First off all, let's cover what the LTSP is, and what it can do for you. LTSP stands for Linux Terminal Server Project an open source solution for running thin terminals with a Linux server/system. The goal is to take use of low end hardware as workstations, with the better equipped server in the back.

Mandrake Linux 9.2 with LTSP is the ideal solution for users, organizations and offices who need a low-cost, productive and secure desktop computing platform. Old and obsolete computers can be used as diskless workstations thus reducing the cost for buying brand new computers.

Free Office suites and web browsers, such as OpenOffice and Konqueror, are better alternatives from commercial software. Linux's security, from remote attacks and viruses, can greatly reduce the overhead cost for commercial firewalls and anti viruses.

Let's for example set up the following computer network for test purposes.

Hardware for the clients should look like this:

• Pentium 133
• 32 MB RAM
• PCI video card
• Network card (Realtek RTL1839B)
• PS/2 mouse and Keyboard
• 17” Monitor

You can find this hardware in second hand computer shops for a very low price. So, save you money and invest it for a powerful server. This hardware should look like this:

• Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon, 3 GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM or more
• 80-120 GB hard disk or RAID system
• 1 network card, or better 2 network cards if you need a Internet connection via DSL or cable modem
• PS/2 mouse and Keyboard
• 17” Monitor

You should get a good solution already for 1500 to 1800 $. For test purposes it should also work with a small server (P III, 500 MHz, 256 MB RAM, 20 GB HDD etc.).

Read more here (pdf)
Download the example config files here: