I was curious if there is a way to set group policy on windows pcs using a linux based server. I assume it isn't possible but again just curious. I know you can set local policies on windows but I have found these to be ineffective since many VB scripts will allow you to reverse the rules. From what I can tell you can use Samba to achieve some functions of Active Directory such as domain authentication but not group policy. I found this book...
Linux in a Windows World by Roderick W. Smith Smith Roderickw O'Reilly & Associates Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Incorporated Pub. Date: February 2005 ISBN-13: 9780596007584 *"Linux in a Windows World tells you how to integrate Linux into a Windows-dominated network. It concentrates on those areas in which Linux can easily replace, or complement, the function of an existing Windows server. Other books touch on these subjects, but here you get detailed information about the points of connection between the two operating systems."* This sounds like it might be a promising book, I don't know I will have to sit down and browse through it but if anybody knows of other books or resources (preferably free of course) that might help it would be greatly appreciated. Also I was interested in how one would setup a network entirely linux based down to the workstations/clients. Is there a Group Policy equivalent for Ubuntu server? I have seen various scattered resources like Pessulus which uses Python but seems more useful for Kiosk situations. My main concerns would be stopping a user from just plugging in a printer, dvd/cd-rom, or flash pen without disabling USB functionality that may be needed for a keyboard or mouse. Is there a way to have only certain approved hardware signatures? From what I can tell hardware is installed based upon the chipset that it has rather than the brand or model. Is there a way to prevent installs of one model that may have inferior build quality to a better quality device but both use the same chipset? I have found that Ubuntu is very good at adding peripherals which is great when you don't have a driver CD but since the drivers are included in the kernel does it actually install? Would you just restrict access to /mnt and /dev and can you block access to certain devices but allow others? Is controlling the network it best to setup with thin clients so that the PC's cannot be tampered with even while it is disconnected from the network? Has anyone found a scalable way to determine how fast the server and network has to be compared to the client ratio? I know this email is a lot of questions but I am very interested in network administration and suggestions on resources that cover these topics would be very helpful. ** -- Matthias A. Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group http://mhvlug.org http://mhvlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mhvlug Upcoming Meetings (6pm - 8pm) MHVLS Auditorium Sep 3 - Porkchop - The Areas of My Expertise Oct 1 - Ubikeys Oct 4 - Linux Fest Nov 5 - Releasing Open Source Software Dec 3 - TBD
