Setting up Windows Active Directory on Ubuntu 20.04 is an experiment.
Setting up Windows Active Directory on Ubuntu 20.04 is an experiment.
Sure, you can definitely explore that idea. Using Oracle Cloud with Ubuntu 20.04 allows you to set up an Active Directory without needing separate users per machine. It’s a smart way to streamline access across your network. Let me know if you need more details on the setup process.
You can configure a Linux-based Domain Controller for directory services. However, I wouldn't recommend it for personal use. Ensure you have access to a public domain for proper resolution. If your internet connection fails, you won't be able to start new sessions with domain accounts. Your DNS will also be hosted there, adding around 30ms to DNS lookups (or more if using external DNS via a conditional forwarder). Typically, companies deploy Domain Controllers in cloud environments, but these are usually located on-site or nearby for reliability.
Search for documentation on Samba domain controller configurations. It's usually recommended to use a subdomain such as ad.website.com. Avoid making the server publicly accessible over the internet. Consider establishing a VPN to create a private network for your systems or set up a VM with Windows Server—there are 180-day trial periods available online. This approach provides a better way to explore the system.