Weekend Project: Replace Active Directory with Resara Server and Samba4

Samba4 aims to be a drop-in Active Directory server replacement. It's still in alpha, so the easy way to try it out is with Resara Server, which supplies a polished administration console and decent documentation. So grab your Windows peecees and come take Resara for a spin.

Active Directory is the keystone in Windows networks, so an open source replacement for it is very big deal. Samba4 is designed to be an AD replacement, and it is the only open source project with this goal. Samba4, like Samba3, is a LAN manager that supports Windows, Mac, and Linux clients. Samba4 is in alpha, so you don't want to put it on production machines yet. But you can start getting familiar with it, and this is a good time because the Samba team expects their first 4.0 release to come out this year. It's been a long journey, as Samba4 has been in development since 2003.

There are multiple ways to get Samba4. You can download alpha sources, nightly builds for those who find that alpha releases are not adventurous enough, and your distro might have packages.

The easy way is try a nice prefab setup like Resara Server. Resara integrates all the pieces, supplies a good graphical administration console, and has decent documentation. You can download full ISO images, a VirtualBox OVA image, or just install the Resara packages on your Ubuntu system. The latest release of Samba4 is 4.0.0alpha20, and Resara Server uses 4.0.0alpha17.

There is a good detailed howto on installing, configuring, and testing a Samba4 domain controller, which includes some helpful videos. This is also a great help with Resara server.

The idea of creating a drop-in replacement for Windows Active Directory is a noble one. AD is expensive in multiple ways: overpriced over-complicated licensing, high hardware requirements, inefficient cumbersome administration, and gratuitous lockin "features".

On the client side, Windows PCs are very particular about how they connect to a network, and they require some kind of AD support for almost everything. Adding to the fun, AD relies on Kerberos, DNS, and LDAP. But not nice ordinary Unix Kerberos, DNS, and LDAP; it wants special "enhanced" features just for Windows. (You didn't expect real interop, did you?) Microsoft networking protocols rely on remote procedure calls (RPCs) in amazingly creative – or bizarre, take your pick – ways that are difficult for a third party to implement. Samba3 will never advance beyond being a Windows NT-style domain controller and Active Directory member. Replacing Active Directory server is Samba4's special job.

I tested Resara Server 1.1.2, released April 18, 2012. This is a minor bugfix to the major January 1.1 release. I tried the standard commercial version, which offers a 30-day free trial. There is also a free-of-cost community edition and an enterprise version. The free version includes:

Active Directory-style domain controllerUser managementNetwork host managementFile sharesAutomatic drive mapping for Windows clients

The commercial and enterprise additions include WebDav for Web-enabled file sharing, technical support, server configuration backup, and multi-server replication with failover. Standard costs $749.99 for up to two servers, and the enterprise price tag of $1199 is for unlimited servers. The price tag includes a year of unlimited support. That's all you pay – there are no user or client licenses, and no additional software licenses for the myriad services and applications that make up Resara Server.

Resara also offers a number of hardware bundles. The Mini costs $1299.99; it's small, quiet, includes two hard disks in a RAID 1 configuration, and supports USB-attached storage. The Pro starts at $1799 and the Rack at $1899. These are the same except for the form factor, supporting a maximum of 6TB storage, hot-swap RAID 5, dual NICs, and an Atom D525 processor. All three have a three-year hardware warranty and one year of unlimited support.

Installing Resara was a bit mind-bending because it's stock Ubuntu 10.04 LTS with the GNOME desktop, so the installer messages are all about desktop apps like F-Stop, chat, and OpenOffice. Other than that little bit of dissonance for a LAN server it was uneventful, a typical easy fast Ubuntu installation. The partitioner was a bit annoying; I chose to let the installer automatically partition the whole disk, expecting that I would have a chance to review this and make changes. But no. It divided the disk into a root and swap partitions, and did not report their sizes or offer an option to make changes. The advanced button only gave bootloader and network proxy options.

Resara uses the generic Ubuntu kernel, rather than the server kernel. The Resara Admin Console requires a graphical desktop environment. This can be on the server, or you can run administer it remotely because the Admin Console can be installed on any Linux, Mac, or Windows PC.

