kingswood

OK. So we have about 30 machines (with pretty low spec- around 300-600MHz processors and 128MB RAM) that I think could be used for Fedora Linux/RedHat stations. I would like to test several out first with a Linux server. What's the best way of doing this so that the setup is secure? I have looked at the LTSP (looks neat) and also Linux for Schools. I'm familiar with SAMBA and NIS/NFS. But which would be best to use- a SAMBA server (using SMB) or a real Linux networking solution like NIS/NFS--or something else? Purpose of stations? Probably internet access and break-time work like typing assignments etc. Nothing too heavy. Any advice out there? Thanks, Paul

It is *strange*- and I initially wondered if it were my DNS configuration. It seems not. I'll try Ric's_ suggestion- sounds like it works, so why worry :-) Thanks in any case, Paul

Good point actually. I think we started using the script that Gecko wrote so that we didn't delete profiles that we aren't (because of our managed solution on those machines) supposed to delete (or can't). But thinking about it, isn't there a command-line switch you can use with DelProf that let's you decide whether a profile is deleted or not---is it DELPROF /P? ...got me thinking though, and that's very dangerous at the weekend! Paul :-)

I'll try that Ric_- thanks for making me feel normal! lol! No more lost sleep then... Paul :-)

I had this problem at work setting up some machines after an RIS install, but now I'm getting it at home with a client/server setup too. When installed and joined to the domain (and after the obligatory reboot of the system), I use the logon screen drop down list to choose the domain...however, as soon as I do this there is a perceptible delay of about one minute as the "list" is built (on my home LAN) but at work a delay of sometimes 10 minutes! If I type in a logon name and password recognised on the AD server however, the list takes just a second to come in...strange... Now I know this shouldn't happen, but does anyone have any ideas as to what this could be? After the list is created, everything is OK. I thought about an infrastructure problem, but that seems a bit far-fetched (though possible). I have deleted and cleared out DNS on the server and reinstalled etc. It still happens. Any help appreciated! Paul

Hi. On one of the systems that isn't currently connecting try typing "ipconfig flushdns" and then "ipconfig registerdns" and see what happens. Your systems might still be registered within DNS with their old addresses. Have you got dynamic DNS updates set on your servers? Hope you get it sorted! Paul

Hi. Just managed to get a copy of this and wondered if any of you had used it/are using it as an email server? If so, what's it like? I have quite a few years of Linux experience (since Open Linux 1 actually) and so installing it on the school LAN doesn't scare me. But I'm wondering how good an older (SuSE 7.1) installation for email would be for around 400 staff? Thanks, Paul

Yes- that would be fantastic. We are using RIS this coming week, and it looks like we could run into some problems. Something like that would be a huge bonus! Paul

Of course, I just remembered that Macromedia put out a Flash Detection Kit that you can download etc. You can find it here: http://www.macromedia.com/software/flashplayer/download/detection_kit/ Happy surfing! Paul

I have a Dell Inspiron 510m and it's...interesting, but I also have an HP nx9020 and it cost £600 less than the Dell and beats it on everything but battery life! HP are becoming my most-liked laptop manufacturer on the Windows side of things for sure. My preferred laptop is (obviously) an Apple. I love my little iBook G4 with about 5 hours battery life and its sleek (and light) design... Paul

Hey. Get to work! :-) Here's some code: Chew on that for a time... Paul

Cool. Well, I would be up for that- since we are about to implement AD and OS X Server together. If it's going to happen, keep me informed (if you don't mind). Sounds like the conference will be interesting anyway. I've got a question to ask you- can I PM it to you? Paul

Did someone mention Mac OS integration? That would be great! Paul

No problem Inox- I'm thinking that GDISK will probably work. We actually have *no* managed software on the laptops at present- they are factory installed and we've only unpacked one of them to try the ghost image we have already got. Using the XP disk method you mention (AFAIK) utilises Diskpart, and during the XP install this is indeed a workable method. The OS boots in etc., and we find only one partition in "My Computer". When we boot using Ghost though (so that we can place a ghost image on the machine), the three partitions are back again! And so it goes on. Thanks for your help in any case- much appreciated. Paul

