I know almost nothing about Linux, but have been selected to see if we can start replacing our Microsoft client operating systems with RedHat Linux 9.0, to save money. Our licensing structure with MS recently changed and everyone is very ticked at them.

One thing I have been able to find no information about is how to integrate Linux workstations with a Microsoft network infrastructure. I have seen that samba will allow Microsoft users to access a Linux share, but can it do the reverse?

Also, can Linux users use Microsoft domain accounts? We do not want to have to manage accounts on each individual client computer. If we cannot allow the user to access the Linux client using their existing Microsoft domain (or Novell) account (managed at the domain level), then this is not going to happen. Is this possible? If so, what needs to be done?

Thanks!

Linux can see MS shares via the smbmount command-line utility, or from the GNOME file manager by typing the URL "smb://". Much like Network Neighborhood.

You can use NT domain accounts to log into Linux. The setup is kinda complicated, but the RH9 installation program asks you if you want to do Windows authentication and takes care of all the gory details.

You have to use NT-compatible domains. The next version of samba will support full AD integration.

I have performed the PC Desktop and Workstations installs with the RedHat 9.0 installation program, but neither asked me about using Windows authentication. Do you know when it asks about that? It looks like I need a book on samba because my RedHat Unleashed book has very little on it.

I don't know about during installation, but post-install, fire up the Authentication Configuration applet from the "System Settings-->Authentication" menu. Choose "Authentication" on the top tabs, then check "Enable SMB Support." Make sure you set your SMB settings for workgroup/DCs from the "Configure SMB..." button.

This worked for me using an NT 4 domain, but as JCCyC pointed out, AD support isn't quite there yet.

Yesterday at Linuxworld some guy int the Microsoft section gave me a CD for Vintela Authentication Services. Some product that is supposed to do what your wanting. He didn't have a very convincing story, but it might be something for ya.

http://www.center7.com/us/products/vas/

Good luck