The Admin Console has a clean appearance and logical organization. It supports the usual configurations: users, groups, networks, network hosts, shares, name services, and storage management. A nice feature is being able to manage LDAP organizational units (OUs) from a graphical interface. You can control all the usual Windows folderol such as roaming profiles, user file storage, and login scripts. A rather large missing piece is a group policies manager; you have to edit group policies on a Windows machine using the Windows remote server administration tools.

Active Directory protocols are extremely picky about time and DNS, so Resara sets these up during installation. When you're joining A new Windows clients to a Resara domain, make sure that the Resara server is the only DNS server configured on the client.

Resara server can be joined to an existing AD domain, but this is not supported in the Admin Console. If you want to try this, follow this Samba4 howto.

The Samba team plan to include a tool for migrating from Samba3 in the Samba 4.0 release. Migrating from Active Directory is a lot trickier. One way to do it manually is to join Resara/Samba4 to an existing AD domain, replicate it, and then promote the Resara/Samba4 server to primary domain controller. I think that providing a good utility to automate this process will be the #1 driver of Samba4 adoption.

The current release of Resara is good for smaller shops with fairly simple networks. It's fast and easy, and doesn't require an über Linux or Windows guru. But, the Admin Console is not complete, and you'll still want to be acquainted with the command line for complete functionality, remote administration, and troubleshooting. There isn't any documentation for the Resara commands, which are in the rdsutils package. The Resara people are active in the forums and IRC, so you can usually get fast answers. There is a secure VPN option to let a Resara support engineer log into your server and examine it remotely.

Should you buy Resara server for your business? If you're already a Samba and Linux guru, you probably don't need it. If you want a nice prefab system that's ready to go to work, Resara has a lot going for it. Check out the free trials and then decide.

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How to Set Up Your Own Counter Strike Dedicated Server

Counter strike is the most successful game in the world. Many of the new multiplayer, three dimensional, shooting games today are modeled from its success. The game offers a first person game experience. The solid graphics and the variety of maps are the highlights of this game.
Game Play
You can play as a terrorist or the counter force. The terrorists will plant the bomb at a particular site and the role of the counter force is to defuse the bomb - at a given time limit. If the bomb is not defused at the given time, it will explode, and victory is for the terrorist force. On the other hand, if you get to kill them all. Then you will win.
The game is fast paced so you will need skills to defeat people on LAN. Yes, traditionally counter-strike is played through LAN, and it can be run through a console. You can also play on your own and create bots as max as 1000. Bots can also be assigned with certain weapons and skill levels.
Counter Strike Online
Yes, you can play it not only with Local Area Network connection, but also on the cloud. You just need to create a counter strike dedicated server for your friends and other people to meet up. Counter strike runs on Steam, so there is a need to install one. You will also need to download the Amxmod metamod plug-in in order to play the game. You can download it from their website - just search amxmod to find one.
Here are some of the requirements:
• Computer must be in Windows (MS DOS)
• 130 MHz processor (recommended)
• 14 MB of RAM
• 400 MB disk space
• 8 MB Video Card
• Sound Card
Of course, you will need some basic networking stuff to make this work. You will need a router, and do port warding. Your host computer must have the needed requirements to host the game. You will also need to modify maps and other stuff on your server - for people to enjoy it. But set aside all the small matters, Steam, the plug-in, a router, and a stable internet connection is the backbone of creating a game server on steam.
How is it different from Playing LAN?
Yes, you can play on LAN. However, an online game gives you mobility and your friends can use their laptops in playing. This is also good when you have an unlimited internet connection at home. Also, it provides opportunities to go head-to-head with different players worldwide. You will also get to host and recreate your own game, customize maps, and other stuff.
Where to Get Counter Strike Free Servers
There are lots of counter strike free servers on the net. Just a quick search will provide with the needed information. If you don't want to create your own server, you can just check out other private servers online.
Still confused on how to create your own online counter strike server? Check out our comprehensive, step-by-step guide, in setting up your counter strike dedicated server. Lou Jiao Adames is a game developer and created hundreds of counter strike free servers played worldwide.

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Contemplate: Do You Need a Web Server?

