Newbie wanna setup up a linux network on existing home network...
 

OK check this out. I'm currently in the process of trying to learn Linux. I'm working on setting up my first ever linux web server. Now what I'd also like to do is setup a linux network. This would include having something similar to my existing w2k network here at home complete with a Domain controller running AD, DNS, DHCP, yadda yadda yadda. Is this possible in linux? Can I setup a server, a web server that I guess will act like a member server, and a workstation that will allow me to access either server and authenticate to the linux server via an account just like I would in Windows? Afterwards I'd like to simply configure whatever authentication protocol, I think ldap, for single sign on and cross platform authentication.
Anyone here perform this? If so what versions are you using? I'm torn between versions 7.3, and 8.0. I may keep or add 7.3 on my servers and try 8.0 on my laptop until I get comfortable with linux. Any response on this is greatly appreciated.

Yes you can do it. I suggest using 7.3 for your server. Register it with RedHat Network and get a demo account to use for up2date. Unless you plan to pay for it.

There are a lot of updates and fixes available for 7.3.

Cool. I've decided to stay with 7.3 for a while mainly because of all of the available updates. So that part I've done. I was just wondering how most here, if any, were using the options availble at red hat. Anyone here paying for subscriptions or entitlements? Better yet anyone here with more than one copy of linux in their home environment.

yes, me

I have used it for years. I had several systems on the account for a while when I had a multiserver network on the boat at work for our internet connection and file servers. Now I still have the same account with all of the machines I have with RedHat on them registered (except for my 6.1 system). Recently they have started calling it a demo account and I had to confirm my email and do a short survey. I will keep using it s long as it's free. Then I may start paying for it. It is a valuable service to me.

It's very simple to login to RedHat and change entitlements.