I've been using Linux as my daily driver and work in IT but I'm keen to understand how Linux can be used in a small business setting. Currently, I work with Microsoft technologies and want to make the switch to Linux for managing networks with multiple users and shared resources. I've checked out several Linux server distributions like Alma, Rocky, Manjaro, and OpenSUSE, but only OpenSUSE seems to have built-in Active Directory (AD) tools. When I read about these distros, I assumed they would have similar functionalities but they don't seem to, which confuses me.
Here's a basic scenario from my experience in a Windows environment. In a typical setup with a Windows Server 2016/2019 running AD, I manage 10 users. I assign folders with specific access rights through security groups, using login scripts so user accounts don't need to be created on individual PCs. Users can log in to any PC using their AD credentials without any local accounts being necessary.
With this structure in mind, I want to know if it's feasible to implement a similar setup in Linux. What distribution should I use for the server and the workstations? And importantly, where should I start researching to get this transition underway?
3 Answers
Check out Turnkey Linux; they offer an option for setting up an Active Directory domain controller which might suit your needs. It could simplify some processes involved in transitioning from Windows.
The AD features you want will dictate how you approach this. FreeIPA is perfect for a Linux-only environment, but if you still have Windows machines, you'll need Samba since it’s AD-compatible, albeit lacking some tools for management. For my home network, I use FreeIPA on CentOS Stream with Samba just for file shares.
You're right, Windows Active Directory is built on technologies like LDAP and Kerberos, and Samba can replicate similar functionality in Linux. Samba can act as a domain controller, allowing Linux systems to join a domain and provide Windows file sharing compatibility. It might take some setup and tinkering, but it’s definitely possible to achieve what you're looking for with it.
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