Thin client question - (I think?)

[Bernard Peek]

Patton Echols wrote:

> So Questions:
> 
> 1. Do I have that about right?  Or am I missing some major piece of the 
> puzzle.

As others have pointed out, you need a terminal-services server. Your 
existing SBS may be able to cover that requirement.

>     1.a. Would this be a Ubuntu thing for the clients?  Or something else.

A purpose-built distro is likely to be better.

> 2. Is there a dummy friendly guide that anyone knows of that will fill 
> in the gaps of my limited knowledge?
> 3. What about users accessing thumb drives and cd/dvd drives locally?  
> And if not, how is that handled?
> 
> Note: This is a production office and is very unlikely want to shift 
> gears to the Linux world.*  Also, even w/ the costs of incremental 
> change out of desktops, probably will not hire an expert to do a thin 
> client install unless some amateur (that's me) can demonstrate proof of 
> concept with the existing installation.

Bear in mind the fact that software license costs are only a small part 
of the overall cost. You need to demonstrate that the conversion project 
is viable and will be a net benefit to the business. You need (as the 
project champion) to prove that you have thought of everything that can 
go wrong, and have contingency plans in place.

The one thing that is most likely to persuade the business is a 
reference from a similar company that has done this and can tell them 
that it was worthwhile. You could contact a manufacturer of thin-client 
terminals who will certainly have reference sites, but will want to sell 
their own technology.



-- 
bap at shrdlu.com