i've had a go at googling this but im not sure what to call it and all i get is stuff about sharing itunes libraries.

so here goes:

what i'm trying to achieve is one password file on one linux box being like a master password file, so if the user exists on that machine the user can log on to any of the other machines and have the same priveledges on those machines. also the same for the groups.

is there a way of doing this, and is it recommended or secure (all the machines are inside a firewall - no risk from inside)

thanks in advance

Maybe this is what you're looking for: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network...mation_Service

I would suggest LDAP. It is more secure that NIS and also has alot more options.

right, thanks for the suggestions, i was sure it was possible, just didnt know what to call it. thanks again