The Linux Terminal Server project allows multiple clients to use the same application server, supporting both Linux and Windows. It is used by schools and training centers to provide access to low-cost computers and can be set up easily on a network server. Thin clients can boot from the server over the network and run applications on the server. LTSP is included in several Linux distributions and offers free technical support.
The Linux® Terminal Server project is an open source project that allows many clients to use the same application server. Clients can connect to the server with less expensive machines and thin client computers, also known as X Terminals. Both Linux® and Microsoft Windows® application servers are supported. The Linux Terminal Server project is used by many schools to provide access to low-cost computers with machines that might otherwise be scrapped. Also known by the acronym LTSP, it is often used by libraries, training facilities and some Internet cafes.
Linux® Terminal Server Project software input/output requests on an X terminal are quite light. These thin clients, often diskless, are generally less expensive than standard desktop computers. An older desktop system that has reached the end of its life as a standalone machine usually has plenty of computing power to function as a thin client. LTSP is very popular with schools and training centers, which often have a surplus of obsolete machines that they would otherwise dispose of. A large number of thin clients can use a single Linux® server, usually making LTSP very cost effective.
Setting up LTSP on a network server is usually straightforward and involves a simple Linux® configuration that includes the X environment. When a thin client powers on, it can boot Linux® from a local peripheral device. If the client does not have a hard drive or other boot device, it can boot from the Linux® Terminal Server project server over the network. In this case, it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to determine its Internet Protocol (IP) address. The client also obtains the IP address and path of the LTSP server.
A Linux® Terminal Server Project client can then mount the server path to its own file system using the server’s Network File System (NFS). Network Block Device (NBD) is also supported. Linux is then loaded from the mounted file system, the X Window System is booted, and the client connects to the LTSP login application. All other applications run on the server even if they appear on the thin client.
Several Linux® distributions include the Linux® Terminal Server project as part of their software package. An organization in Canada built a control system around LTSP to handle thousands of clients and run it as a load balanced cluster. Virtual desktops can use this system with very little bandwidth. LTSP also includes free technical support and works with a large number of network adapters and thin client systems.
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