Hydra-School Project

[curuxz]

For those that don't know a Hydra server is the nick name given to a kernal modfication that makes one computer into several by simultainus X sessions.

Basicaly you have one powerfull pc with about 10 monitors, keyboards, mic etc and it functions as a 10 terminals.

Now this would be a massive saving for schools to use if you good provide a proof of concept that it would lower TCO and provide better systems.

We need to get linux into schools and this is a great way of doing it, I would like to get a pilot going in the UK but it would require donations and other technialy minded people, So I will run a little poll to see what you guys think :)

[BWF89]

Isn't there a company that sells Debian powered PC's that allow multiple users to be useing it at once?

[curuxz]

Yes there are a few compaines doing such systems, not sure if its Debian. But thats not the point. They are commercail and why should schools carry the extra cost on something that is open source technology. That would be like expecting them to chose the commercial NX server over FreeNX. There just are no benifits.

The whole aim is to get the cost as low as possible, so that schools will accept them. While having the hidden agenda of getting linux in schools full stop. Microsoft pins its monopoly on catching them young and obviously the massive software savings are not enough but if you then add hardware savings as well your really taking a bite into the TCO.

I think bug #1 is best waged in schools, then offices and finaly at home.

[BWF89]

The whole aim is to get the cost as low as possible, so that schools will accept them.
HA! Tell that to my school, 90% of our computers are iMac OSX machines (the older models without the Intel chips) which cost like $1200 a piece when they could get PC's running Windows for alot less. Not that I'm against Macintsoh and exposing kids to different operating systems, it just seems if I were looking at it from a cost perspective it'd cost less to go with a PC.

I mean, Macintsoh computers do have their benefits, like not getting viruses. But it seemed like every week I saw our schools tech guy reloading OSX on atleast one of the computers so what diff does it make if you don't get viruses if your just going to reload everything?

[mcduck]

It's definitely a good idea, as much of the computer use in schools doesn't take that much computing power..

But I think using old machines as remote clients to one more powerfull server could work even better. It would be easier than getting multiple display adpaters, keyboards and mice to work on one machine, and it would allow even more desktops running from the same machine. Also, most schools (at least here) already have computers and this way the old machines would be put in good use.

I'm not sure, but I remember seeing an article about some school in Finland already running Ubuntu (might have been some other distro) this way. I'll do some Google searching to see if I can find that article again..

[curuxz]

It's definitely a good idea, as much of the computer use in schools doesn't take that much computing power..

But I think using old machines as remote clients to one more powerfull server could work even better. It would be easier than getting multiple display adpaters, keyboards and mice to work on one machine, and it would allow even more desktops running from the same machine. Also, most schools (at least here) already have computers and this way the old machines would be put in good use.

I'm not sure, but I remember seeing an article about some school in Finland already running Ubuntu (might have been some other distro) this way. I'll do some Google searching to see if I can find that article again..

Maybe a twin aspect is required, firstly new hardware be hydra servers but also offer a FreeNX server to them to convert old machines into client terminals. That way your covering low cost new hardware and providing a way to recycle old systems.

Again tho, no school or whatever is going to pay to be a ginipig, we need funds to do a case study while at the same time the money spent on the test would also be worth while since the donated equiptment would being going to a school so its not like the money is being spent on labour since that part I can asure would be free.

[mcduck]

I found the article, but it's in finnish so it's not much use for most of you people ;)

Here's the link anyway: http://www.edu.fi/page.asp?path=498,529,1059,1355,52052

And all the important parts (badly) translated to english:


Software is located on the server that does all actual work. Desktops are harddiskless "dumb terminals". In addition, old Pentium 2-class machines continue their service now as remote terminals.

- Linux-based client-server-solution fits us. Our money can buy more machines and in school world quantity is an important point, says Mika Huujärvi, who works as a teacher and IT-manager in Viitikkala's school.

Administration is the strong point of centralised solution. Instead of updating 70 machines you only update one Ubuntu-server. This reduces work needed, saves money and increases security.

- Annual routine updates for server gets us long way. This is completely different class than upgrading windows platforms, says Mika Huujärvi.

edit: The system was provided by a finnish company specialised in systems for schools and other organisations, and using Linux and other open source software. Once again, no english web pages but here's the link: http://www.opinsys.fi/

[curuxz]

Thanks for the links :)

It sounds along the same lines as what im suggesting in UK schools.