[Hampshire] Linux thin clients

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Author: Paul Stimpson
Date:  
To: Hampshire LUG Mailing List
Subject: [Hampshire] Linux thin clients
Hi,

I'm just about to try installing a virtualised server system (Linux host with multiple Windows XP guests). The reason for the change is that we currently have 10 windows desktops racked and we would like to consolidate them as they are taking up too much rackspace and power but not actually doing much work.

I'm looking for decent (hopefully Linux-based) thin clients to access the Windows VMs. Desirable features (in no particular order) are:

* availability of DVI video output for a single monitor.
* small enough to hide in the desk or VESA-mount on the monitors
* low power.
* 3+ USB ports
* Ability to plug in a USB keyboard, mouse and memory stick and to be able to have these mount on the Windows VM associated with that client.
* clients should be discless
* netbooting might be good.

I don't think the individual clients need to do much other than connect to their own VM (RDP?) And maybe surf the net independently.

A machine integrated into a 17" or 19" monitor might also be interesting, particularly if the monitor had a touch screen that could function as a pointing device.

Does any one have any recommendations for pre-built TCs or an OSS project I could roll my own from in less than a week?

Thanks,
Paul.


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