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LTSP – Terminal / Server computing in a box

It has always been possible for technical staff to create a Linux-based terminal/server systems from scratch. However, the Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP) has made this much simpler by pre-packaging the necessary software components to make installation as simple as possible. The LTSP package is also well supported, and it is possible to buy ready made diskless X terminals designed for the LTSP package.

LTSP supports a network of terminal / server computers, built from:

• an LTSP terminal is an X terminal running the LTSP client software; and
• an LTSP server is a Linux server with the LTSP package installed.

When an LTSP terminal is switched on, it requires some mechanism to enable it to boot from the LTSP server. Some PCs / network cards support booting over a network; most other PCs can be made to work using Etherboot software on a floppy disk.

Converting a PC from operation under Microsoft Windows to being an LTSP terminal can be as simple as putting an Etherboot floppy in the floppy disk drive. Removing the floppy disk means the PC reverts to Microsoft Windows – ideal for testing / trialling.

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