This article talks about Samba's capability of doing the job as a Windows Primary Domain Controller.
http://networking.earthweb.com/netos/article/0,,12083_1144701,00.html Build A Primary Domain Controller With Samba By Carla Schroder Managing heterogenous networks is one of the bigger challenges facing the harried network administrator. Users want what they want: Linux/UNIX, the many Windows variants, OS/2, Macintosh, OS X, who knows what else. Bringing cooperation and harmony to all of these incompatible platforms is made possible by Samba. Samba is the Open Source implementation of the SMB/CIFS (server messaging block/ common Internet file system) protocols. CIFS is an evolution of SMB, capable not only of enabling file and printer sharing across different platforms, over various transport protocols, but is also a transport protocol itself. (See the SNIA link below for all the gory, yet fascinating details.) Samba is most commonly used to enable file and printer sharing between Windows clients and Linux/UNIX servers. As a file server, it ranks at the top of the class, outperforming Windows NT/2000 handily, both in speed and reliability. Domain Controller Microsoft's concept of a Primary Domain Controller is most useful, as it simplifies a number of network administration chores. It provides a "single sign-on", storing information about domain users, and providing user authentication. User's profiles are stored on the PDC; the PDC handles all authentication requests, allowing users to access different services in the domain without needing multiple authentications. Samba makes a fine NT-type PDC. It supports roaming profiles, domain logon from all Windows clients, Windows NT4-type system policies, name services, master browser, and user-level security for Windows 9x/ME clients. Which in my opinion do not belong in a business environment, but if they're there and you have to deal with them, Samba doesn't mind in the least. (continued in article) http://networking.earthweb.com/netos/article/0,,12083_1144701,00.html
