SCCM type application for Ubuntu server 12.04
 

Hello everybody

I'm still very new to linux and i'm finding the transition from windows to linux to be quite awesome. I am searching for an opensource application that is similar or close to microsoft's SCCM(System Center Configuration Manager). The lists of tasks I need to perform is the following:-
1. Software distribution
2. Operating system deployment
3. Hardware & software inventory
4. Virtualize applications
5. Patch management/ update management
6. Network protection
I also want to monitor users. The time spent on the internet(Like websense). Are there any such applications available for Ubuntu?
I would appreciate any help.

Thank you

It's best if you started just looking on Google to find what things meet each individual need. Also, if you're running a server at an office, unless you're using Ubuntu LTS (Long Term Support), you're asking for headaches. Ubuntu and most 'consumer' distros (openSUSE, Fedora, Mint, etc.), are on a quick, bleeding-edge development cycle. A server is meant to stay running for YEARS, without needing an upgrade, and still be under support. CentOS is a better choice for a server, in my opinion.

That said, some suggestions/questions:

1. That would depend on your clients. If you have Windows systems attached to a Linux server, there's not going to be ANYTHING they can do, other than provide a network drive for a software repository. Otherwise, you can look into something like spacewalk.
2. Again, deploying WHAT? If you mean you want full client images, that's easily done through pxe booting. Creating network-bootable images from already running clients is not too difficult.
3. Several options, again easily found with a Google search. OpenAudIT, OCS Inventory NG, OpenNMS, and spiceworks come to mind.
4. Again, what do you mean by that?? Virtual machines can easily be created...where do you want to create them?
5. Back to spacewalk for that
6. Again, what do you mean? A firewall? Anti-virus? Proxy server? All easily doable (iptables, clamav, squid)
7. Again, 'monitor users' how? If you just mean internet access, then you'll need to configure a proxy server, then run reports like SARG.

You can do ALL of what you want, but some of what you're asking is vague.

Hi TBOne
I was away on leave and returned today. Thanks for all your advice. I will try everything you've mentioned and advise the outcome. I will try and be more specific next time round.
Thanks again for your input.