Planning on switching to Linux and set up domain controller and samba
 

Hello.

I am not entirely new to Linux and UNIX in general, but I am to Samba.

I have about 100 users roughly and currently have a fileserver that is drastically wasted on a Windows Server 2008 R2 platform, which I would eventually like to migrate to a Linux platform to reduce the amount of programs unnecessary for the purpose of a fileserver, and also set up my server as a primary domain controller as well as user access if possible.

I'm reading and sifting through the forum on the current information, but if anyone has additional thoughts they would like to add, I will probably need something from A to Z if possible that will produce the least pain as possible, as well as reduce maintenance downtime when I actually go to implement this, as I will have to have a means to either backup what is currently on our file server, and then move toward a new fileserver on a simplified platform and perhaps regain my Windows server license for another application down the road.

Sorry so long, and thanks for any advice that would be given. I'm an IT Manager for a small corporation. However, I have worked for Fortune 500 companies, but not in this capacity.

Thanks.

Richard

Samba can be configured via a web interface.
Google will help you with example setups.

Why not set up a test "server" - which could just be a an old laptop.
You could test how it behaves with Windows shares.

Thanks for the advice, Jeremy.

In the meantime, I believe I've made some good progress on this. There are still some bumps in the road but many of you probably already have the answer to my situation once I explain what I've been able to do.

I have a Debian distro on a VM in a Windows 7 environment. I've been able to simplify my smb.conf configuration file to where I am able to map to the device I specified. However, when I create another basic userid and then add a Samba userid as well, I am unable to gain access to the same share. The only difference I can tell is that the user I created probably doesn't have admin rights, or I'm not setting up the folder with the proper permissions for access by this user.

So in short, I can access the share with two "root" level type ids, but with the third, not able to gain access. I have chmod and chown'd the directory to mimick the userid but I still cannot make progress. Please inform. Thanks.

For reference, the commands I am using to change the directory permissions are:

chmod 777 /sharedirectory
chown <userid> /sharedirectory

So that I can attempt to give read/write access to the directory for the user. I will keep on searching in the meantime and appreciate all assistance. The fact that I am able with at least two ids, able to gain the proper access, it may be as simple as giving permissions for the user to the right group. At least that is the direction I am heading.

Richard

Richard,


After reading your post I wanted to reach out and tell you for about two years now I have been running Samba 4 as a domain controller. It is not for the faint of heart and the reward is well worth it. I even have Group policies running and multiple windows boxes joined to the linux domain. The best part is the windows boxes have no idea they are part of a linux domain. Google it and if it is for you give it a try.

If I can help please ask

Travis