Linux Endpoint Management
Linux computer management is done using a tool called Orcharhino with additional support from Puppet automation. Linux Endpoint Management is still in an early phase and doesn’t yet offer feature parity with Windows or macOS EPM. Additionally, if your computer was set up by CNS OIT prior to our use of Orcharhino, you may notice differences between your computer and what’s described below.
Compatibility with Endpoint Management
Available Distributions
These distributions are currently supported by and available through EPM:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 8 and 9
CentOS Stream 8 and 9
Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04
Debian 11
Using the latest supported version of your chosen distribution is recommended.
Hardware
The system must be supported by the chosen OS and Distribution
Software
SSHD
Puppet
Antivirus (Cisco Amp or ClamAV)
Nessus
Cisco Secure Client
Note: only available for Red Hat and Ubuntu distributions
Software Centers and Repositories
All supported distributions offer a software center and repository. We don’t recommend installing third party repositories as they may not be compatible and are not supported by CNS OIT.
Currently, Linux EPM doesn’t offer an equivalent to Software Center for Windows or UT Self Service for macOS.
Logging in with your EID
Linux EPM utilizes Active Directory allowing you to login to your computer using your EID and EID password. This creates a standard user profile (an account without admin permissions).
Logging in for the first time
Your computer must be connected to the utexas WiFi or ethernet on campus in order to validate your EID credentials.
If you’ve logged in before
The computer will store your EID credentials for 180 days allowing it to authenticate your login locally and without a connection to the UT network— so you’ll be able to login whether you’re on campus, off campus, or completely offline.
Logging in after changing your EID password
Your computer will sync your computer login password with your new EID password when connected to the UT network (UT VPN, utexas WiFi, or ethernet on campus). It could take up to an hour to sync the change, and you may need to restart your computer.
If you’re having issues logging into your computer after changing your EID password, contact CNS OIT. In the meantime, your old EID password should continue to work to login to your computer.
Administrative Access
If you need to install software or make changes to your computer’s settings that require an admin username and password, administrative access can be used.
You’ll need to switch users or login to your admin account in order to perform administrative actions.
An administrator account would’ve been created for you by CNS OIT, most likely during computer deployment. If you don’t remember your admin username and password, check Stache or contact CNS OIT.
Installing and Updating Applications
Software can be installed from a repository using both graphical and terminal applications.
CentOS Stream & RHEL
Graphical installation: Gnome Software application
Terminal-based installation:
dnf
oryum
Ubuntu
Graphical installation: Ubuntu Software Center
Terminal-based installation:
apt
Debian
Graphical installation: Synaptic
Terminal-based installation:
apt
Operating System and Application Security Updates
Using EPM, CNS OIT manages the installation of security updates for your computer’s operating system and certain applications.
Most systems will notify you of available software updates. Full software updates may be performed using the installation and updating software listed below.
CentOS Stream & RHEL
DNF Automatic (
dnf-automatic
)
Ubuntu & Debian
Unattended Upgrades (
unattended-upgrades
)
Additional information about why keeping your computer up to date is important is provided here: Restart and Update Your Computer: FAQs
Need assistance or have questions?
For assistance with your computer, submit a help request form, send an email to help@cns.utexas.edu, or call 512-232-1077.
For questions about endpoint management, submit an Endpoint Management Questions request to create a ticket with our CNS OIT EPM team.
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