Zentyal as a Domain Controller (Active Directory)- Based on Linux

Zentyal is an easy-to-use Linux server based on Ubuntu that provides essential network services such as domain controller, file sharing, email, firewall, and more. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing and configuring Zentyal.

---

Step 1: Download and Install Zentyal

1. Download ISO
   • Get the latest Zentyal Server ISO from the official website: https://zentyal.com/download
2. Create a Bootable USB/DVD
   • Use Rufus (Windows) or dd (Linux/macOS) to create a bootable USB.
3. Boot and Install Zentyal
   • Boot from USB/DVD and select Install Zentyal Server.
   • Follow on-screen prompts:
     • Set language and keyboard layout.
     • Configure the network interface.
     • Create a root password.
     • Partition the disk (guided or manual).
   • Complete installation and reboot.

---

Step 2: Basic System Configuration

1. Login to the System
   • Use the root credentials created during installation.
2. Access Web Interface
   • Open a browser and go to: cppCopyEdithttps://<Zentyal-IP>:8443
   • Log in using the system administrator credentials.
3. Update System
   • Run: bashCopyEditsudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
   • Reboot if necessary.

---

Step 3: Configure Network Settings

1. Go to “Network” → “Interfaces”
   • Set up static IP for the main network interface.
   • Configure additional interfaces if needed.
2. Configure DNS and Gateway
   • Set DNS servers and gateway in Network → General Settings.

---

Step 4: Install and Configure Zentyal Modules

1. Go to “Software Management” → “Zentyal Components”
   • Install required modules:
     • Domain Controller and File Sharing (Samba)
     • DHCP Server
     • DNS Server
     • Firewall
     • VPN
     • Mail Server (optional)
2. Enable Installed Modules
   • Navigate to Module Status and enable each module.

---

Step 5: Set Up Zentyal as a Domain Controller (Active Directory)

1. Go to “Domain Controller and File Sharing”
   • Select Standalone Server or Additional Domain Controller.
   • Enter domain details (e.g., mydomain.local).
   • Configure LDAP backend.
   • Save changes and restart the service.
2. Create User Accounts
   • Navigate to Users and Computers → Manage Users.
   • Add users and assign permissions.
3. Join Windows Clients to the Domain
   • Change the computer’s Workgroup/Domain settings.
   • Enter Zentyal admin credentials to join.

---

Step 6: Configure Firewall & Security

1. Go to “Firewall” → “Packet Filter”
   • Configure rules for WAN, LAN, and VPN.
   • Allow necessary services like SSH, RDP, HTTP/S.
2. Enable Intrusion Detection (IDS/IPS)
   • Navigate to Intrusion Detection.
   • Enable and configure rules.

---

Step 7: Configure Additional Services

1. VPN Server
   • Install OpenVPN.
   • Configure certificates and client settings.
2. Mail Server (Optional)
   • Set up SMTP, POP3, and IMAP.
   • Configure user email accounts.
3. File Sharing
   • Create shared folders and set permissions.

---

Step 8: Backup and Monitoring

1. Configure Backups
   • Go to System → Backup and schedule backups.
2. Set Up Logs & Alerts
   • Enable Event Logging and email notifications.