It’s always been possible to get Linux desktops to work on Windows-based networks. I do it all the time. But, it’s not a job for an average Linux user or a Windows network administrator’s whose MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) certification still has wet-ink. Now, though, Canonical, Ubuntu parent company, is partnering with Likewise Software to make it easier.
Likewise is the creator of LikeWise Open. This is an open-source program that lets Linux and Mac users authenticate against and join Active Directory domains and forests. It also enforces AD (Active Directory) password policies across Linux systems.
You don’t have to take their word for it. I’ve been using LikeWise for years, and it works quite well. Now, Ubuntu is going to be including the latest version of LikeWise Open 5.4, in the next edition of Ubuntu, Lucid Lynx.