Centeris Likewise 2.0 is a tool that changes Linux settings using an application that has a Windows look and feel rather than one comprising many disparate Linux command-line or console methods.

In our Clear Choice Test, Likewise proved to be a seductive addition for Windows-savvy administrators who seek to manage Linux workstations and servers across the network. The basic features needed to join Linux workstations and servers to Windows networks are easy to understand and execute, but the product can only be used on one Linux box at a time.

Just before press time, Centeris renamed the tool Likewise Admin 2.1, which is essentially the same as the version we tested. Likewise 2.0 is geared toward the administrator who knows Windows and has reason to add Linux workstations or servers to the systems mix, but either has scant experience with Linux configuration or prefers using a Windows GUI for management. However, the product can't substitute for having background in broad systems administrative basics, such as the principles and management techniques behind Linux or Unix operating systems.

Four basic Windows management-control services over Linux are provided: authentication to Active Directory, SAMBA-based proxy connection to file and print resources, DNS settings and Apache Web server settings.

	Centeris Likewise 2.0 OVERALL RATING 3.65 Company: Centeris Cost: $249 per server, $49 per workstation. Pros: Very good Linux administration for Windows-centered organizations. Cons: Lacks MySQL or other Linux database support. The breakdown    Administration/management 50% 4 Reporting/features 20% 3 Compatibility 15% 4 Security 15% 3 TOTAL SCORE  3.65 Scoring Key: 5: Exceptional; 4: Very good; 3: Average; 2: Below average; 1: Consistently subpar

Click to see: Centeris Likewise 2.0

Virtually all of Centeris' work can be done on a Linux workstation manually, through management interfaces on Linux machines run by, say, SUSE Enterprise Server 10 and its YaST (Yet another Systems Tool). Centeris, however, does YaST one better by setting key connectivity and administrative components in a Windows-like way.