If your small business is booming and expanding with a relative number of workers situated in different branches, but, with bulky amounts of pertinent files that badly needs organizing and transferring back and forth, you may probably consider putting up a web server for small businesses like yours.
How does this Web server for small businesses help you?
Server manages your file and serves as your main data storage. It also administers all the information in your small business. As your central data storage, whatever data stored in your server will all be networked together. This can even help you advertise your business online and attract possible clients.
Wherever your employees are, they can share and update your client's files, your products and you can even keep an eye on the progress of your business with the power of the web server. You can even limit the access rights of different people to secure confidential files.
You can install anti-virus and anti-spam software through the server to avoid malwares and spam, and protect the server from any unwanted intrusions.
What should you consider in having this kind of service?
You should first understand how it works and ask yourself if the time to have it has come. Second, you should recognize the needs and demands of your business. If you have a website, you should discuss with experts the operations and information of your website. This way, you may know the specific requirements ideal for your business.
As your network grows, so does your business. Therefore, you should ensure that it can adjust to the company's future growth.
Consider the security of your server. You don't want a hacker sniffing in your server and destroying your files or wrecking havoc in your website, right? You should be updated with the patches and security issues that your server may encounter. This service with default security settings aren't usually safe at all so better do the configuration, if not, entrust it with your own IT expert.
Think of your team who will troubleshoot any future technical problems in your server. This will be your technical support department who will be in charge in maintaining your server.
Inspect your pocket. You should reflect on whether you can afford to have that service with your present business. You mustn't settle yourself with such that can't serve your needs because of your limited budget. Having it is an investment so you should shelve off a considerable budget for this.
For the still manageable small businesses at home, you may setup your own home server. This is great for file storage, file or printer serving, web caching, web serving and back up support. This also supports video and music streaming.
The facility of the internet has created various ways to promote products and services to the customers. With its ever-evolving pace, it is mandatory to be attuned with this trend to stay in the business. It's either that or be left behind.
Considering turning your old PC into a home server? Contact Lehcar V. Adelman, Homeserver for some tips and know more about the pros and cons when setting up webserver for small businesses

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Dedicated Server Hosting - Starting Small

If you're on a budget or have been troubled paying rented servers lately, then it's time to create your own dedicated server once and for all. Creating your own dedicated server can help you save up - not just from monthly bills - but with extra cost. Extra cost that is derived from extra services from your host company. Extra services which you can do on your own.
Server hosting also gives you the opportunity to make business out of it. Yes, if you have a computer - which is updated (recommended), a good router, and an unlimited internet connection, then your set to have your own dedicated server. You might also need to provide a network attached storage for data storage purposes.
By the way, how will I create income with it? You can create income by being the server instead of renting the server. You can start with small business server hosting. You can lease the extra space on your server to others. This is often called as virtual hosting.
What do I get when I start my own dedicated server? Aside from generating income, you will also have enough bandwidth for your business. You will have unlimited websites, storage, and databases. You will also personally monitor them 24/7. And freedom from paying bills.
Hosting a server is a great business nowadays. Businesses are starting to evolve. E-commerce is everywhere. And almost everybody has a website. Your market will be targeted on small scale and middle scale businesses. But it won't be long, you will become a competitor of your previous hosting company.
Although, there are major considerations when hosting a dedicated server. First, you will need to have a background of networking, scripting languages, and databases. You will need to manage all the processes involve in a server hosting business. But don't worry about that, there are lots of schools offering such courses, and no later in time, you will hire specialists to do the work for you.
You can also engage in business with email host providers. Or be an email host provider instead. Perhaps, that could also be an added feature for your hosting services.
As you can see, there are good things you can get from hosting your own server. Aside from the money, you are in control of all data. Plus, you can utilize your extra computers to expand your network. You can earn up from $ 300 to $ 500 dollars a month with just one customer. Of course, that's less the extra services like 24/7 monitoring, higher-type of security, and extra email service.
And come to think of it, you will have no problems expanding your other business online since you own all the space. And who knows, Google might find your hosting business competitive and feasible? Who knows they might do business with you.
If you have enough capital and equipments right now, why don't you start hosting your own server today? Don't worry about the technical requirements for now. Just think of how much money and influence you can acquire from hosting your own dedicated server.
Find out more how to start your small business server hosting for free. Razon L. Quin is an e-commerce consultant and affiliated with giant email hosts providers.

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