Adding a second server into an existing domain ...

[mrdom]

Hello everyone -

We have a single domain/subnet that houses both users in a school and a church environment. The school has never had a server before, but now that we have aquired a PC-based computer lab and some additional PC users, we have purchased Windows 2003 server to made administering these machines a bit easier.

Already present on the network is a Nitix server. I guess it's running the Nitix OS. I don't know a whole lot about it, because I manage IT for the school, and this server is installed for the church users. The Nitix box must do DNS and DHCP, because that's where our addresses are assigned from.

Basically what I want to do is to add the Windows 2003 server to the network, and create a separate domain just for the school. The Nitix box can continue to handle all of the DNS/DHCP stuff as it does now - that's fine with me. Can I simply introduce the server to the network, make sure that DHCP is disabled, and all will be well, or is there another way that I should go about doing this?

Another question would be setting up DNS. Do I have to run DNS on the Win2003 box? Can I just forward DNS to the Nitix box without affecting anything network-wide?

I guess I'm looking for a way to introduce this server in the easiest way possible, while not having to modify anything on the Nitix box.

Many thanks for your help in advance. If I can provide something further, just let me know.

 

[Roadki11]

Well ive been road hard and put away wet many times but ive never heard of Nitix before. That in its self doesnt mean much because there is lots stuff ive never heard of, but it does suprise me. I did a quick google search and came up with this:

"Nitix Small Business Server Operating System
The Nitix server operating system is a highly reliable and secure system that meets the simplicity and multi-functionality needs of small businesses. Serving as an all-in-one IT system, Nitix provides networking, file/print, data backup, security, disaster recovery, email and collaboration - in an easy-to-install and self-managing environment."

I wonder why you want to give up all that for a windows server that is going to provide half of that in a substandard fashion.

I think i would not break whats not broken unless you have a more compelling reason than "The school has never had a server before". Seems i would want to learn what this Nitix is capable of first, probably better to use that new 2k3 server as a 2nd DC at the church.

just my 2 cents,



RoadKi11

"This apparent fear reaction is typical, rather than try to solve technical problems technically, policy solutions are often chosen." - Fred Cohen

 

[mrdom]

Thanks for the post, RoadKi11. To me, it seems like this Nitix box is a glorified Linux box. We've done the Linux route with the school, and there are no server products other than Samba designed specifically for Mac that run on the Linux platform, and Samba was a disaster. My guess is that this Nitix box is running Samba in PDC mode. The Nitix box cannot manage machine policies as the 2k3 server can, and frankly, this Nitix box contains all of the financial data, databases, etc. for the parish's record system, so the chances of the school gettting onto that box are zippo.

I've read additional posts online, and it seems that I can simply install the W2k3 server, and not even have to run DNS, pointing it to the Nitix box. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but since I've never had this equation before, I was seeking some assistance from those who have done something similar to this.

 

[GrimR]

I think post this in the Linux forum and ask is it's possible to winbind it to 2003