OS and Software > No, I Will Not Fix Your #@$!! Computer > ThinClient/Cloud PCs

ThinClient/Cloud PCs

You have to give more specifics as to what these machines will be doing.
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You're so vain... I bet you think this post is about you.

Machines will be using basic word processing- Microsoft Products, having access to the QuickBooks website for invoicing, etc. Nothing a small PC couldn't be doing. The thing is I do NOT want a full machine in any office nor in the stores for various reasons.

Im wondering if Linux might work for you. Install a thin setup on a USB stick, configured to connect to the server (or Google Apps), and use everything off there. I dont know a whole lot about Linux, but it seems pretty possible.
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You're so vain... I bet you think this post is about you.

I don't either. I was looking at this: »www.wyse.com/products/cloud-clie···cs/C00LE

They use a network/Internet to connect to the server. And i know computer/terminal uses VMware to operate I've used these before and actually LOVE them but thought it be possible to deploy my own solution and at a lower cost.

reply to 25139889
Check out 2X - »www.2x.com/

Specifically the products page with 2X OS -

»www.2x.com/products/

They have an .iso install image for generic x86 hardware (including old stuff) + specialized thin client hardware.

I use the 2X OS on old (and I mean old) laptops/desktops in areas where it is extremely dusty/rough on any electronics, and I don't mind swapping out hardware when things die.

There's also thinstation (»thinstation.org/) - I have no experience with.

There are other options as well (i.e. creating a custom Linux install with a locked down kiosk desktop, which is basically what 2X OS is), but it'd be worth playing with things first to see which will work best, mostly depends on your hardware available.

hardware will be basic computers; nothing special. most re-purposed Dell work stations. due to nothing being on them.

A question that I can not find on the 2xproducts website though. Does the computer need to have a full version on windows on it already?

reply to 25139889
AMD hasn't launched the 4.5w Z-03 APU yet, but the 5.9w Z-01 APU »www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Bobcat/AM···-01.html has been around for a few months now out, dual 1Ghz 64 bit CPU + 80 shader GPU, should be plenty of grunt for your needs if you can find stuff based on it.

reply to 25139889

sounds like what i'm def looking for. something easy to use and can use what i already have.

While 2X OS is free, you can't really customize it beyond what it is (GUI, apps etc...) 2X wants you to buy and use their server software, which has more robustness for utilizing the clients beyond the RDP sessions. For basic purposes, it is fine.

Just a word of advice, be ready for quirkiness in it. It DOES have limitations as far as capability (if you're looking for good multimedia support etc... forget it).

I would thoroughly test it, because there are instances where (depending on the hardware) the graphics flake out.

My example is having the RDP session, or in most of my installs, an NX session, where if you don't have your SSH keys in order, and you forget to install them on the thin client BEFORE starting the desktop session, it loops infinitely in trying to start the GUI and you have to reinstall the the thin client, an extra 4 - 5 minutes wasted.

RDP usually works without hitches.

I've also had it "forget" the configured sessions, if you force reboot or the power goes out in the middle of the boot process.

Can be a critical issue if you're not available to reinstall and configure quickly.

ugh! that sounds like something that I really want to try before deploying it across the company

If your Dell's graphics are Intel based, you're probably ok, no need to worry.

Everything else depends on your server setup.

The reason I mentioned the graphics issues was if you look at the documentation, it specifies which version to download for whichever hardware you have, based on how old the hardware is in general. I have some old Gateway laptops circa 2001 that work great, but I had to find out the version of 2X with XFree86 as it's graphics subsystem was the only one that seemed to work.

Additionally, I have some all in ones with ATI graphics, and consequently, Xorg works better, but with acceleration turned off; 2X bugs you to turn it on, but it doesn't nonetheless.

I'd say your ok, RDP has less issues than the other protocols, but just be prepared and read up on the docs.

»www.2x.com/support/

Would you recommend using the 2X server? If not which one?

This may or may not affect your final decision, but Wyse is going to be acquired by Dell: »www.crn.com/news/data-center/232···id=nl_vi

It doesn't. Dell can own them but will never be able to fully integrate such as product into their line. If Dell even tried to screw up the Wyse system; they'd have a HUGE backlash from current Wyse customers. Including many many huge banks and hospitals.

reply to 25139889
Looks like Dell is trying to be a full service provider. Hopefully they don't screw up everything they acquire, like Symantec.

True! and Dell would be stupid to even think about changing Wyse. Their technology just WORKS! They have a great system (i've used it countless times) and its great!

They're the only company that has the technology part so far along they could launch their own national cloud laptop - similar to ChromeBooks over night with no headaches.

reply to 25139889
Depends on how critical it is to manage your thin clients. There should be evaluations with each server (Application or Thin Client), and the Thin Client Server gives you 5 clients free.

I don't have any experience with the server - I just use the thin client OS to connect to my Win2008 and Red Hat servers, those I manage with other tools which are unrelated to the thin clients.

»www.2x.com/thinclientserver/

»www.2x.com/applicationserver/

not very mission critical. but would prefer something stable.