I am trying to set up a domain server using linux. I would like to make it so that when anyone users one of the 5 other Windows XP computers in my hosue they have to login and then would have access to all their files, no matter what computer they use. I belive the best way to do this is with a domain server. If there is a better way to do this please let me know. If a domain server is the best way to do this how do you set it up. What linux program are you running (I need a free one)?

1. I think your terminology needs refined a bit, but I do understand what you are saying. What you are looking to do is set up a *Windows* domain with your Linux box. To do this, you will need to install Samba (http://www.samba.org). Samba can emulate a windows domain server and provides file sharing, and it will also allow you to set up "roaming profiles" for the users in your house. Caveat: If I recall correctly, Windows XP home does not support domain logins, which also means no roaming profiles. I'd suggest looking at the SAMBA Howto at:

   http://us2.samba.org/samba/docs/man/samb…

   Also, just so you know, when you say domain server, usually in the UNIX/Linux world this is referring to a DNS (Domain Name) Server, which translates hostnames into IP addresses. Good luck.

   _J. Random

2. I'm an RHCE. Documentation can be found at www.samba.org
3. When you install linux, it asks what kind of system you want to install. Select a server and it will set it up for you. Then you have to go in and set up network addresses, logins etc. With the latest linux it is very easy to do it in the GUI.
4. If the clients are all Microsoft based machines, why complicate things with a 'nix box as server?… use Windows 2000 server, you can pick LEGAL copies up on eBay cheap enough now W2K3 is around.

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