Diff. between Stand-alone server and OpenDirectory?

[slooksterPSV]

I need to know the difference between a Stand-alone server and an Open Directory server. We will be re-installng Mac OS X Server on the server here at my school because of a variety of problems. We need to know which would better suit what we need. Right now we have conflicts with other NetBoot servers on the same IP Octet and we're considering this as a valid way to stop conflicts. Also, how will this effect users connecting via LDAP? Thanks.

 

[MacsRgr8]

A stand alone server uses its local database for its users & groups, and will not distribute them over the network.
An Open Directory Master "shares" its users & groups (and other LDAP related info like users-info, AFP networked home directories, etc.) so that users can use that database to log into a computer, instead of, for example, have to create local users on Macs on the network.

For troubleshooting, I would start off with a stand alone server.

Sure there is no other Directory Services host around? (Active Directory of LDAP)