[K12OSN] Any LTSP/Linux ideas?

[Hung Phan]

Hello, Joseph

We implemented LTSP about 6 years ago when our Windows computer lab became too old. At that time, we either have to spend $40,000 for the desktops plus other necessary equipments to monitor and manage the lab. At the end, we decided to go with LTSP because we can reuse the workstations. We bought two Dell PowerEdge 1950 and have 50 clients boot from them.

Benefits:
1. Cost: we spend $10,000 vs ~$50,000
2. Simplified management: one central point to manage user accounts and profiles. Our environment is mostly Mac so the Windows systems were managed manually. This is a great advantage for us. In your case, it going to depend on how comfortable the admin will be in switching to Linux and whether the place already has a system in place to manage Windows systems.
3. Less repair and support: the majority of the work is from the servers, less demand on the workstations. So less breakdown. 
4. Replacement: a lot easier to get old donated equipments vs asking to purchase a brand new system.



On Apr 18, 2013, at 1:48 AM, Joseph Bishay wrote:

> Hello everyone,
> 
> I hope you are all doing well today.
> 
> So every few years the issue of "shouldn't we be running a Windows
> network?" pops up.  It very recently came up again and I'm looking for
> help on how to tackle it.  This is the first time it nearly was
> mandated and I'd like to be ready with a response.
> 
> This is a school environment with about 60 desktop computers.  The
> question is coming from the administration -- they have been using
> Windows since the 3.11 days and so I believe it's just a matter of
> inertia.  I am also a volunteer and I'm not really sure if I'd like to
> continue as a volunteer if they do switch over -- the administration
> of it would be too much effort I fear.
> 
> I'm looking for any stories, presentations, charts/data/graphs, white
> papers, case studies, etc. -- Anything you'd use to convince the
> administration that LTSP is a better choice than Windows / Apple for
> us.
> 
> This is a crucial issue so I apologize for cross-posting to the
> different LTSP-based mailing lists.
> 
> Thanks very much,
> Joseph
> 
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