best linux based Primary Domain Controller

nikau · 02-17-2011, 01:18 AM

We have a LAN with mixed Windows workstations win 2000, winxp, vista, win 7, linux servers all in a workgroup.
Most applications used on the LAN are windows based,
with a growing number of python apps.
A friend suggested a Primary Domain Controller would be a better way
to manage logins, resources etc. I don't wont to use a Windows based PDC, what would you suggest as a linux based PDC?
I have heard about TURNKEY PDC, but it uses Samba 3 and apparently doesn't handle Active Directory in Windows.

EricTRA · 02-17-2011, 02:29 AM

Hello and Welcome to LinuxQuestions,

First of all you need to realize that Active Directory is a Microsoft 'thingy' and there's no complete alternative in Windows. A combination of tools and programs like OpenLDAP, Samba, and so on can take you pretty close but not whole the way. Have a look at Calculate Directory Server, I've played around with it and in my opinion contains what you need.

Kind regards,

Eric

nikau · 02-19-2011, 02:54 AM

Thanks EricTRA
I downloaded the Directory Server cds-11.0.1-i686 from Calculate LINUX
and installed on Hard drive, discovered it was a local command line interface.
Tried following Documentation from the calculate help.
I have configured the network, LDAP, FTP bits BUT got stuck on the Samba Service
installation / configure.
Had a real struggle following the documentation.
Tantalisingly close to getting there but I am not sure whether the support
is able to handle a newbie to this area.
What should I reach for ?

EricTRA · 02-19-2011, 03:23 AM

Hello,

If you can elaborate a bit on what problem(s) you're having with the Samba part or other configs, then I'm sure LQ members (if not me) will be able to help out. The more information you post, the better responses you get. It's quite normal that you're having difficulties with the documentation, CDS is pretty specific and customized but in my opinion worth the time and effort you put into it.

Kind regards,

Eric

nikau · 02-19-2011, 01:35 PM

thank you EricTRA
I will reinstall Directory Server and trace progress
for each step along the way.

I am not familiar with Gentoo, but learning now.
Had about 2 years on linux, Ubuntu at work and home.

Regards
John

EricTRA · 02-20-2011, 12:53 AM

Hi,

Sounds great. I don't have a lot of experience with Gentoo either but when you read the documentation attentively you'll be able to get everything up and running. Just don't get disappointed right away and remember you can always turn to LQ for answers to your questions.

Kind regards,

Eric

kashifazizawan · 07-19-2012, 06:05 AM

is there any human written how to about calculate Directory Server?

Felipe · 07-20-2012, 06:52 AM

Hallo:

There is an alternative to Microsoft Active Directory for Linux (really, there are many but not all free software).

You can use RESARA (http://www.resara.com/). It allows to join windows an linux computers to a central repository. It also have a management console which allow you to manage users, computers, dns, dhcp, ... in an easy way.
In Google images you can see samples of Resara GUI.
I suggest you to download the iso image to run in a virtual machine. It's easy to configure and run.

Regards

kashifazizawan · 07-21-2012, 06:39 AM

http://freeipa.org/page/DocumentationPortal

FreeIPA is an integrated security information management solution combining Linux (Fedora), 389 Directory Server, MIT Kerberos, NTP, DNS, Dogtag (Certificate System). It consists of a web interface and command-line administration tools.