Review and Install of Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition

Zentyal Server is an open-source Linux distribution that aims to provide a comprehensive server platform for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It stands as a well-regarded Linux solution that offers a compelling alternative to Windows Server®. By seamlessly integrating Samba, Zentyal ensures seamless compatibility with Microsoft Active Directory®, enabling hassle-free domain joining and simplified management of Windows® clients. As a result, it has gained popularity among companies and public administrations, primarily serving as a dependable domain and directory server, as well as a proficient file server. Moreover, Zentyal Server’s intuitive GUI empowers users to effortlessly administer a comprehensive array of supplementary services, ranging from network infrastructure management to mail server and gateway functionalities.

Here are some key features and benefits of Zentyal Server:

• All-in-One Server Solution: Zentyal Server combines essential server services, such as directory services, file sharing, email, firewall, VPN, groupware, and more, into a single integrated platform. This simplifies server management and reduces the need for multiple separate servers.
• Easy-to-Use Web-based Interface: It also provides a user-friendly web-based interface that allows administrators to manage server services and configurations without requiring advanced Linux or networking knowledge. The interface offers a centralized control panel for convenient administration.
• Active Directory Compatible: It is compatible with Microsoft Active Directory, enabling seamless integration into existing Windows-based networks. It can act as a Primary Domain Controller (PDC) or join an existing Active Directory domain, providing interoperability between Windows and Linux systems.
• Network and Security Management: It includes network management features like DHCP, DNS, and NTP servers, as well as a robust firewall and intrusion detection system. These capabilities help to secure the network infrastructure and protect against threats.
• Collaboration and Communication Tools: Zentyal Server offers collaboration tools such as file sharing, groupware, email, and calendar functionalities. These features facilitate team collaboration and enhance communication within the organization.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Zentyal Server is designed to scale according to the needs of SMBs. It allows businesses to start with a basic server setup and expand services as required. It also supports virtualization technologies, enabling easy deployment in virtual environments.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Zentyal Server is an open-source solution, which means it is free to use and modify. This reduces licensing costs and provides SMBs with a cost-effective server platform. Additionally, the simplified management and integration of services save time and resources.

Zentyal has recently unveiled a significant update to its Commercial Zentyal Server Edition, known as Zentyal Server 7.0. This latest release of the commercial Linux server is built upon the long-term support version of Ubuntu Server (20.04 LTS). As a result, it incorporates the latest iterations of integrated software, including notable components like Samba 4.11 and SOGo 5.0.1, among others. This update brings enhanced functionality and up-to-date features to the Zentyal Server ecosystem.

The amazing Features and benefits associated with Zentyal Server 7.0 are:

• Perpetual licenses and optional support: It is possible to acquire a perpetual Zentyal Server License tailored to suit your business scale, with prices commencing at 195€ per server for the Micro License (suitable for organizations with fewer than 25 users). Zentyal follows a server-based pricing model, eliminating the need for user or device CALs. Additionally, you have the option to opt for Optional Support Subscriptions to further enhance your experience and receive comprehensive assistance when needed.
• Replace your MS Active Directory® seamlessly: It presents a user-friendly alternative to Windows Server®, providing seamless integration with Microsoft Active Directory®. This native compatibility enables effortless domain joining of Windows® clients and streamlined management, ensuring a smooth experience for your users without any disruptions. The added features are:
  • NETLOGON scripts, Roaming profiles
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication
  • File sharing in Windows® environments (CIFS)
  • Users, Security groups, Distribution lists, Contacts
  • Central domain and directory management
  • Importing/exporting of users and groups
  • Integrated software: Samba
  • Audit mode on/off (file server)
• Mail: Zentyal Server 7.0 adds support for Mozilla Thunderbird® and Webmail, Synchronization to mobile devices via ActiveSync, Multiple virtual mail domains, Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication, Antivirus & Mail filter. Support for SMTP, POP3, IMAP, CalDAV, CardDAV and SIEVE protocols is also added.
• Full feature list: This release is based on Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS
• Infrastructure: The added infrastructure features are:
  • Instant Messaging (IM) service
  • IPSec/L2TP
  • Antivirus on-access scan
  • Certification Authority (CA)
  • Virtualization Manager
  • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
  • Integrated software: BIND, ISC DHCP Software, ntpd, OpenSSL, OpenVPN, ejabbered, Libvirt/KVM, Duplicity, vsftpd, Libreswan
• Maintenance: The added features include:
  • Daily reports
  • Real-time alerts
  • Kernel management

1. Install Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition

There are two ways of installing the Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition. These are:

• On an existing Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, either on a server or desktop version (recommended option).
• Using the official Zentyal ISO file.

