Linux - ServerThis forum is for the discussion of Linux Software used in a server related context.
Notices
Welcome to LinuxQuestions.org, a friendly and active Linux Community.
You are currently viewing LQ as a guest. By joining our community you will have the ability to post topics, receive our newsletter, use the advanced search, subscribe to threads and access many other special features. Registration is quick, simple and absolutely free. Join our community today!
Note that registered members see fewer ads, and ContentLink is completely disabled once you log in.
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. If you need to reset your password, click here.
Having a problem logging in? Please visit this page to clear all LQ-related cookies.
Get a virtual cloud desktop with the Linux distro that you want in less than five minutes with Shells! With over 10 pre-installed distros to choose from, the worry-free installation life is here! Whether you are a digital nomad or just looking for flexibility, Shells can put your Linux machine on the device that you want to use.
Exclusive for LQ members, get up to 45% off per month. Click here for more info.
Distribution: Ubuntu, Zorin OS 4, DSL, Puppy, Fedora 15, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, CDS and Cent OS
Posts: 37
Rep:
Help with selecting a free Linux server
Hello all,
i am new to the world of Linux servers and i was wondering...
is there a free Linux distro that could act as an active directory so to speak..... one that controls users over a network so that you can log in to any computer with a username and password. like they have in schools
If your after a operating system which will
function as a server. Slackware or debian would be the way to go
google "Linux questions optimal server distro"
and "Linux questions server poll"
If you're looking for a Linux server to substitute a Windows domain controller then there are several options available. But first of all you need to know that none of the options is a complete replacement for Active Directory. Active Directory has its specifics and functionalities and not all of them can be 'made available' in Linux. But with the following options you can get pretty close: Calculate Directory Server Fedora 389 Directory Server
The above come with most of the tools, if not all, included per default. Read the features on both of them. You also could go with a stable distro like Debian and install and configure everything by hand. There are a lot of howtos on the internet that explain how. The advantage on setting everything up manually is that you'll KNOW your system inside out which will save you a lot of time when you have to troubleshoot a problem in the future.
You install 389 Directory Server through yum which means that you need to have a RPM based (Fedora, CentOS, Scientific Linux, Red Hat, ...) server already installed and configured to connect to the repositories. As pointed out in the Download page for 389-ds, by running these commands you install and launch the setup script:
Distribution: Ubuntu, Zorin OS 4, DSL, Puppy, Fedora 15, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, CDS and Cent OS
Posts: 37
Original Poster
Rep:
But.......
hey,
is there a server os capable of AD that has a GUI and point and click configuration
i know im asking a lot but im not that good with the command line interface
Seriously, there are GUI interfaces for almost anything you might need to configure. I'm not sure but I seem to remember that CDS (Calculate Directory Server) can be started with a graphical interface or that you can start it when booted. If memory serves me well it comes with the GUI stuff needed to configure it all. I'll have a look and let you know. If you choose to go with another solution then look at Webmin which has module for just about everything.
I've found this for the Fedora 389 Directory Server. CDS (Calculate Directory Server) doesn't come with any graphical interface apparently but you can always install it. That's one of the strong parts of Linux, you can do whatever you want.
Never used, not even checked it out, the TurnKey solution you pointed to but looks interesting. Just give it a try and let us know what you think of it.
Mate, if u grab the slackbook from the slackware website it'll give you a good introduction to Linux. And it will show you commands and the basics of Linux. It will be hard to set up a server with a point and click config !! I've never set up a server without exclusively using the command line. But the slackbook is a good place to start. It will teach you the basics plus a little bit more. Good luck
Slackware is indeed one of those distros that teaches you the most about Linux but it has a steep learning curve. I don't think that the OP will be willing to invest the time working his way through the basic installation, partitioning and distinct ways of setting up the network and installing applications, which are very different to what other distros do. It's true that Slackware is the way to go if you want to learn Linux but you'll have to admit it will take time. Since the OP has no experience with neither Linux nor command line I think he should go with something easier and more common.
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing
Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute
content, let us know.