The lack of understanding and knowledge gaps are present.
For what reason should a machine with no operating system be added to an Active Directory domain?

I humbly request an explanation from someone who is well-informed on the matter.

In attempting to search for answers on Google, I have only become more confused due to the conflicting information provided - one moment mentioning Samba, the next something else entirely.

Unix mail servers have the capability to authenticate users through AD, enabling them to access their mail using the same username and password they use for logging into the domain. Furthermore, a list of mailboxes serviced by the server can be obtained from AD.

As for file servers on Linux, the scheme remains the same - rights on file resources can be assigned to domain users.

Similarly, proxy servers can transparently authorize domain users using their domain accounts, without prompting them for a separate login password upon browser start-up.

To elaborate on comrade 3vi1_0n3's thesis about the importance of AD for centralized authentication, these examples show how AD integration streamlines access to various IT resources on a network.

Allow me to share a personal experience. I used to be a network engineer for a big organization where the work was more manageable under the Linux environment due to its permanent console, scripts and remote server access. However, I also had to attend to internal corporate duties like accessing file resources and web services within the system, including managing Lotus Notes systems.

To address these tasks, I took it upon myself to find solutions through creating proxies, using tricky notes, NTLM-Kerberos authentication, and more.
 
(Please let me know if you require any other assistance or have any other requests on this topic.)

Typically, there is no requirement for the additional steps beyond integrating LDAP from AD to pam in Linux machines for logging in using an AD account.

However, it is important to note that there may be other considerations or tasks that need to be completed depending on the specific use case or requirements of the system.
It's always best to thoroughly evaluate the needs of the system and assess whether any additional configuration or setup is necessary for optimal functionality.

The reason for adding a machine with no operating system to an Active Directory domain could be to manage and control its access to network resources. By adding such a machine to the Active Directory domain, you can apply security policies, manage user access, and ensure centralized authentication and authorization for any services running on that machine.

Now, in terms of the conflicting information you found regarding Samba and other methods, let me clarify. Samba is a software suite that provides file and print services to SMB/CIFS clients, which includes compatibility with Active Directory. So, if you are considering adding a machine with no operating system to an Active Directory domain, using Samba for integration is one valid approach.

However, there are other methods as well, such as using third-party tools or creating a custom solution to achieve this integration. The choice of method may depend on the specific requirements of your network environment, the type of machine being added, and the level of integration needed with the Active Directory domain.

Adding a machine with no operating system to an Active Directory domain can be useful for centralized management and control, and the method of integration, whether it involves Samba or other approaches, should be chosen based on the specific needs and constraints of your network setup. I hope this clarifies the issue for you. If you have further questions or need more detailed information on a specific aspect, feel free to ask.