Linux Thin Client Networks Design and Deployment

A thin client network is a client-server architecture where client computers depend primarily on a central server for processing activities. The client machines (thin clients) mainly focus on passing user input to remote services and receiving and displaying the output; thin clients aren't as much about the hardware or software as about the design.

This book has all the information you need to easily set up your own Linux thin client network. It will help you evaluate how a thin client network fits into your organization and make informed choices on the hardware and software needed for your deployment, discusses design issues, and guides you with building, configuring, and supporting the network.

The author has given thought to the book to create something that is well rounded, and meets the needs of small and large organizations.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 gives you a overview of exactly what is a thin client, and the different types that are available.

Chapter 2 gives you a sample of multiple types of thin clients. This chapter will help you decide the hardware to deploy.

Chapter 3 identifies key areas to review when considering the financial impact of your thin client plan and also discusses hardware acquisition and staffing costs.

Chapter 4 addresses what might be the hardest part of your deployment: People. Some people are passionate about their software and others are challenged with any workflow changes. It's important to address them as much as possible before, during, and after deployment.

Chapter 5 reviews the network required to run thin clients. Because of the simplicity of the computing deployment, your network too is simplified.

Chapter 6 covers the steps necessary to design a server for the number of users in your deployment and the steps to allow thin clients to log into and run a desktop environment.

Chapter 7 explores software packages that run on Linux, along with their suitability to run over the network to thin clients.

Chapter 8 reviews the process of considering the operating system to deploy on the devices and also covers interaction with USB devices and speakers.

Chapter 9 covers three aspects of support: supporting your users, support within your IT staff, and support from software vendors.