Topic: Is SMEserver like netware?

[billybober]

I have been searching for like an opensource network server, which would allow users to login to the server from a client machine just like novel netware does and map drives from the server.... Does SMEserver allow this? If not anyone know if such exist?

[pfloor]

I have been searching for like an opensource network server, which would allow users to login to the server from a client machine just like novel netware does and map drives from the server.... Does SMEserver allow this? If not anyone know if such exist?

Does that and a whole lot more.

Start by reading this: http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:About
Then continue with this: http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:Documentation:Administration_Manual
And this: http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:Documentation:User_Manual

[mercyh]

In answer to your question above I would say NO. SME server is like a windows server without active directory. If you come from a Novell Netware environment you need to read everything you can get your hands on about windows domains.

pfloor is correct that it  will allow users to login to the server from a client machine and map drives from the server. It will NOT do it "just like novell netware". I still have a soft spot for Novell's login scripts. I still think it is easier to use then netlogon.bat, however, I learned on Novell so your experience may not be the same as mine.

If your question is, Can SME replace Novell in a small business environment? I would say the answer is definitely if you are willing to learn a new way of doing things.

[billybober]

In answer to your question above I would say NO. SME server is like a windows server without active directory. If you come from a Novell Netware environment you need to read everything you can get your hands on about windows domains.

pfloor is correct that it  will allow users to login to the server from a client machine and map drives from the server. It will NOT do it "just like novell netware". I still have a soft spot for Novell's login scripts. I still think it is easier to use then netlogon.bat, however, I learned on Novell so your experience may not be the same as mine.

If your question is, Can SME replace Novell in a small business environment? I would say the answer is definitely if you are willing to learn a new way of doing things.

Well I have never managed a novell network... i have only used it as a user...

All I want a server that everyone can log onto before logging into the workstation and map drives automatically... I am going to go read the links pfloor gave me.... be back soon....

[billybober]

Ok so i read those links and all. I think this will do what i want... i am interested in the logon.bat stuff but one thing that i didnt seem to find in those links that were posted was this:

Say on the server I have 4 users

Admin
bill
bob
sue

so then there are 3 regular users. Now in my workplace I have 3 workstations that Bill, Bob, and Sue can chose to work from, they each have their own computer to use and they are using won. Well instead of the windows login screen coming up I wish to have a login box to come up that would log them into the server FIRST and then if it authenticates, it would log them into the workstation using the name "user" for every workstation... (Like the novell client).

Also it would map home drives and stuff....( I know it'll do this...)

Make sense? I hope I explained it good. Is this possible with SME? If not i may have to just get novell....

[mercyh]

To quote pfloor,
Does that and a whole lot more.

Be sure to read the last part of this manual page.

http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:Documentation:Administration_Manual:Chapter13#Workgroup

Then get on the answer machine (otherwise known as google) and look for the basic networking articles on windows domains and netologon.bat.

I would make this comment that with only 3 users I would probably set it up as a peer-to-peer network with shares mapped by the clients rather then go to the work of setting up a domain.

I would also make a comment on Novell,
If you have only used it as a user and think all that drive mapping stuff just happens, you might want to talk to whoever is your Novell admin. The login script on my Novell servers is about 4 pages long and mine is relatively simple.

With as simple as your network sounds on the surface I would never fork over the cash for Novell as SME is simpler to use and the "client" is built right into Window already.

I would definitly find some old machine and install SME, or do it in a virtual machine, then play with it with your workstation using the programs you plan to use and the files you plan to share. Make sure it is working and you can at least answer basic user questions before you implement it with the users.

If you decide to do Novell, I would recommend the same procedure.

[mercyh]

it would log them into the workstation using the name "user" for every workstation

By the way, this is a little registry hack that has to be done on every workstation if you want your Novell login to respond this way. The normal client settings would ask you for a valid workstation username and password.

This is one thing that a domain does better, you do not have to have the domain user built on the workstation at all.

[billybober]

ok cool, really cool... I like this... i am installing vmWare server right now...  It was free on thier site... So here it goes... If I need help I will come back.. Thank you, i really appreciate your help, and you being nice... Some people on other boards are jerks....