Samba based Domain Controller

[Ian]

Is anyone here using Samba as a Domain Controller? I've got the option to use this on my new NAS (although I'm having problems setting it up), but I'm considering giving it a go for our home network. It's certainly overkill, but I'd at least like to test it and see how it works.

I'd be interested to know how you thought it compares to a Windows Server based DC - can it fulfil the same roles? I'd like to be able to use roaming profiles, configure network/VPN connections, roll out software packages and give permissions for network drives.

 

[TriplexDread]

I use Samba via my Media system Popcorn A400

However all programming is built in no tweaking really unless I want to start messing about adding other address's and what not

 

[Ian]

Is that Samba to access the file shares, or are you using it as a full Active Directory Domain Controller?

I've got Samba set up for file share access on the NAS, but it looks like that Samba can also be configured to act as a standalone DC, with the appropriate configuration.

 

[TriplexDread]

Yeah just file sharing mate. Not many options for any other configuration as far as I'm aware. Certainly not within the A400 settings menu. There maybe a homebrew version but as the old saying goes "if it ain't broken"

 

[Abarbarian]

Would these be any use to you ?

http://alternativeto.net/software/turnkey-linux/

Domain Controller free Active Directory server

TurnKey Core Debian GNU/Linux with Batteries Included

Turnkey Linux 14: Small business server Linux made easy

 

[EvanDavis]

The only knowledge ( and I use that word loosely ) I have of Samba was when setting up a Ubuntu file server.

 

[Ian]

Thanks for the info guys

@Abarbarian - it looks like that domain controller is the one the NAS uses (it runs Debian, IIRC). I was just wondering if anyone had experience using it, as I've run in to problems with the one on the NAS. I'll get in contact with QNAP support and see if they can advise.

 

[Urmas]

https://wiki.samba.org/index.php/Setting_up_Samba_as_an_Active_Directory_Domain_Controller