[K12OSN] Preparing K12Linux F11

[Jeff Siddall]

Steven Santos wrote:
> Terrell,
> 
> I think the case for LTS is as strong today as it always has been.  
> 
> I completely agree with you on including LTS 4.x in a Centros version.
> 
> Where I disagree with you is on legacy hardware being the driving factor.
> Cost of operation is still the leading factor as far as I am concerned.

I second that.

I am new to LTSP and am rolling it out in a 10 user office on brand new
hardware specifically because it is cheaper to support than an office
full of fat clients.

In my case I have one LTSP server (Phenom II X4 + 8 GB RAM) + 10
mini-ITX thin clients (Intel Little Falls board + Morex T3310 + 1 GB RAM
+ 24" LCD).

The server hardware cost about $1200 and the client hardware costs about
$460 each for a total of $5800.

Previously each of these 10 users was getting a $1000 Windows PC every 4
years for a total of $10000.  Even if _all_ the LTSP equipment is
forklifted every 4 years (which is unnecessary -- at least for the
clients) then the total hardware cost of LTSP is still about 40% less
than Windows fat clients.

Add to that the energy savings of more than $2000 every 4 years, plus
the centralized support savings and there is still an excellent business
case to be made for LTSP on _brand new_ hardware.

Jeff