edubuntu - multiple users simulataneously
 

I am a technology teacher trying to transition to linux from windows xp and I want to convert the lab. my problem is that I want one computer serving four workstations. so that four users can be logged in at one time to that pc and use it as if it was their own full pc. Is this possible an dhow would I go about this? Thanks for all the help :)

Sounds like a perfect candidate for virtualization.

There are various ones out there:
KVM
XEN
VmWare
Parallels

KVM and XEN come with RHEL and CentOS 5.4 (XEN came with 5.3 and earlier).

The benefit of virtualization would be:
1) You have a single physical server with multiple guests (virtual servers) on it. Each user that logs into a specific guest only has access to that virtual server and not the main system or the other guests.
2) You can create guest images so that you can quickly blow away and recreate a guest if one of the trainees mucks it up or add other guests later if needed.

Of course you'll have to be sure the server has enough power. Also there are limitations to what resources might be available to the guests.

Home page for KVM:
http://www.linux-kvm.org/page/Main_Page

Home page for XEN:
http://xen.org/

And of course you can look on RedHat's site for information on the way KVM/XEN are deployed for RHEL (which will be same for CentOS).

On reread I see you specifically mention Edubuntu. Doing a quick Google for "edubuntu" and "virtualization" led me to this link (which I can't see because its blocked at my company) that may or may not help you:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...dPikWw_yoiNTcA

virtualization
 

what would they need to log into the virtualized server? would they need just a keyboard, monitor, and mouse? how would this all be connected to the one main computer? still trying to learn, thanks for helping me out! I have seen some products from ncomputing and other companies that can do this, but was wondering if the open source community had any software that was available to do this with just one pc, four keyboards, four monitors, and four mice?

Sorry - I guess I misunderstood what you wanted. In the scenario I mentioned I would expect each user to have a PC workstation of their own. The workstations would need as much power as the server because all they'd be doing is opening remote sessions to the workstation.

What you want to do sounds like you'd need "thin clients". Have a look at this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_client

Thin Clients
 

Yes, thank you, that does seem like what I am interested in. Now I would need to know how to possibly assemble my own thin clients, or what specs should be for them as well as setting them up. I have plenty of PC's that can be set up as the host pc's, but like Isaid would like to have four users running off of each host pc. Is that possible to do and then do you have any ideas on that? Thank you for your help so far

multiseat?
 

I actually think I have truly found what I was looking for when browsing youtube and ubuntu for this configuration. It appears "Multiseat" is what I am looking to do. I also have looked into ncomputing x300. but Multiseat would just require three additional pci video cards to turn the computers into four working stations per pc (with additional monitors, keyboards, and mice)

did anyone use multiseat on here, any advice?
and in addition to that how about ncomputing products?

if you are in the US, then look @ " userful.com ".

I take it that cost is a primary issue.

userful
 

I did look at userful, but it seems the cost would actually be more if I went that route. with Multiseat it seems that I would just have to purchase additional video cards - roughly $50 per card (1 per station). Userful wants a little more than that and I still would have to purchase the video cards to run that program. Is this correct or am I misunderstanding Userful? I am open to any suggestions - trying to learn as much as I can here - I appreciate all of the help!

You are might be right - the video cards could be an extra item.

you would need a video card & a usb hub for each seat.

If you are really a Linux Noobie, then just getting a basic setup to work, could be something else again, & even with a basic setup, you would still need to write a script,
that would be needed to get each seat working.

Like this example :-
http://www.linuxtoys.org/multiseat/multiseat.html

you may have to balance your skill level against your budget.

I know :) things to consider
 

I agree it would be a balance as you stated. But, I am always up for a challenge and I guess the only way to really learn is to play around. The worst that can happen is I mess something up and have to reformat. I like experimenting and trying new things - it keeps everything interesting and fresh. of course it feels much better when it actaully works :)

I'd start with Knoppix 5.x live cd and boot your system. Start knoppix terminal server and then boot your class pxe. All will be running from your system. Once you see it in action you can use those skills to make your own system. Notice that you have a choice on the Knoppix to use nx.