I am just learning Linux. I just obtained Mandrake Linux. Specificly, I downloaded the basic version from U of Wis. What I need to know is how to join this computer to a Windows 2003 domain. Is it even possible? Need to know quickly. Thanks.

Can you be more specific? I don't understand what you mean... Are you trying to run two computers off one internet connection?

I currently have a computer network with 125 computers running Windows XP and 2000. The servers are running Windows Server 2003 using Active Directory for network authentication. I am exploring the possibility of starting a switch to Linux. I am currently just setting up a test machine so that I can test out the software and network compatability issues. I need to know how to go about joining this Mandrake Linux 9.2 machine to that Domain. Does that help? I know I need the help!

OK, I'm very, very stupid when it comes to the whole networking process. If somebody else could help this guy out...

It's nice to see you're opting for a better OS, though! heh.

What do you mean "join the domain"? Like have a share on the network able to see the Windows machines along with them seeing the shares on the Linux box? Or have it so when you login to the Linux machine its authenticating itself thru the Windows servers, etc.

More details on your setup and I'm sure your going to get more and better responses.

Cheers.

"Join a Domain" means that I am able to log in to the domain and be authenticated by the Active Directory on the server. I can also access rescources (ie. network folders) on those servers. In a Windows network, you need to let the server know that you belong there, or it will not grant you any access privilages. In this network you cannot even access the internet without Active Directory authentication due to the installation of an ISA Server.

Right now the Mandrake Linux 9.2 computer I set up is not able to log into, and be authenticated by, the Active Directory. I can access LinNetwork and see the computers on the network, but will not allow any access.

I think the information you need is here.

http://mandrakeuser.org/docs/connect/csamba5.html

FYI: I found this information by doing a google search with the terms:
active directory samba mandrake

I thank you in a big way. I did some google searching but couldn't come up with the answer. Being brand new at this, I did not know what Samba did, and was not aware that it was what I was looking for. Again, thank you from the bottem of this Linux newbie's heart!