IV. Basic NIS Configuration
 

A. NIS Client
 
1. The ypbind and yp-tools RPM packages are needed. They should have been installed by default. If they are not loaded then install them from linux.fnal.gov.

2. Set the domainname first manually by typing 'domainname <domain name>' where <domain name> is your nis domain name. To set this permanently, edit the /etc/sysconfig/network file and add the line NISDOMAIN=<domain name>.

3. Start the ypbind daemon. Run 'ntsysv' to make sure the daemon is added to the list of at-boot services.

4. Caveats:
 

a. Experience has shown that nis does not support netgroups.

5. If you only do the above the NIS client will BROADCAST for the NIS master.If BROADCAST does not work then one can do directed NIS. Add

domain <domainname> server <nis server> 

to the /etc/yp.conf file. You will need to have a entry for <nis server> in /etc/hosts.

6. Portmapper is required for NIS.
  B. NIS Server
 

1. Download and install the ypserv RPM package.

2. Set the domainname as above.

3. Run ypinit -m to create new NIS maps.

4. Make sure the ypserv daemon is added to the services that is started at boot time. Run 'ntsysv' to do this.

5. Portmapper is needed for NIS to work.