We have several linux computers, and continue to build new ones. On each machine, we create several users. Each user will need to interact with each machine at different times during the day, either at the keyboard or via telnet.

Rather than having to create the user accounts on each machine, we would rather have some sort of centralized login authority, such that user names and passwords (and login scripts) are all maintainted on one computer.

The first time a user logs into a new machine, a home directory would be created on that machine, by the login server.

It would be nice, but not necessary, if each time a user logged into a particular machine, his own "master" login script is run and then any sort of customizations he wants for that particular machine would run.

It would be nice if it were very easy to setup and maintain.

What is the suggestion of the group? Do I go with NIS/YP or LDAP or is there something easier than either of those? What's the latest?

Have you looked at free-ipa ? .. it manages the configuration of all the components for you. As far as home directories go, you probably want them held on a central server and exported via nfs, autofs can then map them on demand as you log in to each server.

No I hadn't hear of free-ipa. I'll do so now. Thanks!