Update on LTSP

Update on Linux Thin Client & New Website
(www.technologyrescue.com)

It’s been some time since we have given an update on our
Linux thin client project (LTSP), and several exciting
developments have taken place.

We’ve completed two full installations of LTSP. The first
was for Connections Charter School in Hilo Hawaii. John
Thatcher, the principal of this three-story school that
overlooks beautiful Hilo Bay, also serves as the resident
computer expert in the school. So frustrated by virus and
spyware problems, John had just unplugged his computer lab
from the internet. Already aware of Linux because of some
active parents involved in the school, he quickly asked us
to convert his computer lab to Linux thin client after
seeing the technology demonstrated. We installed an LTSP
server, and used his existing computers for the
workstations.

The installation took less than a day, and it was
fascinating to watch his middle-school students as they
arrived for their first computer lab the next day.
Jostling to get to their “favorite” computers when they
arrived, we surprised them by showing that all the
computers now identically fast. And that when they store
their individual work, it is actually stored on the server,
so they can log into any machine in the network and work on
their own customized desktop and with their own documents.

Our second installation was at Notre Dame School in
Marysville, California. With 130 students, the school has
struggled with fewer than ten working computers. Like many
private schools, the cost of acquiring and maintaining
computers was just not feasible for them. We outlined a
plan for a powerful LTSP server, and then installing four
computers in each classroom in their main building.
Because of the old construction, wiring the building was
difficult, and we installed several of the classrooms
wirelessly. In addition to the LTSP server and
workstations, we installed an internet filter system that
works seamlessly and is also based on Open Source software.
We are also now installing a laser printer in each
classroom.

Our third installation will be a private school in Sandy,
Utah this coming month. We’re very excited to have a
product that makes such a difference for schools. For
those attending the NECC 2005 Conference in June, please
come find us. We are using LTSP to provide the “email
garden” at the conference.

LINUX Will Save Schools Millions, But With a Twist

LINUX Will Save Schools Millions. but not for the reasons
that everyone is thinking.

As an operating system, Linux is becoming a popular
substitute for Microsoft Windows(tm), and is getting a lot
of positive press right now. With no licensing costs, many
are finding it a good alternative as an operating system
for computers.

However, just saving on licensing fees isn't going to make
it worthwhile for schools to take advantage of
Linux--realistically, it would not be worth the work of
conversion and retraining, especially since you are still
maintaining individual computers. But there is a form of
Linux that will to save schools millions of dollars: the
Linux Terminal Server Project, or "LTSP."

We were introduced to LTSP three months ago, and, in turn,
wrote to our readers about what we were learning. Since
then we have studied the technology, given many
demonstrations, are finishing test installations at a small
university and three school districts, and have agreed to
help the Canadian government install LTSP in 1,700 schools
in Africa (a total of 34,000 individual computer
workstations).

I would personally like tell you more about this
technology, or find an opportunity to demonstrate it to
you, as we are looking right now for schools to serve as
demonstration sites around the country.

LTSP will make a significant difference for schools and
students for four main reasons:

1. You can use your older, obsolete computers, and they
will perform like Pentium 4 machines. This means that you
can now also accept donations of equipment that previously
you would have turned away because of compatibility or
speed issues. It also means that you are no longer, in
practical terms, limited in the number of computers you can
easily deploy in classrooms.

2. You will decrease your computer maintenance
dramatically. There is no individual pc maintenance--no
virus programs, no defragmenting of hard drives, no
individual computer configuring, and no troubleshooting.
The hard drive on each computer is removed, so you reduce
heat and energy consumption, allowing the computers to last
longer. Should a computer fail, you unplug it, plug in
another, and within a few minutes you are up and running
again--no software installation, no configuration. All
system maintenance is done on the server, and there is
nothing students can do that will mess up a computer. As an
added bonus, students can log into any machine in your
network and have access to all their own work.

3. You will have more software choices for less money. LTSP
is fully compatible with Windows(tm) software, which can be
accessed through a Microsoft Windows(tm) server or in a
variety of other ways. Or you can use OpenOffice (which has
also received great reviews lately) and the other Linux
software and avoid any licensing costs. My children now use
LTSP computers at home, and they don't have any idea that
they are not using Windows(tm)--it looks the same to them.


4. You will save money. Not only are LTSP installations
significantly cheaper than installing new computers, but
they will last longer, require less maintenance, and as a
client-server technology, may qualify for E-Rate funding.