In order to set up a linux-based thin client environment, you are going to need a linux-based server. The simplest solution is to just use the K12LTSP distro that Eric maintains. However, you also need to address issue of how you are going to continue using your existing programs, or migrating to other packages. And you will probably want to set up the network as outlined at
<a href="http://k12ltsp.org">k12ltsp.org</a> which may entail purchasing some more network equipment. It can seem a little daunting, but it is not that difficult to set up. A very simple first step would be to create a small demo lab (linux server, a few thin clients, and the switch to connect them to the server). This would walk you through all of the basic steps required for implementing a solution school-wide. With such a small number of clients in a demo system, you might be able to use one of your existing desktop system (less than 3 years old) as the test server and the switch could be as simple of a simple 8 port 100mb switch. This would not have the full performance of using 'proper' hardware, but would let you get an idea of what you will need to do and could be set up in an afternoon.
<br><br>Sincerely,<br>Dave Hopkins<br><br><br><div><span class="gmail_quote">On 2/23/07, <b class="gmail_sendername">Kemp, Levi</b> <<a href="mailto:lnkemp@bolivar.k12.mo.us">lnkemp@bolivar.k12.mo.us</a>> wrote:</span>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">I'd like to ask for suggestions on this undertaking;
we are going to attempt to use Linux at our school as opposed to Windows. My
first question is this, without setting up a Linux server is it possible to
create a lab of Linux clients and run them on our current network, or does this
have to be all or none? I'm unsure if we want to go with thin clients,
some of the programs may be too much to run over the network. Second question,
what version of Linux would you suggest? None of us have a great deal of experience
with Linux, we are just unable to keep are hardware up with the requirements
for windows and do not want to have to move into Vista.
Thanks for the assistance.</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Levi Kemp</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Technology Specialist</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Bolivar R-I School
District</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">417-328-8943</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><a href="mailto:lnkemp@bolivar.k12.mo.us" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">lnkemp@bolivar.k12.mo.us</a>
</span></font><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"></span></font></p>
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