You can use any of the below methods to install Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition.

Method 1: Install Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

This is the fastest way to have Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition installed. First, you need to download the installer on your Ubuntu 20.04 machine as shown:

wget https://zentyal.com/zentyal_installer.sh

Make the file executable:

sudo chmod u+x zentyal_installer.sh

Update your system and the available packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Now, start the installer with the command:

sudo ./zentyal_installer.sh

Proceed as shown:

Do you want to install the Zentyal Graphical environment? (n|y) y

 - Checking Ubuntu version...
...OK

 - Checking for broken packages...
...OK

 - Checking for available disk space...
...OK

 - Checking if the system is up-to-date...
...

Once complete, you will see this:

You can now access the Zentyal Server web UI using the URL https://IP_Address:8443/

Method 2: Install Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition Using ISO

This is the recommended installation method for the Zentyal Server. The benefit associated with this method is that this is easier as all dependencies are found on a single DVD or USB. The other one is, that you have a graphical environment that allows the use of a web interface and desktop environment from the server host itself.

For this method, you need to download the Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition ISO file. It is also possible to pull the ISO file using Wget:

wget https://download02.public.zentyal.com/zentyal-7.0-development-amd64.iso

Once downloaded, you can create a bootable media using any preferred tool such as Rufus on Windows, woeUSB on Linux and macOS, Etcher Tool on macOS or Ventoy on Linux.

For this guide, we will create a bootable media using the Linux shell with the commands:

# Identify USB device
sudo lsblk

# Flash Zentyal Server 7  to USB drive
sudo dd bs=4M if=zentyal-7.0-development-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdX status=progress oflag=sync

In the command, replace zentyal-7.0-development-amd64.iso with the path to the ISO file and /dev/sdX with the path to the USB device.

You can also install Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition in a virtualized environment with Proxmox, Virtualbox, Xen-ng, Vmware etc. You need to create a VM and load the downloaded ISO file to it.

Once the machine is started, you will see the below window.

Select your preferred installation language then proceed and select the disk partition.

Zentyal allows you to perform automatic disk partitioning where all the data in the disk is erased. But if you are an expert, you can use the expert mode that allows you to make custom partitions on the disk. For this guide, we will use the automatic disk partitioning.

Proceed and set the language for Zentyal.

Set your geographical location.

Configure the system locales:

Set your preferred keyboard language

Set the keyboard layout.

Configure your network. Here, you need to set the hostname for the system:

Create a user account

Set and confirm the password for the created user:

Configure your TimeZone.

Now sit back and wait for the installation to complete

Once complete, you will see this:

Now eject the installation media and click continue

This takes some time because some core packages are being installed. Once complete, a web browser is launched. Once the system restarts, press enter to continue and you will see this:

2. Access Zentyal Server Web UI

After installing Zentyal with any of the above methods, you can access the Web UI running on port 8443. You need to log in using the use on the system.

On this page, click Continue to see the below page.

Select the desired packages to install.

Wait for the packages to be installed.

Once complete, you will proceed to the installation wizard. Configure the interface type.

Configure the network for external interfaces:

Wait for the installation to occur.

Sometimes this may get stuck here when saving the modules. You can use the arrow back and then rerun the installation. Once complete, you will see this:

You can now access the dashboard as shown:

For the ISO installation, you will have a desktop with several management tools.

3. (Optional) Switch to Zentyal 7.0 Commercial Edition

If you are interested in a commercial Zentyal, you need to provide a license key. You can either activate a Trial or Commercial Edition. The Licence is obtained from the official Zentyal licenses page.

Once the License has been obtained, add it to Zentyal under System -> Server Edition and insert your License Key.

Save the changes and you will have commercial Zentyal as shown.

Conclusion

Today, we reviewed and installed Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition. Now you have Zentyal Server 7 Development Edition with you. Proceed and explore the featured on your own. I hope this was of importance to you.

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