How to connect a desktop with Mandriva 2008 to Server 2003.
 

Hello everybody this is my first post on this site. Figure I would give it a try, right now I'm having issues connecting a desktop pc running Mandriva 2008 to a business network that is supported by Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition. The desktop is connecting to the internet through the network but I have no clue how to view the network itself. The reason I'm needing to do this is because the business I IT for is wanting to possibly start using a Linux based OS on the destops becaues of this huge Vista mess. I concider myself a beginner in Linux OS in the past using Red Hat 7.1, 8.0, Mandriva 2007.1, and now Mandriva 2008.

So what are the steps I need to take to get a Mandriva desktop to view the local network? We have many secure files on our network that needs access to most of our departments. What all information is needed from me so that any one of you might be able to assist me in this process. Oh and I know it is a huge pain in the butt when new users to the site start asking questions that have been answered before. But I did use the search first and found pages upon pages of networking information. But most of it seems to be on wireless, and nothing on Mandriva. So if this has been covered before please post the URL and I will do the research myself. And here is a bit about our network that you might possibly need if more is needed please ask and I will give that info:

Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition
DHCP is enabled
All the switches and hubs are Cisco and CoraliPx500 units
Our network security is all Symantec products
There are a few Windows Server 2000 Pro servers but I'm sure if we can get the desktops viewing the network through the 2003 server all will be good.
And all the desktops need to have a network logon to access the pc desktop and network itself, so if that is possible that would be great. If that is not possible I guess I need to go back to the drawing board.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Also if Mandriva 2008 is a bad choice to use on business desktops, and trying to connect to a network what Linux based OS out there will do what I want to do? I open for ideas.

I have decided to scrap the idea of using Mandriva for business use. I'm in the process of downloading SUSE 10 Enterprise Desktop Edition from Novell. I talked to one of their programmers and he assures me that this version of Linux was created for business and networking. Anybody have anything to say about this OS before I invest to much time into it?