Living with Win2003 1

[ezplan]

We have a network of 30 users that was set up about 8 years ago with a single WinNT 4.0 server handling everthing. Over the years I've added a couple of Linux servers which has taken over most things from the NT box: file serving, email, intranet, home directories, database, network backup. The NT box only handles network authentication, printer spooling and print cost accounting, network antivirus and license manager for AutoCAD.The ACAD licensing setup is such that we are required to have a Windows server as the PDC.

Given that the NT box is so old, (Pentium Pro 200Mhz), and starting to behave erratically, (print spooler crashes about once a week), we've decided to replace the NT box with a new 2003 box. I only need the 2003 box to do the same things as the NT box.

My questions: Do I have to run Active Directory? What problems will I encounter dropping 2003 as a PDC into a network with stable and funtioning Linux servers?

Any comments/suggestions/advice from experienced folks would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[ericbrunson]

I think you posted to the wrong forum.

 

[ezplan]

Point taken. There are a lot of windoze issues in my post.

But look at it from the Linux p.o.v., can RH9 running samba 2.2.7 join a win 2003 domain as is, or will this require significant changes/upgrades to the samba setup?

I'll also post in the Samba forum. Duh!

thanks.

 

[ericbrunson]

Actually, I apologise, I missed the bit about linux in there.

Linux can participate as a BDC but cannot be a PDC in an NT domain (unless that's changed recently).

But, you should consider the samba forum, you'll get much more expertise there.