Integrating Linux into a Windows Network?

Di0medies asks: "I work for a some-what small non-profit organization that uses a windows-based network. We currently have 6 servers supporting about 25 local domain users and about 25 remote users and we're planning on migrating from Server 2000 to Server 2003 in a month or so. Being a non-profit, we're always a little tight on cash and considering Microsoft charges ungodly amounts of money for server software, migrating portions of the network to Linux leaves more cash available for other IT goodies (like a new high-capacity file server!) and also adds more stability and security to the network. All of this depends on how well a Linux server will work on a Windows network. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding Linux integration? Can Windows and Linux be made to play well together? Is there anything out there to add limited Active Directory support to Linux?"

Comments

Kinda Small

[Bios_Hakr]

You have, what, 50 users? Why deal with the licensing headaches from Win* server at all? Linux (running Samba) makes a great Domain Controller. Add another Linux/Samba for SAN/NAS. Throw in one more for a print server. I don't know too much about mail on Linux, but I hear postfix is nice.

In any event, your network is *way* too small to deal with Win* crap. Even if it's *donated* by MS, there's bound to be licensing issues at some point.

Deploy Linux in your server room and then migrate your users at a later date...if at all.

Re:Wasteful

[dn15]

Christ, remind me never to give money to your wasteful organization. I'll save my money for a group that doesn't turn my contributions over to an illegal monopoly.

I share your sentiment, but we have to be realistic. Just because non-profits run on donations and are on a tight budget doesn't mean they know the first thing about Linux, or that it even exists. It's one thing to convert individual users, but an entire organization and all its software and data are a whole different story.

I work for an organization that provides tech support for non-profits. It's sad but true, non-profits have to live in the same world as commercial entities. They're subject to the same forces as anyone else -- they have momentum with existing Microsoft installations; there are custom legacy software that would require replacement, retaining, and conversation of data; they have users who only know Windows and (rightly or wrongly) would resist a switch to any other OS because it would mean they have to learn to use something slightly different.

You should be supporting the original poster's efforts to switch, not deriding him for not having already completed the task on every machine they have.

Re:Wasteful

[zymurgyboy]

I've been asked this same question by at least 6 of my friends who work in or manage a non-profit. They have varying levels of technical sophistication but none are experts. Most have little or no money. They all have an abiding sense of compassion for their fellow man; dedication to causes most of us would like to forget about; a knack for networking and fundraising; etc. They're not simple people.

Not all non-profits are the EFF though.

Don't be a dickhead. You know who you are, AC. Now go put your fuzzy slippers on and get back to daytrading on your Mom's WebTV. It clear you don't have the social skills required to formulate a proper response anyway.

The idea that some other undersocialized loser modded you insightful just removed any hestancy I had in going off on you. Perfect.

Do what you will mods. I could care less if I have 'Excellent' karma with a room full of asshats like this.