[Ubuntu-SG] Promoting Ubuntu among the very young

[Nick HS]

On 15/11/09 18:18, suhaw koh wrote:
>
>     Finally you might want to look into the Linux Terminal Server Project
>     (LTSP) [1] which only requires a reasonably powerful server and the rest
>     of the computers act as thin clients. This could be useful if we don't
>     get the funding we need.
>
>
> Okay, you caught me out here: I confess that I am not a techie.  I
> presume you are thinking of locating an LTSP server at each Centre and
> then hook up the other clients via some router/switch.  I can see the
> advantage if the clients were accessing the Internet and doing other
> stuff through the server.  But if all the educational applications can
> be installed within each "client" HDD, how does the LTSP server set-up
> help ?
>
> From the examples I have read about LTSP thus far, I get the impression
> that they are great for managing clusters of 10 clients or more.  At
> this point in time, I am only thinking of 3 to 5 PCs per Centre.  Given
> what I know of kindergartens, etc, I don't see many of them having the
> space to set-up whole computer labs of 10+ PCs.
>
> If, however, you were considering using LTSP to remotely manage/maintain
> the PCs, that would certainly be a plus if it is feasible.

LTSP was just an option should the necessary funding not be acquired and 
where it may prove more cost-effective. By no means am I saying it is 
the solution and I agree that for less than 3 computers or so it becomes 
far too much of a hassle. However the LTSP server (when used) becomes 
the central place of storage for all documents on the computers making 
it easier to backup, and if a thin client were to fail it could be 
easily replaced and working in a matter of minutes (if we're efficient 
:) ). The LTSP server also becomes the only computer requiring constant 
maintenance (upgrades, fsck's etc.) in such a setup. LTSP also has 
various tools to allow administrators to lock computers, send messages 
and monitor the machines (not that I feel there is much application in 
this case).

Anyway it was just another avenue to explore, and I am by no means 
stating its the best fit solution to what we are trying to achieve :).

Thanks, Nick