Linux, Internet Cafe, Haiti...

[Jamon Camisso]

Robert Brockway wrote:
> On Sun, 8 Jan 2006, Jamon Camisso wrote:
> 
>> For a server, there is a budget that was decided on by my predecessor 
>> who jumped ship at the last minute. I can't say what it is, but there 
>> is enough to build a fairly powerful whitebox (with backup components 
>> too) with as much RAM as I can stuff in.
> 
> Ah good to hear.
> 
snip
> 
> I can definiately say LTSP is no trouble at all with Debian.  Apt-get 
> the packages and run ltspadmin.
> 

Tried it out on a test network today and had excellent results. However, 
the systems I used are a little more up to date (450mhz with 256b ram, I 
wish I could take a few of these instead!) than the actual donated 
boxes, so the results aren't too promising considering the age of the 
actual hardware.

I've had some incredibly helpful feedback from a few people, both on and
off list, as well as at the meet last night, and afterwards. I just want
to say thanks to everyone who has given me input (you know who you are 
;) on this little project and give a quick update:

Either I make do with 10mbit ISA cards on underpowered hardware and use 
a terminal system regardless, or I use a *very* lightweight distro on 
each box. However because much of the hardware is dated and grinds on 
startup (PS bearings, CPU fans, etc...), scrapping the terminal/server 
idea might be the way to go.

The idea being that buying 10 systems like this:
http://www.sonnam.com/detail.asp?S=696155428&prod_gp=30&prod_code=232&prod_ID=SYS%2DSN%2DBUN%2D0002
and a stick of RAM for each might actually be cheaper than buying 
replacement parts for each decrepit potential terminal and a decent 
server. Of course I'd try setting up a purchase like this in Haiti, or 
even purchasing older hardware for my original thin-client idea there. 
There just isn't anyone there right now to scout the larger cities for 
parts.

The thing that really gets me in all this is shipping. One site wants 
$944 USD to ship 5 workstations worth $749 USD total. As much as I know 
that this is the reality I face, it is still quite indicative of how 
well the market works to maintain the position of those who are already 
oppressed by said market.

Thanks again all. I will be creating a detailed plan this weekend with 
the others involved and will have a better idea of what *is* going to 
happen when I go.

Jamon




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