Question: Linux Transition Proposal
Background: GuardianTech, LLC. has a new research and development group - Gauntlet. All systems in Gauntlet will run the Linux operating system and will access resources, as well as share resources, with GuardianTech, LLC.'s Microsoft Active Directory domain. The domain consists of several Windows Server 2012 R2 servers running various services (Microsoft Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, web services, printing and file services).
GuardianTech, LLC. also has around 1000 client operating system desktops/laptops that run Windows 7 and Windows XP. There is a mix of desktop and laptop systems.
Current Desktop/Laptop Configuration for Windows 7:
Processor: Intel Core i3 Second Generation
Memory: 4GB RAM
Hard Drive: 250GB
Network Card: 10/100/1000 Mbps
USB Ports: 4 USB 2.0
Monitor: 20inch LCD
Current Desktop/Laptop Configuration for Windows XP:
Processor: Intel Core 2
Memory: 2GB RAM
Hard Drive: 40GB
Network Card: 10/100 Mbps
USB Ports: 2 USB 2.0
Monitor: 13inch LCD
Your boss, the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Gamora Zen, wants you to come up with a proposal to replace all Windows XP systems with Linux. She also wants to purchase hardware to host a new DNS server on Linux. They are very unhappy with the performance of the DNS server running in Active Directory. You will research and select the Linux distribution of choice for both the Desktop/Laptops and the new DNS server and justify why you picked them. You should write your paper assuming the audience is the CTO, Gamora Zen.
Requirements: In addition the requirements in the grading rubric, the final submission should contain at least 5 pages worth of text written by the student (not counting title page, images, diagrams, tables, or quotations that may be used), but may be longer, not to exceed approximately 9 pages worth of student-supplied text. It must be double-spaced, have 1-inch margins, and use 12-point Times New Roman or 10-point Arial/Helvetica font and adhere to all APA formatting. A title page is also required.
You must turn this assignment to both the assignment area within our LEO classroom as well as to the TurnItIn website. Failure to do so may result in point deductions. Follow the TurnItIn instructions provided within the class.
You must address the following in your proposal. You may make any assumptions which are not specified.
1. Research and justify whether Gauntlet will use existing computer hardware that is being used with the Windows XP systems, or if new hardware will be required.
2. Plan for migration from Windows XP to Linux.
3. Explain how some windows services can interact with Linux services during the transition.
• Printing
• File Sharing
• DNS
• Central Authentication
4. Determine the hardware to be used and the installation options for the workstations/laptops.
5. Provide Hardware Specs for the new DNS server running in Linux.
6. How will users log onto the systems? Explain.
7. How will systems receive IP addresses? Explain.
8. Explain how files hosted on the Windows server on the network may be accessed by Gauntlet. Make sure you cover how both windows and linux can access the same shared files.
9. Explain how Gauntlet can securely share files from a central location within their group and other selected groups/users in the company. This includes access control.
10. How will central authentication be handled in the Linux environment.
11. How will printing be handled? Explain.
12. How files on the share be encrypted.
13. Include some element of cost. It doesn't have to be a lengthy discussion down to the dollar. You should explain the implications of cost of upgrading hardware (if you choose to upgrade), DNS server purchase, and any software licenses.
14. Describe why you selected the Linux distribution for both the DNS server and workstations/laptops.
15. Pick installation method and justify why it's effective for the number of installs that has to be done
16. Dual Boot is NOT an option.