Using a Linux server for an organization infrastructure has many undeniable benefits: stability, security, hardware performance, TCO, freedom. But that doesn't mean there aren't some drawbacks (usually outweighed by the benefits), that we should consider and try to reduce or remove. Introducing a Linux server in an organization usually has a pretty significant impact: new process, new interface to learn (CLI), new commands and services, new way of doing pretty much everything on the infrastructure. Unexperienced (on Linux) members of the IT team will be most likely skeptical of such a new solution, therefore we have to deal with the resistance to change, which is common and understandable, or we will end up with part of IT team members being left behind by these changes to their work routine. Improving this situation is mandatory and that’s exactly the mission of the NethServer project: make a Linux distribution for servers more accessible, easier to adopt and simpler to understand, thanks to a powerful and extensible web interface that simplifies common administration tasks. Because we believe simplicity can still be powerful.

1. Linux Server Administration
for non-expert users
Alessio Fattorini

2. me@localhost:~$ _

3. A lot of fun

4. Tool shed

5. Control Everything

6. Give me a shell and i will
move the earth
- Archimedes

7. me@localhost:~$ _

11. How can we get people who
aren’t experts?

13. Who
● Linux Sysadmin and Support Specialist
● NethServer Community Guy
● Nerd with many friends
● Prosecco evangelist
twitter.com/ale_fattorini
alessio.fattorini@nethserver.org

14. 79% of cloud deployments

16. BUT

17. Typical IT Team

18. Linux Experts

19. The others

20. Learn or get left behind

21. high knowledge barrier

22. Replace a proprietary
mailserver

23. BUT

24. Get lost in complex configurations

26. 1. Steep learning curve

27. 2. Lack of motivation

28. everyday we building interfaces on top of interfaces
3. Lack of time

30. Interfaces on top of interfaces

31. from day one

32. 3 main points
● web-based user interface
● simplified installation
● single-click installation of modules

34. ● distribution for servers
● modular design
● built-in powerful and modern web
interface
● based on CentOS

35. Who’s it for?

36. All-in-one and customizable

37. Some Modules
● LAMP framework
● Web proxy with SSL filter (Squid),
● Groupware (SOGo),
● Bandwidth Monitor (ntopng)
● Mail Server (Postifx + Spamassassin +
Clamav + Amavis)
● VPN (OpenVPN and IPsec/L2TP),
● Firewall (Shorewall)
● Intrusion Detection (Snort)
● Personal cloud (ownCloud)

38. MailServer from scratch
1. load NethServer ISO
2. configure 1 LAN interface (at least)
3. point the browser to the WebUI
4. complete First Installation Wizard (3 fields)
5. install MailServer module
6. add new email domain
7. add new user and mail address
8. it’s all. TOTALLY PAINLESS

39. ~30k downloads ~150 countries

41. Takeaways?

42. Even a non expert user

43. choosing the right product

44. is able to manipulate the code

45. and kick bad guys ass

46. Thank you