I'm thinking about shifting my small office entirely to Linux, specifically Ubuntu desktop, to avoid the need for continual Windows upgrades on our laptops. I manage a basic setup with a Windows Server and about 50 end users currently on Windows 11, along with Xerox printers, TrueNAS, and Ubiquiti devices. I'm curious if anyone has successfully integrated Ubuntu into a Windows Active Directory environment, as this transition would make things smoother for the users. What has your setup looked like with servers, Group Policy, and how did the end users adapt?
3 Answers
Look, I’ve been on helpdesk before, and I can tell you that transitioning 50 users from Windows to Ubuntu will be a massive challenge! Small changes, like moving desktop shortcuts, can throw users off completely. You might find a lot of resistance and complaints. Just remember, getting buy-in from all users is key, or it'll turn into a frustrating nightmare for you! Have you thought about how to ease them into it?
I'm not sure if this year is truly the year of the Linux desktop, but I say it's worth a shot for you to test it out! You can use SSSD in Ubuntu to connect to AD for single sign-on, although keep in mind that you won't get full Group Policy functionality. Also, the updates for Ubuntu aren't as aggressive as for Windows, so hardware requirements may be less of an issue. I suggest running a pilot program with a small group first to see how it goes! Many users mainly rely on web browsing, which can work fine on Linux, so it could be a smooth transition for them.
It's definitely a big move! First off, have you talked to management about this switch? Also, consider whether your existing endpoint detection and response (EDR) software supports Linux. Are your users tech-savvy enough to manage a shift from Windows? Plus, make sure all essential applications support Linux to avoid headaches. I suggest approaching this gradually; some of my colleagues happily use Linux, but they were well-informed about the limitations on support and tools. Generally, if you have Microsoft 365, users can still access web apps seamlessly.
Oh man, I can relate! I once updated software for a client, and even though the icon didn't change, just renaming it caused chaos. Users can get super attached to their setups, and just a small change sends them into a frenzy. It's all about those muscle memories!