[ubuntu-uk] Central authentication in Ubuntu

[andy]

Chris Rowson wrote:
> Hello folks,
>
> I've been wondering for a while, how I could put in place some kind of
> central authentication for a series of Ubuntu desktops/laptops.
>
> At work, I achieve this using Active Directory and Windows, but I
> wondered if there was a Linuxified version of this setup. I've been
> thinking of volunteering to get some community IT access up in the
> local area, and of course being able to configure PCs centrally would
> be great. There wouldn't be a great deal of money, so setting up a
> Windows Domain would be out of the question.
>
> So, whats out there that would allow me to create users/passwords
> centrally (but perhaps still allow laptops to cache credentials),
> would allow me to have automatically mapped file storage (like a
> mapped network drive in Windows), and if possible, help me to apply
> some level of desktop configuration?
>
> Any advice?
>
> Chris
>
>   
Chris,

openLDAP is the best bet for storage.. though having a disconnected 
centralised authentication system I was unable to implement last time I 
tried it. 

My setup is with Windows Clients - so that's all I can suggest for now - 
though it seems to be a fairly common goal, so other people will 
probably have more experience/info.

Regards,

Andy