Transition from Windows to mixed Win/Mac
May 30, 2008 1:14 PM Subscribe
Windows network admin moving into the world of Macs. Where & what to learn?
I'm currently a school's IT director and know my Windows XP & server2k3. I like Windows.
Alas, we might be getting a number of Mac laptops in the next year or so (50-100). As such, I need to learn how to manage the Macs on my network. We'd still have a lot of Windows on the network.
I'm looking for tips or tricks on making a possible transition. Good resources for Windows-->Mac? Or good resources for Mac network management in general.
Heck, is managing a fair number of Macs even reasonable in a Windows server environment, or am I just better off getting a Mac server?
My experience with Macs is non-existent. My knowledge ends at their finally using TCP/IP instead of AppleTalk!
Too limit things down, I'm not looking for an MCSE-like tomb, but some resources to at least get me on my feet.
Of possible consequence is I do quite a bit of locking down through GPOs (can't change backgrounds, no editing of IE to use proxies, etc) and each student has their own (non-roaming or mandatory) log on with a mapped network home share. Of use would be knowing how AD & GPOs interact with Macs.
I'll also plan on getting Macs to mess with before anything's rolled out, but pointers beforehand sure can come in use.
Thanks!
I'm currently a school's IT director and know my Windows XP & server2k3. I like Windows.
Alas, we might be getting a number of Mac laptops in the next year or so (50-100). As such, I need to learn how to manage the Macs on my network. We'd still have a lot of Windows on the network.
I'm looking for tips or tricks on making a possible transition. Good resources for Windows-->Mac? Or good resources for Mac network management in general.
Heck, is managing a fair number of Macs even reasonable in a Windows server environment, or am I just better off getting a Mac server?
My experience with Macs is non-existent. My knowledge ends at their finally using TCP/IP instead of AppleTalk!
Too limit things down, I'm not looking for an MCSE-like tomb, but some resources to at least get me on my feet.
Of possible consequence is I do quite a bit of locking down through GPOs (can't change backgrounds, no editing of IE to use proxies, etc) and each student has their own (non-roaming or mandatory) log on with a mapped network home share. Of use would be knowing how AD & GPOs interact with Macs.
I'll also plan on getting Macs to mess with before anything's rolled out, but pointers beforehand sure can come in use.
Thanks!
Best answer: AFP548 and Mike Bombich's site are essential.
posted by porn in the woods at 1:40 PM on May 30, 2008
posted by porn in the woods at 1:40 PM on May 30, 2008
In short? If it's a documented feature, and it's difficult, you're doing it wrong. This rule has helped many a sysadmin make the transition. Use it wisely, young padawan.
posted by SpecialK at 2:12 PM on May 30, 2008
posted by SpecialK at 2:12 PM on May 30, 2008
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This seems like a great page for mapping AD and GPOs from the windows world to os x.
posted by zabuni at 1:28 PM on May 30, 2008