Can I use Leopard Server with Samba instead of Windows Box?

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Can I use Leopard Server with Samba instead of Windows Box?

I need to add an admin setup to a clients studio, basically to run a separate network with 4 win XP 32bit clients and a basic file sharing server that has roaming profiles.

So my question is would a Mac Pro with 10.5 server running as a PDC via SMB be OK?

I would much prefer to stay in the OS X world and seeing as its a basic setup it should be fine?

I have read about serious issues with 10.5 and SMB on 64Bit clients (which we will not be using)

Any tips etc really would be much appreciated

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Jun 4, 2009 10:29 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 4, 2009 12:04 PM in response to ThinkNetwork

Yes, CIFS/SMB services do generally work fine. (Some folks have had some problems here, yes.)

There are various wrinkles with Vista NLTM authentication that are discussed around the forums.

Providing Open Directory (the Mac OS X Server analog to Microsoft Active Directory) is more involved than providing disk services.

You're going to want to read file and disk services and Open Directory materials in the manual set as a start.

And if you're headed down this path, first get RAID configured and working, then get DNS working, DHCP and related, and then get OD working, and then add CIFS / SMB services and other such. Order how you install and configure your services here, as there are dependencies on what (other) services are available.

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Answer 2

Andbrowny

Level 4

1,614 points

Jun 4, 2009 1:17 PM in response to ThinkNetwork

Hi ThinkNetwork, I agree with MrHoffman but as someone will no doubt mention, the Samba/PDC function of OS X Server isn't the same as a full Windows AD server environment, but for what you're looking at doing I think it should be fine. Have a look here.

Cheers

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Answer 3

ThinkNetwork Author

Level 1

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Jun 4, 2009 4:18 PM in response to Andbrowny

Hi all, funnily enough I followed Waz's guide to SMB earlier and setup a working domain in about 30mins:))

As I said all I need is roaming profiles with file sharing power to control who looks at what, beats learning Server 2003 for the next yr!

Thanks for all your help

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