CrossNodes: Build A Primary Domain Controller With Samba

“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.

“Samba cannot act as a Backup Domain Controller to a Windows
PDC. There is a way to use two Samba machines as PDC/BDC. (See
Resources) As a belt-n-suspenders kinda gal, some kind of
redundancy is essential…”

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