[K12OSN] LTSP in libraries - HELP!

[Mel Wade]

At the risk of starting a flame war...

If you have a need to stay on a windows based platform for thin clients, and
you have the budget, look into Citrix.  It enhances Windows TS in many
ways.  I don't have all the details regarding Library integration, but it
would be worth a look.

On another note, I think this may be what the Horizon system has become:
http://www.sirsidynix.com/Solutions/Products/integratedsystems.php

Mel

On 11/21/07, Jim Anderson <gotthin at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hello All,
>
> I am in charge of the computers at my local library.  We have 18
> public computers running Windows XP and Envisionware software for
> session control and printing.  The library is beginning an expansion
> that will increase the number of public computers by 50% plus add a
> classroom with more computers.  As I have a large part in the
> decision-making in this area I would like to find a Free alternative
> to having a slew of Vista computers installed.  The library has had
> good results with XP because of the "DeepFreeze" security software
> that is installed.  However an upgrade to Vista will be very costly
> and I am totally unconvinced that it would be a smooth transition and
> maintenance will be incessant.
>
> I have experience with K12LTSP since helping with a computer lab this
> past year.  I would like to bring the stability, reliability and lower
> cost of ownership that I have experienced with LTSP to the library.
> Instead of buying 25+ new Vista computers the library could buy
> dedicated thin clients and new monitors.  The library will see an
> ongoing cost saving in electricity costs, as well.  I had been looking
> at a Windows-based terminal server solution, but I can't get away from
> the fear that one user could do something that would require the
> reboot of the whole system, or worse.  In my mind LTSP is the only way
> to go.
>
> As well as using a lighweight locked-down desktop I need to have some
> way to control session lengths, create reservations (preferably a
> self-service kiosk) and store print jobs in a queue for release by by
> the user.  The system would have to be able to interface with a
> payment system, such as Jamex, for payment of print jobs, and it would
> have to be able to read library card barcodes for making reservations
> and for print release.
>
> So my question is: "Does anyone know of any Linux systems that would
> work with LTSP and meet these requirements?"
>
> Thank you,
> Jim Anderson
>
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-- 
Mel Wade
"The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do." - BF
Skinner
http://www.melwade.com
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