30 seconds is a reasonable target - however, this assumes a high performance network with no bottlenecks (e.g. gbit backbone, 100Mbit switched, multiple subnets/VLANs to minimise collision/broadcast traffic). Introduce wireless and 2 minutes is more likely. Other things to consider - virus/worm/spyware infection, DNS issues, overly large profiles (like >2Mb), RM CC use... Not using PaintShop Pro by any chance? Cheers Chris -----Original Message----- From: David Bowles [mailto:dbowles@educationsupport.fsnet.co.uk] Sent: Tue 6/1/2004 3:12 AM To: SuSE Linux UK Schools Cc: Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] XP Boot and network Logon times Not directly related to Linux, but hopefully the feedback you give might help me to persuade this school I am working with to explore the Linux server route. At present this school has some 200 oe so XP-Pro based workstations that have a modest but not inadequate spec. At the server end they are running three well speced Xenon based Raid-5 systems. The server software is RM CC3 (Community Connect Three), which is based on Windows Server 2000 with RM's ageing proprietary management / security overlay. Now here's the problem: Workstations take about 2.5 minutes to boot up to the Login prompt -- apparently the CC3 workstation overlay does loads of checking with the server to implement security settings etc before the user can log in. Now when I say 2.5 minutes to reach a Login prompt ...well that's on a good day. On a bad day this can take a good ten minutes or even longer. As for the time it takes to get from logging in to being presented with a usable XP 'Start' menu, well this takes at least another two minutes ...again on a good day. In practice it sometimes takes between a quarter-of-an-hour and twenty minutes to get from 'power on' to a usable 'Start' menu. OK. So the two managed service providers involved in supporting this school's site are playing 'pass the buck'. Meanwhile the school management is gradually waking up to the fact this level of performance isn't actually normal! So what I want to know from the good members of this list is how long in practice does it take you to boot a networked XP workstation to Logon and thereafter to a usable menu ...talking to either a Linux (Samba) server or a Windows 2000 / 2003 server? Note that all users of this school network use 'roaming profiles'. Also if anyone on this list can get access to a RM CC3 based network, what sort of boot / logon / Start Menu times are you commonly achieving with this setup in practice? Thanks in advance. David Bowles -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe@suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help@suse.com This message may contain information and/or data that is confidential and legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, publication, reproduction or dissemination is strictly prohibited and may violate certain laws. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy this and all copies of this message and/or data. The content of this message has been scanned by MailPatrol for unacceptable language and inappropriate content. European Electronique limited thanks you in anticipation of your co-operation. MailPatrol is a fully managed service that offers your organisation the ability to monitor and enforce your Acceptable Usage Policy. For further information regarding the MailPatrol services contact the European Electronique Sales Enquiry line on 0845 345 8340 (local rate) or email sales@euroele.com