Exercise 1.1: Logging on as a Peer

Exercise 1.1: Logging on as a Peer

Objective: Explore the distinction between logging on locally and logging on to a domain from Windows NT Workstation.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

1.	Boot a domain-based Windows NT Workstation computer. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to reach the Logon Information dialog box.
2.	The box labeled Domain should display the name of the Windows NT domain to which the Windows NT Workstation belongs. This option logs you in by using the domain account database located on a domain controller. Click the down arrow to the right of the Domain box. At least one other option—the name of the workstation itself—should appear in the domain list. This option logs you in by using the workstation’s local account database. The local account database is completely separate from the domain database, and it gives you access only to the local computer. If the workstation were a member of a peer-to-peer workgroup instead of a domain, the local logon option would be the only option. In fact, if a Windows NT workstation is a member of a workgroup, the Domain box doesn’t even appear in the Logon Information dialog box—you automatically log on to the local account database.
3.	Select the computer name in the Domain box. Type in a username and password for the local account. If you rarely or never use the local logon option, you may not even remember a username or password for a local account. If you can’t remember a local username and password, log on to the domain from the workstation and find a local account by using the workstation’s User Manager application (in the Administrative Tools group). Double-click on an account name to check the properties. Reset the password if necessary.

After you have successfully logged on to the local workstation account, you are operating as a peer in a peer-to-peer network would operate. Your credentials will carry you no farther than the local system. Try to access another network computer using Network Neighborhood. Windows NT will display a dialog box asking for a username and password. The computer you are accessing will validate your credentials separately.