Hi RobC. Actually I have tried FDISK, but I haven't looked at GDISK. That's a good point. I will try that one when I go back in. Thanks for the heads up! Paul

Glad you got them working! I didn't think remote boot floppies would help (I knew they didn't come with floppy drives but figured you would have an external USB floppy device handy- that's what we do with systems without them). Our upper site (where we use the laptops) is a managed solution, so for various reasons we can't tamper too much with the machines. But I can tell you that diskpart and partition magic, a call to Acer support, and a second call to our support provider turned up nothing! What happens is that the machines come with three partitions (one hidden), and when these are wiped on reboot they are magically there again! Ghost has a hell of a time trying to make sense of it all, and even when we get the Ghost image onto them, when we reboot the system hangs at "no operating system" or similar (even after setting the partition as active). I even tried recovery console and things like "fixmbr", to no avail. If you do have any ideas, I'm all ears! :oops: Paul

Yep that week is good for me. Sounds fantastic- and only round the corner for me! Paul

Sounds great. Keep me informed and if this is going ahead, count me in Paul

Hey. Have you tried a "Remote Boot" floppy? Having said that, if you can initially put an RIS image onto your machine, the suggestion Ric_ gave is the best option. If you can't get an RIS image onto your machine, you might want to try a remote boot floppy (though this is pretty limited in the cards it supports). Good luck- we recently bought some Acer laptops to replace some that were stolen, and can't get rid *at all* of the partitions on it!! Paul

Hi. Here's a link to a great book on OS X Server. Helped me loads. http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321242521/qid=1122153580/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/026-7227597-5479625 Hope the link comes out OK. The book is called "Mac OS X Server: Visual Quickstart Guide" by White, Lineberry, and Regan. Good luck! Paul

Hi. Thanks for that. I pretty much figured that MSI would be the main method, but I'm surprised that some use Ghost etc. Saying that, I am using RIS and then RIPREP to image systems with some applications, pushing out Office via MSI--and (hurray) the Systems Manager bought Prism Deploy/Pack today. Why do these things have to be so hard though? I wish software houses would publish all their software in MSI form...but that doesn't happen. And is it just me, or have you all got the problem of staff (teachers) approaching you on the last day of the year to give you 15 disk set software apps they want installed for September???? Cheers for the answers! Paul

Hi. A little late perhaps, but we added a new 2003 DC to our existing 2000 AD domain (for SIMS etc) and carried out the obligatory "forestprep" and "domainprep" without any problems. It's chugging away happily now Paul

How do you install software on your school network? We currently use Prism Pack/Deploy on our upper site, but the Systems' Manager is reluctant to purchase the extra licenses and upgrade needed for our new lower site servers and clients. Leaving me with a problem: how will I install applications?? I have already setup an admin MSI install of Office 2K3. But how do you configure things to get your apps out? Paul

Yes. We tried everything to get personnel to retain him, but in the end I think he got a better offer from CCC. So that's where (I think) he has gone in more of a consultative role than the position he held at OLPJ. I wish Stephen all the best! Paul

Wow! This forum is great. I think (though I'd have to ask my accountant--the wife--) I get in the region of £15,500 pro rata from September. We have over 400 desktop systems, over 100 admin systems running Lesson Monitor and SIMS; and approaching 150 laptops. All this is powered by nine servers fulfilling various roles. I have over me a Systems' Manager who will be part time in September and we have just taken on an ICT Technician. I have an HNC in Computer and Network Support and various certs. and a dimploma in PC Repair, but the school have just paid out £3700 so that I can complete my HND in Systems Administration. I felt choked to be honest when they offered to do it. So that kind of bumps my pay up very nicely I think. I can't say it enough, but Kingswood School have been a perfect employer. The head (David Tristram) is superb, and the Systems Manager (Allan Greig) has been a very good co-worker and friend through my first year there. So- I'm happy. Sounds to me though like many of you deserve a lot more recognition for the hard work you are putting in- and some of this should come through in benefits, training and pay (of course). I hope you get it! Paul