have, I could give you
> > a more specific answer. For the most part, if its serving files and in
> > a domain, but not providing authentication itself, its a 'member
> > server', if its NOT in a domain, but simply serving files to any and
> > all windows clients, its a simple file server, if its in a domain and
> > providing the domain with username/password authentication its a
> > domain server (or domain controller).
>
> Phew, I think I'm getting there.
> OK, I have:
> 1. a 4.0.6 DC
> It serves these files selfishly:
> [netlogon]
>         path = /usr/local/samba/var/locks/sysvol/hh3.site/scripts
>         read only = No
>
> [sysvol]
>         path = /usr/local/samba/var/locks/sysvol
>         read only = No
>
> 2. A 4.0.6 box joined to the domain. It serves profiles, home
> directories, stuff that groups can rw to and anything else you can throw
> at it e.g.
> [users]
> path = /home/users
> read only = No
>
> [profiles]
> path = /home/profiles
> read only = No
>
> [shared]
> path = /home/shared
> read only = No
>
> /home/profiles and /home/shared have ace's set to mimic what we would
> otherwise have to set in smb.conf
>
> Do I have this?
> 1. is a domain controller and a file server.
>

Yes, I suppose so, although most people would not really call it a file
server, because the files it's serving are just related to the DC
functionality.  (Or at least that's how I look at it.)  It's not a general
"anything else you can throw at it" file server.


> 2. is a member server and a file server.
>

Yes.

And as hinted at in some of the other messages, you could have a standalone
server (i.e. not joined to a domain, and therefore not a member server)
that serves file.  This would also be a file server, but (as mentioned) not
a member server.

Also you could have a server (whether joined to the domain or not) that
does not serve files at all, but only printers.  This would be a "print
server".  Of course a server could also be a "file and print server".

Another question, why do you say:
> '...its a domain server (or domain controller).'
> Which _is_ it? If it's the same thing then why does it have two names?
>

He's using "or" in the sense of: "You can call it a domain server, or you
can call it a domain controller.  It's the same thing."

Personally, I have not come across the term "domain server" and it seems
rather ambiguous to me.  I would avoid using it and stick with "domain
controller".

This thread may seem like a waste of space to many, but it's merely the
> tip of the iceberg for us. Our main problem is that we are not dealing
> with native English speakers. The grammatical and interpretational
> problems which this list and the samba documentation in general throw up
> are at times insurmountable.
>
> Thank you all for the patience which you afford us.
>

-- 
Michael Wood <esiotrot at gmail.com>