Mac OS X Server with XP Clients?

[DjmUK]

After starting this thread:

Worth Getting: Windows Server 2003 over WinXP-Pro?

I have been turned off of Windows (yet again), I've researched into Mac OS X for years and plan on getting a Mac Mini (Tiger). But for a server, let's say I got an Xserver G5 and the Unlimited Server - can WinXP clients connect and access files on the Xserve?

I'm not sure about file system format cross-platform problems. Let's just say that for now I'll have a 2nd HD in the Xserve which hosts files (file server).

Thanks in advance.

[The_Decryptor Veteran]

oh yeah.

os x uses samba, so it can create share that are accessable by windows clent, and it can access shares on windows systems.

i have heard of problems with tiger and samba, so 10.4.1 might fix those problems.

and, i think you can even make windows client authenticate against os x systems. :yes:

[berz]

Yes, OS X server can be used as a PDC for Windows authentication. We have a few clients using such a setup with fairly good results. Login scripts work, as do roaming profiles, but you will not be getting Win2k+'s Active Directory goodness, which is understandable.

In all, our clients are *generally* pleased, but this is not to say that there haven't been hiccups with things simply "not working" at times.

[DjmUK]

I've heard of this 'Active Directory', but ain't gotta' clue what it is - and since I don't use it at the moment it doesn't bother that much. But as long as they'll talk to each othe easily (and file sharing easily) then I'm all for it :)

Thanks guys.

[MPD]

Samba on Tiger works much better then it did with Panther. I can connect to 2k/XP servers instantly now, where it used to lag and take several seconds or longer to bring up the authentication dialog. Now it feels just as snappy as when using another windows system, maybe even faster.

[Southern Patriot]

Samba on Tiger works much better then it did with Panther. I can connect to 2k/XP servers instantly now, where it used to lag and take several seconds or longer to bring up the authentication dialog. Now it feels just as snappy as when using another windows system, maybe even faster.

585891814[/snapback]

That's been pretty much my experience as well. I'm not sure where these reports of Samba problems are coming from.

[BTallack]

Mac OS X has Open Directory which is compatible with Active Directory. Mac and PC are able to authenticate on a Mac OS Server the same way they would with a Windows server.