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In Winodws there is Active Directory and Domain controllers. What is the equivilant in Linux? Let's say I have 10 pc's and I want to setup a server for them to sign into and be authenticated to what would you set up? Is it LDAP? This would be a pure Linux environment.
For less number of users (0 to 5000), you can go with NIS (Netwok Information Service) for a central user authentication system. Whereas, generally for users more than 5000, you can choose LDAP.
In your case, I think setting up a central NIS server would be better and easy. (Check this out).
BTW, I wouldn't use NIS on any network where security is at all an issue. The security design (passwords hashes transmitted in the clear, etc.) is pretty abysmal.
I find LDAP to be substantially more scalable, secure, and (once you get used to it) easier to manage.
BTW, I wouldn't use NIS on any network where security is at all an issue. The security design (passwords hashes transmitted in the clear, etc.) is pretty abysmal.
I find LDAP to be substantially more scalable, secure, and (once you get used to it) easier to manage.
IMHO, NIS is much more easy to setup and manage rather than LDAP. LDAP's hierarchical structure, schemas, attributes etc. are not convienient at all in order to manage a less # of users.
Second thing, LDAP is mostly used for authentication system in UNIX as well as Windows, whereas NIS is dedicated to UNIX only (correct me if I am wrong). Just a few maps and your NIS will work fine.
Third, security is not a problem with NIS. It's completely safe & secure as LDAP.
Please check this article once on The Linux NIS(YP)/NYS/NIS.
Last edited by shivaa; 02-24-2013 at 06:47 PM.
Reason: Link added
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