internet cafe proposed network infrastructure? advice plz.

[Lex]

Can you guys give me some advice on a proposed network infrastructure for simple internet browsing.

the scenario is as follows.

5 environments for accessing the internet
1 server to allow the environments to access and route through to the internet.

I am wondering if i can use 5 dumb terminals and have them access a 'dumb terminal server' that will allow the users to access and browse the internet independent of one another. Can someone give me this proposed plan in a little detail as i'm not sure how the server does this.

 

[Lex]

I think i need someone to expand on this dumb terminal idea of mine. is it possible? So the 5 people who want to browse are just using a monitor, mouse & keyboard which are connected by something like a KVM switch etc into the server?

 

[Lex]

If you're keen on the dumb terminal idea, or at least thin clients then you probably want to look into desktop virtualisation, it's well established tech and big business for companies like Citrix and VMware.

I am big on that. But i need to know how i get all the 5 users to access the internet from their 'environments' (hoping its just monitor mouse and keyboard) and onto the server PC independently of one another.

I need a solution for that OR do these 5 users HAVE to have a workstation each? I really don't want that though.

 

[Lex]

Thanks guys i am going to research a bit but keep the ideas coming because i'm looking to opt for the most cost effective yet efficient choice of the lot.

I'm keen on the users not having a workstation (zero client) and rather a thin client. But if it is just easier then maybe a tiny workstation maybe able to do the job if i can just hide it away.

 

[Lex]

You could always run some little netbook desktop equivalent as the "desktop" but I think its much easier to lockdown thinclients and they are cheaped due to them running linux (some of).

thats very interesting....a netbook equivalent! I think the problem would be that these thin clients wouldnt then be able to run word documents etc...would have to use open office or something simliar?

 

[Lex]

I'd avoid the terminal server idea too. Running 5 different X servers and messing about with 5 sets of keyboards and mice is just too much hassle in my opinion. Lots more cables too.
Just pick up 5 dirt cheap PCs and use BOOTP to boot them into a stripped down Linux distro with a web browser and possibly a few other bits. They'll be wiped every time they reboot so there's very little to worry about in terms of security. Maintenance is easy as you just modify the image on the server and all the clients will boot into it. Also cheap to pick up the PCs and can all be done with free software.

Out of interest why do you want to avoid workstations?

it was at the request of the customer i was trying to adhere to his commands but was some what sceptical as don't think he has the finds for that type of infrastructure. Might be interesting going the linux route....What distribution could i download that i would be allowed to use on 5 machines?

Also can you go a little bit into the whole reboot with a fresh install malarky plz...

 

[Lex]

Do not do terminal server, its not worth the licensing issues let alone any software incompatibilities/troubles.

Most of the web is chock full of media now, be it video, flash, audio and TSing that would severely hamper the quality and experiance.

Sounds like you do not have all of the technical know how to deploy a TS and configure it from the ground up so you would probably end up paying someone more than it would cost you to just roll out base spec desktops.

Look at some imaging software if you want to easily deploy/redeploy to thick clients, there is even a software product that will re-image a desktop as soon as a user shuts down the PC and it reboots for a new user. I forget the name, I can dig it out if you are interested in this.

lol don't make assumptions (regarding technical knowhow). I was asking for peoples opinions i have ideas of my own and i did mention what i'd like to try.

will get back to this discussion shortly. I have been rather vague as i didnt want to influence the direction of ideas.

 

[Lex]

You can buy used small form factor Dell optiplex 755 workstations for cheap (<£150 for a core2 models). They are low power, compact and reliable and look pretty enough for most coffee shop environments - clunky beige boxes could really ruin the atmostphere

ive searched for that 'small form factor dell optiplex and cant find it no place
cheapest small factor one i can find is over 400quid!

 

[Lex]

My assumption on your knowledge of Terminal Servicing was based directly on this statement and also on your other statements in this thread.

I don't think that assumption was unfounded.

okay good one. rehtorical question i guess. but im more focused on zero client notion [monitor mouse & keyboard alone. I genuinely dont have much experience with that. I know i could use terminal services but i dont want to because that would involve Windows Server....licences etc and its over compensating i'd of thought. XP has a 10 user licence and i only need 5 users.

I've looked at the wyse client boxes that is exactly what i require but they're around £160! I could buy 2nd hand machines for less. Bit gutted about that.

I guess there are a variety of ways this could be done. It's just for me to choose one.

Someone mentioned about slim line desktop PCs but i cant find them for anything less than £200

I got till the end of the week to come to a decision so ill keep my options open still.