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I have an OpenBSD 4.6 installation with LDAP ports configured correctly. I can create users and other objects. But, I'm a Windows user and I know how easy is create and configure a domain controller.

Comparing two systems, what is the best to set a Domain Controller in terms of management and performance?

This question is just to learn how OpenBSD works and not to get a production environment immediatly. I created some virtual machines, one with OpenBSD installed, and want to get some services as DC, mail server, ftp server, etc. My intention is to know how BSD systems works.

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For managing Linux clients OpenBSD will be best.
For managing Windows clients, Windows will be best (and in my experience a lot lot better!). Essentially you can forget anything other than the most basic NT4 style domain policies.

Your BSD server can be used as a backup DC see the Samba HOWTO for more info. Although you may have to have a lower functional level of your forest/domain - see the Samba pages again.

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  • So, what you are saying is Windows is better and OpenBSD will be as a backup. But, why use OpenBSD as a backup if you can have another Windows??? The link is very heplful. Thanks for it.
    – jaloplo
    Feb 9, 2010 at 10:06
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    Well the only reason for using the BSD server is for you to learn from? Feb 9, 2010 at 10:08
  • At this moment yes. I want to learn how to manage BSD servers. In a closer future, I hope to change my job using my new skills.
    – jaloplo
    Feb 9, 2010 at 11:04
  • @jaloplo An OpenBSD license is... free? A Windows Server license is a bit more. So if you're pinching pennies, that's a motivation. Nov 29, 2017 at 21:49
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If management and performance (and don't forget availability, reliability and predictable behaviour) are your priorities then stick with the one you know; especially if you have other users connecting to it who are depending on it for service. From what you say it looks as though a Windows DC would pretty much fade into the background, whereas an OpenBSD one would require constant vigilance. Do you want that on a live network?

Otherwise, by all means set up the OpenBSD based network on a few VMs and use that for learning.

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  • My intention is getting some virtual machines with OpenBSD and others OS and how to connect them. As I write on the question (after update it) I just want learn how BSD systems works.
    – jaloplo
    Feb 9, 2010 at 12:29
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For something this critical, you should go with what you know best. You don't want to learn OpenBSD while under severe pressure to restore a Domain Controller.

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    Despite of all my life I'm working under Windows OS but I want to learn OpenBSD as hobby or, in a future, can change my job.
    – jaloplo
    Feb 9, 2010 at 8:52
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    I salute your eagerness, but a production Domain Controller is no place to do your learning.
    – Alex Holst
    Feb 9, 2010 at 11:01

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