Linux Desktop Support

[greggpb]

Is there such a thing ?

we run a admin company so most the pc's consists of windows/outlook/office and the people using them are basically never go beyond that scope.. that means most the "terminals/pc's" we buy set us back about R5k Hardware + R3k software(mostly oem) so when the hardware dies we loose it.

We are thinking of setting up one or two linux/openoffice/firefox terminals. to see if the staff can learn to use them ?

Are the company that offer linux support on a desktop level for," I can't print or I can't send email" type queries.. our server's run windows and mssql so no Changes there for the moment. but the pc's would have to be able to join our domain..

what do you guy think i am in for and should i bother with the move at the moment we are about 19 terminals

 

[Nod]

Some links I could find:
http://www.promatix.co.za/south-africa-linux.php
http://www.dcdata.co.za/
http://exactweb.co.za/linux.php
http://www.onsitetechsupport.co.za/
http://www.intoweb.co.za/et-Linux-systems-support.html
http://www.yebolinux.com/index.php/services/linux-support

 

[sn3rd]

Can't answer you about companies that will do a good job at a good price; usually this kind of thing is done in-house.

I think setting up one or two terminals is a great idea; low initial outlay, and you get to have a real test of whether they're going to get to grips with it.

In all honesty, for simple things like document editing etc, you'll be fine.

You shouldn't struggle too much getting Linux machines integrated into a Windows domain.

 

[Nod]

You shouldn't struggle to much getting Linux machines integrated into a Windows domain.

Yeah, that is a bit of an issue. There is always something that doesn't want to play nicely.

 

[greggpb]

I used to be a techie so I could do it, but my focus in on business development now, so I need someone (with skills) to do it for me.. not some "google technician" charging me ridiculous rates.

 

[Tinuva]

OpenSUSE integrates into AD out of the box. I use this at work, though sometimes I feel its hard to get repositories for funny things I'd like to install. All in all it works.

Ubuntu can have AD integration if you download a RPM, there is a freeware version as well as a paid for version which allows it to easily integrate into AD as well. The paid for version is awesome because it will allow you to set policies on linux machines from AD.

Here is a starting spot on the free version so you can try it out: http://www.likewise.com/products/likewise_open/

I would probably suggest you go with Ubuntu 10.04 and Likewise AD integration, it will give you the best experience in my opinion. It WILL also be the easiest way to get the BEST user friendly Linux distro integrated into AD.

As for companies that do desktop support for this....good luck.

 

[sn3rd]

OpenSUSE integrates into AD out of the box. I use this at work, though sometimes I feel its hard to get repositories for funny things I'd like to install. All in all it works.

Ubuntu can have AD integration if you download a RPM, there is a freeware version as well as a paid for version which allows it to easily integrate into AD as well. The paid for version is awesome because it will allow you to set policies on linux machines from AD.

Here is a starting spot on the free version so you can try it out: http://www.likewise.com/products/likewise_open/

I would probably suggest you go with Ubuntu 10.04 and Likewise AD integration, it will give you the best experience in my opinion. It WILL also be the easiest way to get the BEST user friendly Linux distro integrated into AD.

As for companies that do desktop support for this....good luck.

This needs to get added to a sticky