Smart tools for staying ahead of the Windows challenge
Living Easy

This month we feature some new ideas for Windows integration.
Although Linux is growing more popular every year, the fact is, Windows hasn't disappeared yet, and it probably won't for a very long time. Whether you work on a small, medium, or large network, you will never be far from the problem of Windows integration. This month we take a look at some strategies for living easy with Windows.
One big complication of a heterogeneous network is supporting separate collections of applications for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and other alternatives. Ulteo Open Virtual Desktop (OVD), an innovative new tool from the labs of Mandrake creator Gaël Duval, provides a unified desktop where server-based Linux and Windows applications can run side by side in a browser window. You can even manage permissions through an Active Directory or LDAP directory system. We'll take a look at how to merge your worlds with OVD.
Next we bring you a nifty trick for the road warrior – the "no-boot" bootable USB stick. You'll learn how to use the QEMU virtualization tool to set up a portable Linux system that boots inside a Windows virtual machine. In other words, this solution lets you bring your portable Linux-on-a-stick to settings in which a system reboot is impractical or prohibited.
Then we turn our attention to the Samba file and print server – a classic interoperability tool used around the world for easy cross-platform file sharing. We show you a new Samba add-on that lets you serve up files from a high-availability cluster, and we finish with a look at another recent Samba innovation: a Windows-style configuration registry that you can even edit using Windows registry tools.
If you are looking for new ideas on integration with Microsoft networks, read on for more on living easy with Windows.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
News
-
Titan Linux is a New KDE Linux Based on Debian Stable
Titan Linux is a new Debian-based Linux distribution that features the KDE Plasma desktop with a focus on usability and performance.
-
Danielle Foré Has an Update for elementary OS 7
Now that Ubuntu 22.04 has been released, the team behind elementary OS is preparing for the upcoming 7.0 release.
-
Linux New Media Launches Open Source JobHub
New job website focuses on connecting technical and non-technical professionals with organizations in open source.
-
Ubuntu Cinnamon 22.04 Now Available
Ubuntu Cinnamon 22.04 has been released with all the additions from upstream as well as other features and improvements.
-
Pop!_OS 22.04 Has Officially Been Released
From the makers of some of the finest Linux-powered desktop and laptop computers on the market comes the latest version of their Ubuntu-based distribution, Pop!_OS 22.04.
-
Star Labs Unveils a New Small Format Linux PC
The Byte Mk I is an AMD-powered mini Linux PC with Coreboot support and plenty of power.
-
MX Linux Verison 21.1 “Wildflower” Now Available
The latest release of the systemd-less MX Linux is now ready for public consumption.
-
Microsoft Expands Their Windows Subsystem for Linux Offerings With AlmaLinux
Anyone who works with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) will now find a new addition to the available distributions, one that’s become the front-runner replacement for CentOS.
-
Debian 11.3 Released wIth Numerous Bug and Security Fixes
The latest point release for Debian Bullseye is now available with some very important updates.
-
The First Alpha of Asahi Linux is Available
Asahi Linux is the first distribution to fully support Apple Silicon and is now available for testing.