In this How-To I would like to show you how the administration of client computers works in a UCS domain. Client administration is a central part of UCS, which makes it possible to fully benefit from the many advantages of a UCS domain.
Various client roles for computer objects
Client computers in UCS are managed with so-called computer objects. In this connection UCS distinguishes between different client roles. Depending on the client role, different settings can be made on the computer object.
The roles “Windows”, “MacOS” and “Ubuntu” are particularly interesting for the integration of workstations. Beyond that there is also “Linux” as a generic role for Linux systems that do not run with Ubuntu or UCS, and “IP-managed client”.
An “IP-managed client” is a device that does not fit into any of the other categories, but should still be provided with an IP address via DHCP. For example. Printers or VoIP telephones are typical devices that are managed with a computer object of the “IP managed client” role. This generic role enables a central administration of objects that goes far beyond the normal and defined range.
Creating and editing computer objects
The Univention Management Console (UMC) offers the module “Computer” for the management of computer objects in the “Devices” category, which enables simple computer management via the browser.
On opening the module, a list of all computer objects is displayed. The search bar in the upper area allows you to search for individual attributes such as a specific name, an IP address or a MAC address. You can open the computer object with one click and edit it directly, e.g. to assign a new IP address.
You can also create computer objects interactively in the computer module. A click on the “Add” button in the top bar of the object list opens a wizard that asks for all necessary information and points out any problems, such as a duplicate MAC address.
You can also create computer objects interactively in the computer module. A click on the “Add” button in the top bar of the object list opens a wizard that asks for all necessary information and points out any problems, such as a duplicate MAC address.If you want to create a new computer object, you must first select a container and a role (here called “Type”). The container “computers” is selected by default. Here you can, for example, use a container among another organizational unit to create an object for a certain location. To create an IP-managed client, select the corresponding role from the drop-down menu and click “Next”.
Subsequently enter a name for the object and enter a MAC and IP address as well as the desired network. The object is created by clicking on the button “Create computer”. With a click on “Advanced” you can switch directly from the wizard to the computer settings and thus make all further settings during the creation of the object.
To delete a computer object, select it by clicking on the checkbox and remove it by clicking on “Delete”. You can also select several objects at the same time by clicking further checkboxes.
Adding Clients to the Domain
Now you know how to manually create clients in the domain. For clients running on Windows, MacOS or Ubuntu, it is also possible to enable them to automatically join the domain, in which a matching machine object is created.
Including Windows computers in a UCS domain
To include Windows machines in a UCS domain, you must install the Active Directory Compatible Domain Controller app from the UCS App Center. After you install the app, you must ensure that the machine can resolve hostnames in the UCS domain on the Windows machine. If the name resolution does not work, you should enter the UCS Master as the DNS server.
