[CoLoCo] Dual-boot and wine options (again again)

[Jeffrey LePage]

Let me address these questions:
A) Why Linux and not windows if these are for teachers and staff?
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The desktops are part of a larger deployment that includes a bunch of Asus Eee PC's for the kids and a couple dozen existing Linux laptops (old PII's happily running Xubuntu).  Plus a bunch of Linux based IT infrastructure: firewalls, web filtering, samba servers, wireless, etc.  Basically,  1) we wanted cheap hardware that could run ubuntu (but would have problems with Vista), 2) we didn't want to deal with the license police about anything, 3) we didn't want to deal with viruses, 4) we wanted something on the desktops that was like the OS on the Eee's, 5) I told them Linux was really really cool, 6) they talked to Mike Huffman*** of the Indiana State Dept of education and he told them Linux was really really cool, 7) we looked at the apps we needed and they don't need any MS apps, 8) legacy windoze support is being handled by their existing Win2k3 server and 25 remote desktop licences, 9) I'll be administering these machines and I don't want to spend
 the rest of my days dealing with windows annoyances.

Also, some of you seem to be suggesting that Linux is only good for students; teachers should get windows.  Why do think that?

***Mike Huffman is my hero.  He's in charge of rolling out a Linux desktop for each and every single high school student in Indiana.  Google it.  In total there will eventually be 300,000 linux boxes.

B) Why not thin clients?
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I broached this topic early on.  I even showed them a functioning thin-client.  But they never really regarded thin-clients as viable substitutes for admin/teacher computers.  I think the thought of that sort of infrastructure was a little overwhelming for them. They're just more comfortable with normal desktops.  The idea was quickly dismissed and I didn't push it.  They opted for a classroom with one solid Linux desktop, 2 of the old Linux laptops for student use, and 1-2 Eee's for student use.
They like the Asus Eee's because they're small, cheap, and wireless capable.  


<Sigh>
This is my son's school.  I really don't want to think that I've steered these people wrong.  If anyone wants to offer more advice I'd be happy to listen.  Emails are getting tiresome though.   Does anyone feel like going to Panera's on Friday after work?









 

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