Linux in a Windows World

Chapter 2. Linux Deployment Strategies

Creating a plan for deploying Linux can make the difference between success and failure in that endeavor. Although it’s possible to simply drop one or two isolated Linux boxes onto a network and have them work correctly, integration with other systems—particularly Windows computers—requires careful planning. You need to select particular server programs to use on the Linux computer that interact with the clients in the way you intend, so as not to disrupt existing servers. In the case of a desktop migration, careful planning and testing is in order. The problem in this case isn’t so much the technical challenges of configuring a single system, but the difficulties involved in ensuring that all your existing files are accessible and that all your users are comfortable with the new systems. Finally, thin client deployment poses its own challenges. Knowing when to use thin clients, and how Linux can fit into a thin client strategy, will help you plan and implement such a plan.

Tip

One of the most fundamental aspects of deploying Linux is installing the OS. This book doesn’t provide a chapter on Linux installation, both because the task varies substantially from one distribution to another and because I presume you don’t need that level of detail. If you’re completely new to Linux, you should probably buy a more introductory book, ideally one targeted at the distribution you’ve chosen. At a minimum, you should consult the documentation that came ...