[K12OSN] Linux user database question

[Jim Kronebusch]

Is it possible to have Linux pull from a mysql database for its
usernames and passwords?  I have seen the support for LDAP and NIS but
am curious if I can us mysql.  This would really make it easy to tie in
my email, file server, website, and database software all together.  I
am afraid this may be wishfull thinking however.  I have considered
using LDAP but for one I don't understand it, and 2 have heard of speed
lags with it.

Thanks