HP CIFS Server 3.0g Administrator's Guide verison A.02.03.01

4 NT Style Domains
Introduction
This chapter describes how to configure the roles that an HP CIFS Server can play in an NT style
domain, whether it is a Samba Domain, consisting solely of HP CIFS Servers, or as an NT Domain
with a Microsoft NT Primary Domain Controller (PDC). Configuration of Member Servers joining
an NT style domain or a Windows 2000/2003 Domain as a pre-Windows 2000 compatible computer
is described here. Chapter 5, Windows 2000/2003 Domains, should be consulted for configuration
of Member Servers joining Domains with a Windows 2000/2003 Domain Controller as an ADS
Member Server. Chapter 9, HP CIFS Deployment Models describes further how the server roles
can be utilized in common network deployments.
HP CIFS Server can be configured to play different roles in an NT Style Domain Model including:
• Member Server in an NT Domain with a Microsoft NT PDC
• PDC in an Samba Domain where an HP CIFS Server serves as the PDC
• Backup Domain Controller (BDC) in an Samba Domain where an HP CIFS Server serves as
the PDC
• Member Server in an Samba Domain where HP CIFS Server serves as the PDC
Advantages of the Samba Domain Model
The HP CIFS Server PDC domain model provides a number of advantages:
• HP CIFS Server PDC domain administrators may group workstations and servers under
the authority of a domain controller
• Domain members may be centrally administered by using domains to group related machines.
One of the benefits of this is the ability for user accounts to be common for multiple systems.
A user may now make one password change which will affect multiple systems accessed
by that user. Another benefit is that IT administration work is reduced, since there is no
longer a need for individual accounts to be administered on each system
• HP CIFS BDCs may be configured to off load some of the HP CIFS PDC authentication
responsibilities and can be promoted to a PDC if the PDC fails or needs to be taken out of
services.
Primary Domain Controllers
The Primary Domain Controller (PDC) is responsible for several tasks within the domain. These
include:
• Authenticating user logons for users and workstations that are members of the domain
• Acting as a centralized point for managing user account and group information for the
domain
• A user logged on to the Primary Domain Controller (PDC) as the domain administrator can
add, remove or modify Windows domain account information on any machine that is part
of the domain
Introduction 61