On Tuesday 23 October 2001 19:20, Glenn Cameron wrote:
I've got an old server and some machines not in use that could be useful for data-logging and internet access in a science lab. The machines don't have CD-ROMs so I'm thinking I either end up sticking a cd-rom in each machine to build it, or get the workstations to act as dumb terminals connect to the server - I have a 100mb switch and the machines have Intel pro cards in so should be acceptable speed. Any pointers on a good way to go forward, what to read and where to start?
We are currently looking into the possibility of getting the finance to make a Linux thin client data-logging utility. This would enable your older machines to not only use data logging but run up to date Office aplications such as Star Office 6 off a server and also Internet access etc. Unfortunately, given the nature of funding applications it will probably take a year or so to get this to completion. Depending on the machines, you could build a thin client network but you would need a reasonably beefy server, say £800 on the hardware. Also it is really necessary to have at least 1 meg of video RAM in the client machines and 2 meg is better, in order to run the X graphical interface. 10 meg ethernet to a 100 meg switch and then to the server should be more than enough. -- IanL