[Web4lib] Thin client computer lab (Cab Vinton)

[Teri Rogers]

We're using Sun Sun Ray software and hardware and serving up XP Pro
virtual machines/desktops to the public. We are using VMWare as well.
This is done with 3 servers and 60 of the Sun Ray 270 ultrathin
stateless clients. The thin clients have full size keyboards and mice.
(You can use most USB brands; we chose the Sun model). We've also added
some Sun Ray Gobi thin client laptops. 
The Sun Ray desktop hardware was very reasonable (better than price
listed online) and they have great longevity and use little power. Most
if not all of the software we used in our 2008 setup is free but does
come with a learning curve.
The best part is the desktop virtualization: in 90 seconds I can rebuild
a desktop. This process can be automated as well.
Might be worth a look.

Teri Rogers
Network / Technology Administrator
Coralville Public Library
1401 5th Street
Coralville, Iowa 52241
319.248.1850
www.CoralvillePublicLibrary.org

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Message: 6
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:12:46 -0400
From: Cab Vinton <bibliwho at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Thin client computer lab
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Message-ID:
	<t2u835777771004121212y4f559117g13fc54a1f65aeb26 at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Thanks to all for your various responses.

Userful would require additional ongoing yearly costs of $60 per seat,
plus $240 for the Userful Desktop. So, not particularly attractive to
us.

The lab would in fact be mostly unattended, so security concerns would
certainly be a factor.

Also, since we would plan on doing significant outreach to seniors for
classes, netbooks & laptops would not be our first choice. Large
screens & full-size keyboards would meet their needs much better.

Have not made any decisions yet ...

Cab Vinton, Director
Sanbornton Public Library
Sanbornton, NH