[Samba] Linux desktop setup with authentication against Samba AD DC

[Peter Milesson]

Hi folks,

I'm figuring to setup a few Linux desktops with LXDM as display manager, 
and with authentication against a Samba AD DC. After successful 
authentication, I want the authenticated user's profile to be 
downloaded, or preferably mapped, from a SMB server (Linux, Windows, 
NAS, ...), to the local Linux PC. I intend to use Debian Bookworm, with 
Archlinux as a secondary alternative (too bleeding edge for my taste, as 
updates not seldom break the installation).

Essentially I want a similar experience as Windows with redirected 
folders, or roaming profiles. The intended use is a lightweight desktop 
for occasional users sharing PCs, where full blown Windows desktops are 
not economically justifiable (hardware and licensing costs).

Previously (many years ago) I made a setup based on NFS, but that's a 
path I want to avoid, unless there is no other viable alternative. That 
setup was based on the display manager Slim, which I had to tweak to 
some extent. As Slim is ancient, and with no development for ages, it's 
not an option.

I guess the hardest part is setting up LXDM to authenticate against the 
Samba AD DC. There may be other display managers, that better suit the 
requirements. I have got little experience with alternatives, and I'm 
completely open for suggestions.

If somebody have got any experience with something similar, I would be 
grateful to get some thoughts and ideas.

Best regards,

Peter