TooMuchGreen

For any business network security at the client end is the most vulnerable area and the most difficult to “police”. Even with a rigid and up-to-date AD policy & virus checking software update system implemented you’ve still got the userbase to “manage”. Running an I.T department is certainly not just about fixing computers and making sure eMail flows smoothly, this is something I know all too well from many years of experience (or should I say “exposure”).

The vast majority of users run Microsoft software on their personal computers and the vast majority of  businesses also run Microsoft software on their office computers, this is where the boundaries become blurred. Users think their computer operating system at work offers them the same degree of control and freedom they enjoy in their bedrooms or studies at home, they think they should be able to install this little program here and that little application there, and why shouldn’t they be able to check what their Facebook friends are up to or buy and sell those kids toys on eBay? After all the computer is networked to the internet right?

I believe this issue is substantially more of a problem than fully realised with who knows how many man hours lost each week/month/year due to either employees aimlessly browsing the internet from the comfort of their own desks or from support staff having to spend time rebuilding corrupted machines. Excessive browsing is an area easily addressed by installing a proxy server (every company should have one, have you? Why not? – Contact us for details) and to tie down each computer with a rigorous Active Directory policy is of course one way to deal with things at the sharp end (so to speak) but the blurred perception is still present, a separation is needed between computer systems at work and home, and why shouldn’t there be, after all the two serve different purposes (in most cases). It’s here where an Ubuntu Linux configuration can supply the ideal solution.

Everyone knows that Microsoft rule the world of office I.T, both Exchange eMail and the Active Directory network management system are ubiquitous across business (albeit at cost of course, substantial) however both platforms function at server level managed closely by system admins who have no desire to browse Facebook or install the latest game of the week (you would hope). The big two at the back end are not going to lose their grip for sometime, and there is no need for this to be so thanks to cross platform integration offered by utilities such as Likewise.

Likewise is a superb, quick and easy utility for both Linux and Mac which allows authentication (single sign on) to a Microsoft Active Directory network, couple this with the built in Ubuntu Terminal services client (yes, it comes as standard), Exchange connectivity via the Evolution mail suite, a Firefox browser with Open Office and you have a completely “user proof” business desktop client, even if you do get a Linux-savvy office geek he’s not going to be able to dick about as domain log-in accounts offer no “sudo” option (super user). You get all this, with the performance, stability and security benefits of Linux – and all for no charge.

• Open Office is free to download and use
• Ubuntu Linux is free to download and use
• Likewise Open is free to download and use
• The Firefox browser is free to download and use

Opting for Ubuntu Linux is not just about saving money. If you would like to find out more about intelligently managing your network infrastructure TooMuchGreen would be happy to advise.

Feel free to contact us or pre-book a consultancy visit from the service page.