Last year we migrated to Windows95 running from NT server. We run a server-based install with applications also running from the server. The local PCs are hacked to boot 'strangely' and the PCs auto-rebuild if the configuration is changed or damaged. Restrictions
are installed using registry-based policies and we have a custom shell running which authenticates users against our central unix service. This works admirably on a mixed hardware platform and our software installation failure rate on service PCs is down from
daily to maybe one or two a month.
We also have a small NT cluster which runs a custom login Gina to validate against our Unix systems. We restrict the desktops with policies and access restrictions are in place on directories and registry keys. This also works well, but we have some problems with
the desktops. We are currently testing a hybrid system using Sun Solstice client which will allow login scripts and all kinds of clever things (like modifying the registry on login...). We currently have a test rig with a new custom gina which passes through to
the solstice login (there is no gina with solstice :-( ). Apps are currently installed on unix systems running samba, although with the Solstice client we will use NFS instead.
Each of these systems works to our requirements.
The moral of the story is, the Microsoft way, nine times out of ten, is a pain in the $%&# and you _will_ have to hack to make things work. You will learn a great deal about registry files and changes made by applications along the way...
Please feel free to mail me if you think we may have encountered a problem before you.
Cheers
Rik
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Rik Hepworth, Computer Officer Voice: +44 (0)1274 233350
University of Bradford Computer Centre Fax: +44 (0)1274 304354
Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP mailto:[log in to unmask]
'I have no responsibilities here whatsoever'
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