Linux in a Windows World

by Roderick W. Smith

Linux's unparalleled functionality and adaptability have made it the main alternative to Unix and Microsoft Windows operating systems. And with good reason. System administrators realize that this robust alternative can greatly improve their operating system's reliability and save them money, too. Linux systems are even less vulnerable to attacks by computer viruses and worms. Not surprisingly, businesses, government agencies, schools, and a wealth...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0596007582
• ISBN13: 9780596007584
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Length: 478 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 7.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A pertinent intro to using Linux in a heterogeneous environment

Linux in a Windows World by Roderick Smith (O'Reilly) is an excellent aid for anyone trying to work in a heterogeneous environment. It is targeted at administrators who would like to add the flexibility, security and stability of Linux to existing Windows networks. While primarily focused on integrating Linux servers in the enterprise, to add functionality or replace Windows servers, Smith also addresses the addition of Linux workstations and thin clients to a Windows network. The text begins with a brief discussion of the available options for leveraging Linux in a Windows-dominated environment and when and where such applications are appropriate and effective. Smith walks you through Samba file and print sharing, authentication with LDAP, Kerberos, NT domains, followed by remote access methods, and a medley of additional server applications for mail, backups and network management. I found the format very accessible; simple and clear enough for those new to Linux, but with sufficient detail to get up-and-running with a basic configuration. The tone was refreshingly objective. Windows and Linux options were presented in an even-handed way, absent was the Windows bashing that frequently enters Linux literature. I was somewhat disappointed that the book spent so much time on increasingly obsolete NT Domains and so little with Active Directory, but it is understandable as the proprietary nature of Windows necessitates a lag time in the development of interoperable open source technologies. Overall I found Linux in a Windows World to be an excellent resource for mixed networks. I would consider it a must read for anyone thinking about adding Linux to their Windows network. It covers all the bases, giving the reader an overview of the available options before delving into the most common solutions. I personally found it useful in configuring several servers in my all-Linux network.

an invaluable resource

As a Systems Administrator for Microsoft systems I picked this book to research the viability of implementing a Samba Server on the network. What i got was much more, as the book is an incredibly well written and concise guide to integrating Linux systems with Windows systems and Networks. Close to 500 pages and in depth enough that someone with no Linux experience could work through it.

Classic O'Reilly work on OS interop

This is a well written and researched book that covers all of the aspects of Linux/Windows interop. File and print sharing are covered in detail. Authentication and LDAP, which can be very problematic, are given solid coverage. Definitely a good buy and an informative read for anyone in IT looking for information on mixing Linux and Windows boxes in a heterogeneous environment.

Mr. Torvalds, meet Mr. Gates

The desktop sure has changed in the past decade. Whereas Linux was once resolved to be an OS for pure hobbyists and those who wanted to "escape from Redmond", it now sits side-by-side with Microsoft Windows in many corporations and homes. The goal therefore of the new O'Reilly book "Linux In A Windows World" is to show how to get the two operating systems on speaking terms with each other. What is the most common thing people do on any OS? You got it -- print! Yet, time and time again, we have seen that even the simplest thing such as printing a document can be a nightmare when you have two different operating systems competing for the same printer. This is just a small real-life example of the type of task you will find while reading this book. You will be taken through the steps to get your Linux system working happily with that Windows printer down in Accounting. Throughout the book the author does an excellent job of tackling a common system administrator task, such as using Active Directory (Windows Domains) for authenticating users on the Linux boxes. Not only does he cover the most common ways of doing the task, but he also goes into detail about alternative methods and "extras" that your system might need depending on your environment. What I really enjoyed most of all in this book is the author does not favor one OS over the other. When the task is appropriate, or easier, on either Windows or Linux, he outlines how to do it and make the other OS utilize that service or feature on the host OS. This is where many other books fall short, in that they try and convince you that everything must be done under one or OS versus the other instead of just laying out the map and letting the users see which is the best choice. Overall, this is a great reference work for any system administrator facing the challenge of having a mixed Windows and Linux environment. Although it doesn't cover all the possibilities that could exist, it will cover the most common tasks as well as hitting up on one of the most important -- security. Well worth the price for the number of gray hairs you will save in accomplishing some of these tasks in your mixed environment.

Guerilla Warfare On the Road to World Domination

On the road to World domination, the humorous comment from Linus Torvalds, Linux faces one or two minor challenges. One of these is the competition from Windows. This book is aimed at the network administrator in a Windows world. Any network administrator that isn't living in a dream world has to at least be aware of Linux. And he probably knows things like the increased stability, lower cost, faster performance of Linux. The problem is that very few administrators have the authority (or are willing to put up with the complaints) of changing the desktop machines. This book might be called the guerilla warfare approach to bringing Linux into the network. It says to define a background application such as file, web, or mail server to set up using Linux. Set up one Linux box to handle this task. The rest of the network remains Windows oriented. As you get more experience with Linux, pick another background application to convert. Alternatively you can bite a big bullet and change all the machines. Appendix B gives some hints and tips on things like what desktop software is available, how to run Windows programs under Linux, file system compatibility and so on. It doesn't tell you what to do when the boss's secretary comes screaming at you for changing her desktop.