A Quick Guide to Thin Client Computing - as promised!

[ChrisH]

In the Client-side section, you state "Not all the benefits of thin client computing will be gained from using old hardware". I think that this needs clarification, ie what benefits are you missing out on and under what circumstances. For example, in a LTSP setup, using something like a PIII 533 MHz, 256Mb PC as a thin client, the only benefit that you are missing out on is aesthetics.

 

OT If you want a system for a small number of users, this is intersting Six headed, six user system

 

That is interesting! I would like to have a go at that one day .

[Irazmus]

They had a few of those running as a net cafe at BETT. Wish I'd got more info from them now

[Ric_]

In the Client-side section, you state "Not all the benefits of thin client computing will be gained from using old hardware". I think that this needs clarification, ie what benefits are you missing out on and under what circumstances. For example, in a LTSP setup, using something like a PIII 533 MHz, 256Mb PC as a thin client, the only benefit that you are missing out on is aesthetics.

 

I will answer your question and add it to the next version of the document...

 

The advantage of thin client computing is reduced TCO, not improved aesthetics. We all know that shiny mini-ITX computers can be bought and used in a fat-client environment.

 

With thin clients you are aiming to reduce the amount of money you spend maintaining your systems so you want to reduce power consumption (i.e. solid state devices without moving parts), increase lifespan of machines (no moving parts to wear out) and reduce the time that must be spent maintaining hardware (a PIII-533MHz is likely to be on its last legs and will require time caring for things such as PSUs, fans and the like).

 

Don't get me wrong, use old hardware until it starts to eat into your time and you have money to replace with easier to maintain hardware. I apologise for not explaining more fully but it was starting to get late when I got that far down my document

[HodgeHi]

I don't know anything about thin client networks or their configuring of them but i did come across a terminal services app out for OS X Server in this field.

 

http://www.aquaconnect.net/

 

You can now download a trial version but since i haven't got that basics set up i won't have the time to check it out before the installation expires.

 

If i remember correctly Ric_ has some macs at his place and with his thin client setup it would be interesting to see, if he has the hardware and the time to trial it to see how it fairs against more established hardware and software out there.

 

Apparently the clients can be PCs as well as macs to connect to the server.

[Ric_]

A quick look at the FAQ just suggests that it is a VNC server but if I get time (unlikely at the moment) I may look in to it.

[logonui]

We have been thinking of going down the thin client route but management seem pretty hot on streaming media at the moment, how does this fair in an environment that is in use every day? I have seen examples at BETT but the video was a bit too jumpy to get a clear idea.

[Ric_]

@logonui: It kind of depends on what you mean by streaming media... if all you want is the occasional flash video or a streamed radio broadcast it is fine (especially if you use Citrix). If you want full-screen video you will be out of luck.

 

My advise is always to use the right machine for the job - inexpensive thin client devices for the majority of uses and specialist hardware (which you can now afford to spend a little more on) for things like media creation and graphic design.

[eejit]

As promised, I have written the above mentioned guide

 

I have labelled it v1 because I know how demanding you guys are

 

Suggestions on additions to the FAQ or if any clarification is required, please comment below.

 

Excellent guide, thanks for that. You are dead set against using virtual servers, but you don't really say why. I presume that was due to the technology that was available in 2007, but running TS on Hyper-V servers now should be fine, would you agree? We are looking at using Ericom as the brokerage service.

 

Cheers

[Ric_]

Excellent guide, thanks for that. You are dead set against using virtual servers, but you don't really say why. I presume that was due to the technology that was available in 2007, but running TS on Hyper-V servers now should be fine, would you agree? We are looking at using Ericom as the brokerage service.

 

Cheers

 

Indeed, at the time it was a big no-no to virtualise terminal servers. It's certainly not so bad now but you need to be careful. There's lots of reasons for and against and there's some ways that are better than others (for instance virtualising XenApp servers with XenServer has been optimised to the extreme where there is almost no performance degredation).

[eejit]

Cool, and thanks for the quick reply too!

[VirtueTechnologies]

all i hope this helps - St Edmunds Arrowsmith Case Study

 

Case Studies

 

well worth 5 mins of your time....

 

get in touch and i will be happy to arrange a demo/ send out demo kit

StEdmund-ThinClient-Success-uk-virtue.pdf

Edited May 7, 2010 by VirtueTechnologies

[Axel]

Stack load of thin client references here from lots of Edugeek users - feel free to PM direct for independent views on thin clients and how they relate to software used within schools....

 

http://www.edugeek.net/forums/thin-client-virtual-machines/22082-axel-ax3000-m70-lesson-monitor.html

[dreamsoldier]

Thanks a lot

[batyr2003]

Hello friends, I need a help

 

 

When I switch on GNS3 (SOFT for emulate cisco routers) I see as usual that PC's CPU became high

(100% as usuall) but then I am getting a lot of complains that our Thin client network

doesn't work propely (we have 50 virtual PC in one big server in Thin clinet) .

They have an access in TC, but they have no any service (The Internet, LOTUS),

I suspect that GNS3 use network card and shut exit to everyone.

 

 

I need a help

thank you

with best wishes

Batyr