internet cafe proposed network infrastructure? advice plz.

[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!

 

[Sin_Chase]

lol don't make assumptions (regarding technical knowhow).

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.

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.

 

[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.

 

[Sin_Chase]

'Zero-client'/Thin Client still requires some sort of a client, except the multi-headed linux solution someone mentioned above which I cannot say I have ever seen or experienced there are no other keyboard/mouse ONLY solutions I can think of. Even then, you need an array of controllers and cards for that to work and then you might as well go thick client.

What kind of searches have you done on Mini-ITX systems? You could probably build brand new ones yourself on the cheap.

 

[Rabtech]

I'm assuming everything is cost based, one machine with the main internet connection and clark connect for restricting sites/logging.

5 x machines - second hand branded Dells/Compaqs etc as they look nice and are quite cheap and usually licenced. Preferably get 5 x identical, setup one machine - install steadystate and clone each machine with the image - dont forget to change each machines network name.

Most of this has already been mentioned by other people in this thread but just thought I'd do a summary