Thanks to all that have replied. So- it seems I have two choices: 1) I can remotely boot using BootP, and this means having a bootROM or floppy on the local machine from which to boot, or, 2) I can use NFS to mount (export from the server) the files I wish to share (home directory etc) at boot time or by connecting and mounting afterwards. have I picked that up right? If so, I would prefer to learn to use thin clients running from a boot floppy/ROM image- since that's how I figure work will want it done if it comes to choice between the two methods. I have been reading a lot from the LTSP pages, so haven't been lazy on this, but it's like a minefield to someone who hasn't done it before :-O I would much rather configure a Cisco switch ;-) However, it also looks like being a good application of old machines that would otherwise be literally thrown out, so I'll give it a try. has anyone tried the Intel Etherexpress Pro 100+ with Linux for this purpose, since apparently it has its own built in EPROM for booting remotely? Finally, any good books or materials where I can get some paper information about this? Thanks again all!! Paul PS I think I will be looking at the 3Com 509..let you know how it goes