User authentication from non-native server domains in a computer network

摘要

A method of authenticating a user of a Windows NT client normally configured against an account held at a Windows NT server. The method begins in response to a logon request at the client. In particular, the user is provided with an option to select a server domain from a set of one or more native Windows NT server domains and/or non-native server domains for authentication. The list of native and/or non-native server domains is compiled by an administrator (e.g., during installation) or by the user (at logon). In response to user selection of the server domain, a connection is then established between the Windows NT client and the server domain. The user is then authenticated at the server domain. Following successful authentication of the Windows NT client at the server domain, a Windows NT user account is then established and maintained at the client.