Set Server name & make visible on windows network

[MkII]

How do I reset an Ubuntu 6.10 LAMP server name and how do I make it visible to the windows network using the command line?

[Geoff]

You need to install and configure, Kerberos, Samba and Winbind. Here's a howto.

 

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ActiveDirectoryWinbindHowto

[MkII]

Ta!

[Geoff]

Now, with that said I would like to expand on what that guide says. It's not 'wrong', you will end up with a working system if you follow it to the letter. However I think there's a few points where there is a better way to do things™.

 

1. It tells you to edit your hosts file.

 

I don't think this is necessary. Either setup DNS records (reservation or static ip + manual records) in your windows DNS server or configure dhclient to register the correct dns hostnames in DNS. (read the comments in /etc/dhcp3/dhclient.conf)

 

2. It tells you to sync your clock with ntpdate.

 

This is correct, however I'd go further than this. I'd also install ntpd and setup that to sync with your DCs (all windows DCs run NTP). Otherwise machines with long up times will drift out of sync and lose their kerberos authentication.

 

3. It tells you to configure /etc/krb5.conf

 

This step is unnecessary. You can delete the file entirely and MIT Kerberos will use the settings embedded in the Windows DNS system instead.

 

6. It gives you a complete smb.conf

 

Which is fine and will work, however I'd like to point out that if you set the 'template shell' to '/bin/false' you can prevent AD users from logging in (via SSH for example). This is quite handy on a server where you've gone and configured PAM for winbind authentication.

 

5. It tells you to edit nsswitch.conf.

 

Which is fine, but it neglects to tell you to include the 'wins' option on the hosts line.

[MkII]

I can't get winbind - couldn't find package - i've enabled the universe repository

[MkII]

I don't want to authenticate against it just now Geoff - just be able to get to it on the network by computer name rather than IP - which is all i'm able to do just now

 

...and then change the computer name

[MkII]

changed computer name

[Geoff]

I can't get winbind - couldn't find package - i've enabled the universe repository

 

er...but it exists..

 

http://packages.ubuntu.com/edgy/net/winbind

 

just be able to get to it on the network by computer name rather than IP - which is all I'm able to do just now

 

If it's using DHCP either set a reservation up or tell dhclient to send the machines hostname (uncomment and edit the relevant line in /etc/dhcp3/dhclient.conf).

 

If it's set to use a static IP, add the A and PTR records to your DNS server manually.

 

...and then change the computer name

 

The computer name is set in /etc/hostname

[MkII]

k fixed it - i'd messed up my sources list - all better now

[MkII]

The computer name is set in /etc/hostname

 

and /etc/hosts ...I think you need to set it in both? - to make it permanent - hostname sets it temporarily *'scuse me while I make notes lol

[Geoff]

depends on your dns setup.

[MkII]

How would I know?

[Geoff]

Is there an A and PTR record in DNS for the machine (tip, try using dig or nslookup to test this).

[MkII]

I manually created one Geoff

[Geoff]

ok that should be fine. Leave the /etc/hosts alone.