NT4 license restrictions and domain

[Michael]

Hello,

I help out a local organization with their small computing needs. I
am definitely not a professional admin but I can usually figure things
out for small-time things (and Linux is my forte otherwise).

Over the last 4 years, I've been running NT 4.0 Server to handle their
file sharing needs. They have a 10-user license. It is configured as
a Primary Domain Controller and we have about 8 machines connect using
Windows 98 and XP to map a shared drive.

They would like to add about 4 new users. What does this mean for the
"10-user license"? Does it mean 10 simulataneous connections, 10
logged in users, or what?! Does NT4 enforce this somehow?

If I need to upgrade the OS (keep in mind that their needs are simple
and NT 4.0 Server as served us well), I've heard that domain
controllers no longer exist. Is Windows 2000 Server the way to go and
will going from a primary domain controller to the new thing be hard
to do without spending loads of time reading?

Thanks and sorry for the cross-post but I'm looking for an answer
today!

 

[dgabbard]

You can safely turn off licensing. However, you are still required to
follow the intent of the agreement. If you have 10 licences and need
12, then you should purchase them. If you know you will never have
more than 10 connected at one time... then you should be ok.

The draw back to turning off licensing in 2000 is that if you go to
install exchange you will need to remember to turn it back on. Not
sure if it impacts other software installations.

Windows 2000 still has Domain Controllers and has a PDC emulator. The
big difference between NT4 and 2000 is changing from single master to
multi master model. Even in a small network, you should spend some
time reading before making the jump.

You say you are from the Linux world, so you are probably familiar
with DNS - Crucial to the functionality of Windows 2000.

If you are going to upgrade 2003 would probably be the way to go. You
may as well go to the latest and greatest.

doug