[Robotgroup] Gigafast, dual networks, and thin clients

[Vern Graner]

Bruce Waters wrote:
> Edubuntu linux supports this kind of configuration
> out of the box for schools with lots of kids and 
> thin budgets.   I think they call the software LTSP.
> You can have one powerful computer and lots 
> of super cheap thin clients.

<soapbox>
Heh. Edubuntu "Out of the box". :)  Yeah. Took me about FOUR WEEKS to 
get it setup and running with LOTs of back and forth on various forums. 
Then, when I finally had PXE boot from a PC with 800mhz Intel proc, 256m 
RAM and 100mb full duplex switched dedicated network connection to the 
LTSP server (an Athalon 64 3200 w/2 gig of RAM), the things ran LIKE A 
DOG! :P

Wanna talk s-l-o-w? How about click the "start" button then wait 15 
seconds before the KDE menu populates. Launch Firefox? 1.4 minutes. 
Launch Open Office Write? try 4.5 MINUTES! :O

I was *so* excited for this solution to work when I was trying to get it 
setup. I really wanted to move Kym's classroom to Linux terminal-server 
based systems so they could use all the junky older PCs they had laying 
around, but bottom line is (at that time) LTSP=SLOW. Some gory details 
here for any who care to look:

http://osdir.com/ml/ubuntu.user.edubuntu/2006-08/msg00042.html

FWIW, I was *SO* stoked when I got the PXE boot to work and got a 
session to launch, only to really feel let down when the system was so 
bad. So, they're still using Windows 98 on all those machines over there. :(
</soapbox>

Vern

PS: Still love Linux on servers and FOSS software like Open Office, but 
Edubuntu was not ready for prime time IMHO.

-- 
Vern Graner CNE/CNA/SSE    | "If the network is down, then you're
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