On (29/07/05 20:01), Roberto C. Sanchez wrote: > I currently have a small home network (1 server, 1 workstation, 1 > laptop) with only two users. What I would like to do is to setup some > sort of centralized user authentication mechanism (NIS, LDAP, whatever) > with home directories mounted from the server. This is primarily since > I will be adding more machines and more users in the near future. > > I would like recommendations/experiences from the list on what is a good > approach and maybe some resources. The server already runs NFS, and I > have experience with a combined NIS/NFS setup for a computer lab I > formerly admined. > > One thing that is an absolute necessity is a sort of "roaming profile" > support similar to that which is available with certain Redmond-based > legacy operating systems. Specifically, logging into machine A will > cause a "copy" of my $HOME to be cached on the machine. Machine A is a > laptop and I unplug it from the network. I would like to be able to > login to the machine, make changes to my files/whatever and then have > them automagically sync up with the server next time machine A > reconnects to the network at home. This may obviate the need for NFS. > Additionally, it would be necessary for the login credentials to be > cached so that disconnected login would actually work. I am pretty sure > that this is possible, but I am not really sure what the best approach > is. Ideas and recommendations are welcome.
Hi Roberto Not long after I started getting to grips with debian, I asked a similar question and a guy call Todd Pytel sent me a lot of info and suggestions for solutions (some of it off-list). You should be able to find the thread by searching on the following: Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 21:44:05 -0500 Subject: Re: NIS and Samba - can't authenticate Windows 98 clients I'm happy to foward you the off-list stuff as well; I am ashamed to say that some two years later I've not yet acted on it. Currently I'm using samba mainly to avoid host based authentication of NFS but I too would like to find a better solution with centralised authentication. The smbclient situation in linux is less than satisfactory but seems to be a well kept secret. I tried xffm, smb4k and a few other network browsers; reading files works OK but writing to the shares either doesn't seem to be possible or erratic at best. Consequently, I mount all the samba shares on the debian workstations at boot with fstab. But it would be good to find a (windows like) network browser that is 100% reliable or alternatively find a different solution with the same functionality. Todd gave me a lot of info that I didn't understand fully; these are the sort of networking issues that 'float his boat' ;) I really need to re-read it with the benefit of two years debian/linux experience; it will hopefully mean more to me now. HTH Clive -- www.clivemenzies.co.uk ... ...strategies for business -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
