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Idea #22151: Ubuntu server should offer (better) domain control support

Written by whoop the 30 Oct 09 at 16:54. Category: Server. Related project: Nothing/Others. Status: New
Rationale
The goal of this idea is to make it possible that ubuntu server acts as a domain controller, with a central user database on which ubuntu clients can authenticate. The users data (home) resides on the server.
Any user can log in at any client and get to his/her personal account.

Although the technology for this already exists, it's quite a hassle to set-up. Furthermore, (which makes it close to impossible) there is no up-to-date complete documentation on this.

Although you might not directly need this technology for yourself (for your own home environment), you should understand that this technology is crucial for ubuntu adoption in small/large businesses. This technology is a must for corporate environments, to say the least.

74
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Solution #1: Create detailed up-to-date documentation
Written by whoop the 30 Oct 09 at 16:54.
We need up-to-date detailed complete documentation on this subject. Minimal and maximal approaches should be documented because some users will want linux only technology, others will also want support for other OS's (like Windows).
46
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Solution #2: Create specialized installer
Written by whoop the 30 Oct 09 at 17:07.
Some technology could be developed to assist in installation and configuration of the technology.
It should assist in the following questions --> what do I want, what do I need to install, how do I configure it.

Propose your solution

Attachments
forum Ubuntuforums.org thread #640760


Duplicates


Comments
chunknuts (Idea reviewer) wrote on the 30 Oct 09 at 21:17
I think this is a good idea for those running Ubuntu in a business or Soho environment that need the ability to login to any PC and have all their data (and handle authentication). I've used this capabilities in a Windows environment at a large corporation, and it is priceless. There are those that believe Ubuntu should have this same enterprise capability. For those -- this idea.

Bumped.
-John

bbehrendt wrote on the 5 Nov 09 at 13:39
There is a large need for an Active Directory alternative because Windows is not even catering to this market.

-bj

Cuco3 wrote on the 1 Dec 09 at 00:22
I'm a systems administrator and a feature like this is what Linux needs in order to compete with MS's Active Directory in the enterprise market.

RedAxe wrote on the 13 Dec 09 at 06:30
I've been using Ubuntu for 6 months now. The reason, my MS Small Business Server was infected by a virus. Sometimes, printers wouldn't show up, users info gets corrupted, and you can't login anymore.

It was a headache those days. When we tried Ubuntu Server, the rock steadiness, and reliability of a machine, is one of the System Admin's reason to get quality sleep at night.

Now I couldn't get quality sleep because of the 1-2 weeks of configuring just for NFS / LDAP to work in Ubuntu. Isn't this suppose to be common sense because a server HOSTS files and authenticates right?

I know someday, Ubuntu will have this, maybe it can be used by my child.

brettg wrote on the 24 Mar 10 at 08:02
I already do this using OpenLDAP. It looks daunting at first but it's not so hard.

See here for details

whoop wrote on the 26 Apr 10 at 22:23
@brettg: As I said it's possible, but not really doable for allot of ubuntu users.
Furthermore all the tutorials out there (including the one you provided) are for 8.04. Allot has changed since then, especially for ldap. These tutorials won't work for ubuntu 10.04 LTS (and this is really important for an LTS if you ask me).


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