Re: [Nolug] Beowulf Cluster and Thin Clients

From: Clint Billedeaux <clint_at_fastbadge.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:49:18 -0500
Message-ID: <BANLkTi=k7LaAT_eXp9kar2ZEGThg+sr+EQ@mail.gmail.com>

On Mon, Apr 25, 2011 at 1:06 PM, Dustin Puryear <dpuryear@puryear-it.com>wrote:

> I’m a big fan of WYSE. We’re also a reseller, so I’m a bit biased. Good
> products, and they support everything from RDP to VNC. They make great thin
> clients.
>

Thanks. Now I'm a big fan. WYSE made my Android phone (LG Optimus V
Android 2.2) a great portable thin client. I'm still testing it out, but as
I am easily impressed, I am blown away by the ability to RDP through my
Android device.

The implications for tech support at my office are beginning to trickle down
on me. And I'm loving the thought that I could get a Tablet and support my
coworkers remotely. I just need a Linux (Ubuntu) friendly version and I
could even provide file server support from wherever I happen to be as long
as I have at least 3G cell service.

>
>
> *From:* owner-nolug@stoney.kellynet.org [mailto:
> owner-nolug@stoney.kellynet.org] *On Behalf Of *Clint Billedeaux
> *Sent:* Friday, April 22, 2011 7:03 AM
> *To:* nolug@nolug.org
> *Subject:* Re: [Nolug] Beowulf Cluster and Thin Clients
>
>
>
> Well,
>
>
>
> I know absolutely NOTHING about both, but I've never considered ignorance a
> bar to learning from experimentation.
>
>
>
> So:
>
>
>
> Planned experiment one: Build a Beowulf Cluster.
>
> Goal: Learn about Beowulf Clusters
>
> Terms for success: develop an understanding of what EXACTLY a Cluster does.
>
>
>
> Planned experiment two: Build a Thin Client/Server Network.
>
> Goal: Run multiple clients from a single Linux Box. see www.ltsp.org
>
> Terms for success: develop the skills and confidence to handle Thin
> Clients and Servers.
>
>
>
>
>
> Premise of PE3: "One of the main differences between Beowulf and a Cluster
> of Workstations <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluster_of_Workstations> (COW)
> is that Beowulf behaves more like a single machine rather than many
> workstations." (from the original how-to which was published by Jacek
> Radajewski and Douglas Eadline under the Linux Documentation Project<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Documentation_Project> in
> 1998.)
>
>
>
> I understand that behaving LIKE a single machine and BEING a single machine
> are two different animals, but I'm willing to experiment.
>
>
>
>
>
> Planned experiment three: Build a Beowulf Cluster/ThinClient Server
>
>
>
> Goal: To successfully utilize the processing power of multiple computers to
> support the functions of the Server Node on a Beowulf Cluster working also
> as the Server Node on a Thin Client Network.
>
> Terms for success: Learn EITHER way whether or not such a merger of
> concepts is worth the effort.
>
>
>
>
>
> Summary: Instead of having multiple machines crunching away on individual
> graphics applications, it would be interesting if merging 18 desktops into a
> processing engine to support the computing needs of our business while
> lowering the cost of expanding the number of terminals in the business as we
> add employees.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 12:22 AM, Ron Johnson <ron.l.johnson@cox.net>
> wrote:
>
> On 04/22/2011 12:06 AM, Clint Billedeaux wrote:
>
> Does anyone on this list know enough about Clusters and Thin Clients to
> really discuss it? Or am I just going to have to go experiment with it
> blindly? That's a trick question. I'm going to experiment blindly
> regardless of what I hear. It would just be nice if I could get some
> encouragement from someone who has some experience with either or both.
>
>
>
> Since clusters and TCs are solutions to sufficiently different problems
> that they don't overlap very much, please tell us your goals.
>
> --
> "Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure
> the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally
> corrupt."
> Samuel Adams, essay in The Public Advertiser, 1749
> ___________________
> Nolug mailing list
> nolug@nolug.org
>
>
>

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