[K12OSN] LTSP in libraries - HELP!

[Jim Anderson]

So far my plan is to at least stay with XP.  If I order new computers
and with Vista I will exercise my "downgrade rights" and get copies of
XP to install.  We have software that rolls back the computers each
night to their "clean" state.  The system IS working well.  Buying all
new computers and setting them up is both expensive and a pain.  I
would like to go with thin clients to lower acquisition  and long term
costs.  I am wary of Windows Terminal Services because... well, it's
Windows and I fear needing to reboot the server to resovlve one user's
issue (a regular fact of life currently).  Also, for the cost of the
various Windows and Citrix licenses it would be just as expensive to
buy full computers.

Last year I built a K12LTSP computer lab for a non-profit residence
facility.  I've return there once a week to administer it, but in
reality I spend most of my time teaching and helping the residents use
the computers.  I has not needed a reboot since being built.  It is
consistently stable and if there is a user problem that problem is
restricted to the user (reset desktop vs. reboot).

I would like to bring that stability and long term cost savings to my
library, but I have particular requirements here as opposed to a
free-standing lab.  That's why I'm looking for either a specialist or
a turn-key solution.  I know of DiscoverStation but I don't like their
model (multiple VGA and keyboard/mouse coming off the box).  I'm
looking for a real thin computing solution where I have one server to
administer.  I would buy dedicated thin clients and new monitors.  I
would reuse and upgrade a few of the best of my current computers for
special applications that require Windows and/or multimedia, but my
primary computers (25) would be Linux thin clients.  Well, that's what
I am hoping for.

Jim

On Nov 25, 2007 7:04 AM, Mel Wade <mel at melwade.com> wrote:
> 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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