Linux Terminal Server Project

Date and Time

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Location

MIT Building 4-370

Presenters

David Belfer-Shevett - dbs stonekeep com

Summary

Dave talks about the LTSP, and demonstrates a cluster of Linux terminals.

Abstract

Over the last few years, a dedicated group of Linux enthusiasts has taken the old concept of diskless workstations, common in the late 80's on Sun equipment, and reapplied it to current hardware and software platforms. This work has resulted in the Linux Terminal Server Project, (www.ltsp.org), a series of tools and procedures for turning aging PC's into fully functional Linux workstations, simply by booting a single floppy, frequently without altering the existing software on the client machine. Using low-cost dot-com era equipment, Stonekeep Consulting has taken this platform and used it as the basis for a mobile Linux workstation cluster to run their conference management software for technical and business events. Using equipment no longer considered 'cutting edge', this has resulted in an extremely low cost, high performance, stable configuration that suits Stonekeep's needs to a tee, without a tremendous capital investment. This talk will include detailed summaries of the systems and configurations used, a live demonstration of the cluster in action, suggestions on sources for the resources used, and hands-on access to terminals running on the cluster. Attendees will be welcome to boot their own workstations onto the servers as well, using boot images provided by the speaker.