[SOLVED] Help with selecting a free Linux server

dino123 · 05-25-2011, 01:40 AM

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

also a GUI would be nice

Thanks in advance

--dino123

0men · 05-25-2011, 02:02 AM

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"

Cheers

EricTRA · 05-25-2011, 02:45 AM

Hello and Welcome to LinuxQuestions,

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.

Have fun with Linux.

Kind regards,

Eric

dino123 · 05-25-2011, 02:59 AM

thanks guys ill look into those

dino123 · 05-25-2011, 03:20 AM

Eric,

as i'm a server newbie how do i download the 389 directory server i dont understand the download page

--dino123

EricTRA · 05-25-2011, 03:26 AM

Hi,

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:

Code:

yum install [--enablerepo=updates-testing|--enablerepo=epel-testing] 389-ds
setup-ds-admin.pl

You'll need the EPEL repository configured in your system. Have a look here.

Calculate Directory Server is a complete ISO you download and it's based on Gentoo so might take some adaptation on your part.

Kind regards,

Eric

dino123 · 05-25-2011, 06:11 AM

thanks Eric and Omen problem sorted

EricTRA · 05-25-2011, 06:19 AM

Hi,

You're welcome! Enjoy Linux.

Kind regards,

Eric

dino123 · 05-26-2011, 03:08 AM

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

--dino123

EricTRA · 05-26-2011, 03:18 AM

Hello,

Yes there is and it's called Windows!

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.

Kind regards,

Eric

dino123 · 05-26-2011, 03:26 AM

http://www.turnkeylinux.org/domain-controller ive got that but im notsure what it is and how to set it up
thanks
--dino123

EricTRA · 05-26-2011, 03:32 AM

Hi,

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.

Kind regards,

Eric

0men · 05-26-2011, 03:37 AM

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

dino123 · 05-26-2011, 03:40 AM

what would you reccomend for a base server for the 389 thing
i think thats what ill do

thanks
-dino123

EricTRA · 05-26-2011, 03:44 AM

Hello,

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.

Kind regards,

Eric