Is there a solution available for migrating certain users to Linux? The current setup consists of a Windows domain, email hosted on Exchange, and several Windows terminal servers. I'm looking for a Linux distribution that includes an office suite, a group policy management system like in Windows, and the ability to connect to sessions (such as radmin or dameware). Is there something like this available?

After extensively researching the issue, I decided on Ubuntu. I successfully integrated it into the Windows domain, and the best part is that domain accounts can be used (I utilized Likewise). Now, I need to optimize it for use in the domain network and find a centralized management tool.

Ubuntu and Mint are both great options, but if the hardware is identical, Gentoo would be the most optimal choice.

consider factors such as hardware compatibility, user preferences, and the specific requirements of the task at hand. Each distribution has its own strengths and weaknesses, so thorough research and testing are crucial for making an informed decision.

I may not be a professional sysadmin, but I have been using Linux for a long time, providing me with a unique perspective from the other side of the screen

Linux is essentially a collection of software packages that form different distributions.
Each distribution is a curated selection of software chosen by its developers based on their preferences and beliefs.
Therefore, at its core, all Linux distributions share the same foundation...

In my opinion, the distributions from Canonical, such as Ubuntu and Xubuntu, are currently the most actively developed ones.
Personally, I find Xubuntu to have the smoothest transition for Windows users, as its interface is less jarring.
Xubuntu is essentially Ubuntu with a different graphical shell called Xfce, which can be customized to resemble the familiar Windows XP interface.

For office productivity, LibreOffice is the go-to suite.
While there are some differences compared to MS Office, it is fully usable and compatible in most cases.
I rely on it both at home and at work, even on Windows systems...

To access remote machines, Remmina provides a similar experience to RDP.

I'm not familiar with group policies as in Active Directory (AD).
Linux has its own centralized management tools offered by Canonical and RedHat,
but they are usually paid and likely not compatible with AD.
For managing configurations, tools like Chef or Puppets are commonly used.
Another option to explore is Zentyal, a Linux alternative to Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS),
which includes a simplified version of AD based on the Samba package.

As mentioned earlier, Ubuntu is known for its user-friendly nature, making program installation and removal a breeze through the built-in application manager. This ease of use applies to both beginners and regular users alike. However, Ubuntu also offers advanced UNIX features for those with more expertise in the field.

Ubuntu's user-friendly interface and package management system have contributed to its widespread popularity among users of all levels of experience. It provides a balance between simplicity and the ability to delve into the deeper functionalities of the Linux operating system.

Yes, such a thing does exist in nature. Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution that can be used in a Windows domain environment. It supports integration with Active Directory using tools like Likewise, as you mentioned. This allows you to join Ubuntu machines to the Windows domain and authenticate users with their domain accounts.

For an office suite of programs, Ubuntu comes pre-installed with LibreOffice, which is a free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Office. It provides similar functionality for creating and editing dоcuments, spreadsheets, and presentations.

As for a group policy management system, Ubuntu doesn't have a direct equivalent to Windows Group Policy, but there are alternatives available. One popular option is using the Landscape service provided by Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu). Landscape offers centralized management and monitoring of Ubuntu systems, including software installation, patch management, and system configuration.

In terms of remote administration tools, Ubuntu supports various options. The most commonly used remote desktop protocols on Ubuntu are VNC and SSH. Additionally, there are third-party tools like Radmin and Dameware that have Linux versions or can be used through compatibility layers like Wine.

Overall, Ubuntu provides a solid foundation for migrating users to Linux within a Windows domain environment. However, it's important to note that there may be some differences in functionality and workflows compared to Windows, so it's advisable to thoroughly test and plan the migration process to ensure a smooth transition.

Yes, there are several Linux distributions available that can meet your requirements. Ubuntu is a popular choice and can be integrated into a Windows domain using tools like Likewise. For office suite functionality, you can use LibreOffice, which is a free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Office.

To manage group policies in a similar way to Windows, you can consider using tools like Samba or Samba Active Directory. These tools allow you to create and enforce policies for users and computers within the Linux environment.

For connecting to remote sessions, Linux has multiple options available. One common choice is using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client called Remmina, which supports connecting to Windows Terminal Servers.

As for centralized management, you can explore tools like Webmin or Ebox/Zentyal, which provide web-based interfaces for managing various aspects of your Linux network. They offer features like user and group management, network configuration, and more.

Here are a few more details and options to consider for optimizing your Linux environment within the Windows domain network:

1. Identity Management: In addition to Likewise, you can also explore alternatives like SSSD (System Security Services Daemon) or Winbind for integrating Linux systems with Active Directory. These tools allow you to authenticate Linux users against AD and provide seamless access to domain resources.

2. Centralized Management: Besides Webmin and Ebox/Zentyal, you might also want to look into tools like Puppet, Ansible, or Chef. These configuration management tools enable automated deployment, configuration, and management of Linux systems, making it easier to maintain consistency across multiple machines.

3. File Sharing and Printing: To facilitate file sharing and printer access in a mixed Windows-Linux environment, you can utilize Samba as a file server. It allows Linux systems to act as file servers using Windows-compatible SMB/CIFS protocols. Additionally, CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) helps with printer sharing and administration in Linux.

4. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): If you require the ability for users to connect remotely to Linux sessions, you can consider implementing a VDI solution like Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops or VMware Horizon. These platforms offer virtual desktop and application delivery, allowing users to access Linux instances securely from any device.

Remember to thoroughly test and pilot any new tool or configuration before implementing it in a production environment. It's crucial to ensure compatibility and address any potential challenges specific to your systems and network setup.

Honestly, opting for Ubuntu might lead to more headaches than benefits. Sure, you've integrated it into the Windows domain, but the lack of robust group policy management and native support for certain Windows applications can be a dealbreaker.

Instead of relying on workarounds like Likewise, consider a more enterprise-ready solution like CentOS or even a Windows/Linux hybrid environment. The learning curve for users unfamiliar with Linux could also lead to productivity losses.