So, yet again, faced with a technology budget inadequate to purchase replacement mice for the computer lab, I'm trying to come up with ways to bring my small-school forward, technology wise.

In yet another of my impractical, bottom-of-the-barrel, harebrained ideas that I'll probably never get funding for, is setting up Thin Clients and a Server based on Linux (I refuse to go Windows on principles that are probably outdated given the greater spiffyness of Win 7... but still.. No.).

I've found the LTSP (Linux Terminal Server Project) that sounds promising, if a bit over my head at the moment... but the price is right at "free".

I'm also finding a gazillion (OK, more like 300 or so) different cheap Chinese Thin Clients that I know nothing about here (and other places too, this is just a couple examples).

[www.aliexpress.com]

[www.aliexpress.com]


So, what I'm understanding is that the Server, or Host (same thing? Different terms?) running LTSP on a Linux install such as Ubuntu, hosts the user profiles...
The Thin-Client hardware boots from the Server/Host, and runs a VNC or VNC like session and runs Apps that are hosted on the Server/Host.

Assuming I have the architechture more or less correct my questions are;

Are these cheap Thin-Clients like these (once I get past the inevitable DOA rate) likely compatible with LTSP? I don't even know what question to ask of the possibly non-english speaking vendors to figure this out...

Is it likely, unlikely, or impossible that ONE server/host could handle 30-35 clients in a Lab type setting, running Web Browser and Word Processing? At this point, I'm envisioning this setup to be a SECOND lab on campus for online testing (which is coming down the road from the State, for which we are profoundly unready technology wise with G4's and unsupported Flash versions...).


I'm still slogging my way through Google results and reading... (and Yes, I'm aware of at least two options to use a Mac for a Thin-Client server, but both are MUCH too expensive, sadly...).


Insights, experience, good natured ridicule, or links appreciated!

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Paul F.
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A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca c. 5 BC - 65 AD
----
Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
--
Eureka, CA

Paul:

Disclaimer that I know nothing about LTSP, but back when I used to do MS Terminal Server/CItrix MetaFrame sizing, 35 clients per server wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility for relatively low-processor tasks like browsers and word processing. How beefy the server is (processor and RAM) will make a huge difference, so if you're thinking about repurposing some old desktop PC you will most likely be disappointed with the number of concurrent clients it can support.

If you can't find much on LTSP for documentation/best practices, you might want to start on the Microsoft and Citrix side for docs and then transpose what you can to the Linux side.

John B.

Many thanks!
I would probably prove the concept with a cobbled up server and 5 clients, then make the pitch to buy as good a server as practical (or a pair) and more clients.... This of course presupposes that I can figure out how to set up and configure LTSP...

Still a little fuzzy on whether or not "any old Thin Client" will connect to LTSP or not.. but I have a few thousand pages of documentation to skim; it's probably in there someplace.

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Paul F.
-----
A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca c. 5 BC - 65 AD
----
Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
--
Eureka, CA

I used to work with lots of schools using an internet based tutorial and testing program. Those with thin client software almost never worked well. Schools tend to think that if they've done anything for technology, that they've done enough. If you get this done, and then it doesn't work well, you'll be stuck with it. I'd try to go visit a school that has it up and running and put it through its paces when there is heavy usage going on in the building. They work well after and before school when no real computer processing is being done. That's just my two cents. YMMV.

iaJim;

Point well taken... except in this case, the online testing system doesn't exist yet. The State can't tell us when it will, only that by 2014 it will be mandatory. Also, the State can't tell us for sure what the minimum system specs will be, or when they might know that.

I'm coming up with this plan fairly far in advance, as one "worst case, it's the beginning of the '13-'14 school year and they STILL can't tell us what we'll need and we're testing in the spring" sort of ideas.

I'd PREFER 30 nice shiny 4 year old iMacs.... but the cost of THAT will probably be out of reach too.

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Paul F.
-----
A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca c. 5 BC - 65 AD
----
Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
--
Eureka, CA