The diversity of Linux distributions is one of its strengths, but it can also be challenging for app and game development. Where do we need more standards? For example, package management, graphics APIs, or other aspects of the ecosystem? Would such increased standards encourage broader adoption of the Linux ecosystem by developers?
Domain authentication and group policy analogs. Honestly, I think it’s the major reason it isn’t used as a workstation OS when it’s inherently more suited for it than Windows in most office/gov environments. But if IT can’t centrally managed it like you can with Windows, it’s not going to gain traction.
Linux in server farms is a different beast to IT. They don’t have to deal with users on that side, just admins.
Ubuntu Server supports Windows Active Directory. I haven’t used it for anything but authentication (and authentication works flawlessly) and some basic directory/share permissions but theoretically it should support group policy too.
It’d be cool if there was a mainstream FOSS alternative though (there might be, I’ve done literally 0 research), but this works okay-ish in the meantime.
But for management of the actual production servers at work I use a combination of ManageEngine (super great and reasonably priced) and Microsoft’s Entra (doesn’t work well, don’t do it)
An immutable distro would be ideal for this kind of thing. ChromeOS (an immutable distro example) can be centrally managed, but the caveat with ChromeOS in particular is that it’s management can only go through Google via their enterprise Google Workspace suite.
But as a concept, this shows that it’s doable.
I don’t think anyone was saying it’s impossible, just that it needs standardization. I imagine windows is more appealing to companies when it is easier to find admins than if they were to use some specific linux system where only a few people are skilled to manage it.
I’ve never understood putting arbitrary limits on a company laptop. I had always been seeking for ways to hijack them. Once I ended up using a VM, without limit…
TL;DR - Because people are stupid.
One of my coworkers (older guy) tends to click on things without thinking. He’s been through multiple cyber security training courses, and has even been written up for opening multiple obvious phishing emails.
People like that are why company-owned laptops are locked down with group policy and other security measures.
I mean, it sucks, but the stupid shit people will do with company laptops…
Rule #1 never trust your users
i’ve never understood why there’s not a good option for using one of the plethora of server management tools with prebuilt helpers for workstations to mimic group policy
like the tools we have on linux to handle this are far, far more powerful
I’m surprised more user friendly distros don’t have this, especially more commercial ones