XP logon server?

[NancyJ]

Is it possible to use a windows XP machine as a network logon authentication server?
We have 4 machines connected to a router which is connected to a cable modem. I want 3 of the machines to login via the 4th. They're all XP. If not would it be possible to do it if the 4th machine ran linux (preferably Debian)?

[JamieR]

Windows XP is a desktop operating system and therefore can not be used for any kinda directory services such as Active Directory or anything so that you can do network user logons.
I don't know if you'd be able to do it in Debian, I'm a server 03 boy, lol.

[lansing]

Can you get a copy of Windows Server 2003?

[Spookster]

With linux you can use Samba (http://us4.samba.org/samba/) to run it as your primary domain controller

[Phill]

With linux you can use Samba (http://us4.samba.org/samba/) to run it as your primary domain controller

Yep, this is (as far as I know) the only option for Windows network logins, other than running a Domain Controller (which I believe will only run on Windows Server machines)

[oracleguy]

Yep, this is (as far as I know) the only option for Windows network logins, other than running a Domain Controller (which I believe will only run on Windows Server machines)

Yeah Samba can do it or one of the Windows Server operating systems, I wouldn't go back past 2000 though.