[ILUG] nsswitch

[Kevin Philp]

Can someone explain to me why I would want to use compat in nsswitch? 
Our network uses nis and I have always changed the nsswitch entry to:

passwd:        files nis
group:          files nis
shadow:        files nis

If I understand correctly if I use compat I have to add a +::::: to the 
end of the passwd file - what is the benefit over just using "files nis"?

Just an idle question on a Friday afternoon.

Kevin.