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On Wed, 2004-12-08 at 10:59, Rob Beard wrote:
Quoting Andrew Rogers <andrew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:The University (ILS seems to be what computing calls itself these days) Desktop replacement scheme is actually reffered to as the "XP Desktop" I think, there is no legitimate way to run anything other than Microsoft XP on these new "Desktop" machines. On top of this they can reboot any "Desktop" remotely as they please, often at the expense of spoiling a lengthy research simulation.It seems like these days most places prefer to go for a completely locked down desktop with the same software on every PC. In a way this can be good, any major problems, just re-ghost the PC and is as good as new, but myself I'm more in favour of an unlocked desktop which users have a bit of freedom on. I find that in a support role, the locked down standard desktops are easier to support, but its not as interesting just supporting the standard MS applications. I miss the old days when I was exposed to pretty much anything and everything and got to play with different kit. Still, I can't complain too much, I'm working (was out of work for 2 months before getting this contract), and I'm getting paid well so I can support myself and my two kids, and at the end of the day, that to me is more important than what OS I run/support. Rob -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG Mail majordomo@xxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe list" in the message body to unsubscribe.
There are of course ways of locking down Linux Desktops ... If you want to save on "re imaging" (and a stack load of other hardware that duplicated in each machine thats not necessary for desktop use) use LTSP and thin clients ... oh there I go again with my 4 letter acronym. 1 server = 20 + clients. Install software / upgrade software on server = instant upgrade / install on 20 + clients, got to be worth the savings on maintenance ? IMHO of course ..... Tom -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG Mail majordomo@xxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe list" in the message body to unsubscribe.