[OPLINTECH] N computing FOLLOW UP

[Bob Neeper]

  Yesterday I saw Ncomputing in action at OSG.

They have a bunch of U  Series
See link for info and videos
http://www.ncomputing.com/product-useries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhDkC-1gF5Q&NR=1&feature=fvwp

OSG has some Core 2 Duo E7500 2.93 GHz  w/4GB ram PC's
One LCD, Mouse, and k/b connect to the PC as usual
Three others each connect to their own U 170 box (size about 1"x3"x6")
It has a special USB cable back to the Dell

S/W was Windows7 with 6 desktop shortcuts to various Genealogy databases
The director said DeepFreeze, no anti-virus, MS Office.
He said they were isolated on their own network.
He said they saved thousands of dollars with the setup.

U 170's are USB powered, but a powered USB hub is required at each station, for 
memory stick use
Does not seem to allow for cd/dvd r/w, unless maybe USB cabled to the HUB

Multiple Users on a Single OS Requires Microsoft Windows Server Licensing
See http://www.ncomputing.com/WindowsMultiUserLicensing

Due to to the nature of OSG there won't be many (if any) of the younger patron 
type apps running.
No music, videos, etc.
The CPU was just loafing, but nothing was running.
Time Warner provides the service to the building.

http://www.cdwg.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=2000164  $89 per U 170 box

Not sure about the shutdown control.
Hopefully there is some restriction to keep a patron from shutting down the 
system with others still on.

One patron was logged on to Ancestry.
Another could use it, but when they logged out, both logged out.


R. W. (Bob) Neeper
Community Library
44 Burrer Dr.
Sunbury, Oh 43074
Tel:  (740)-965-3901


On 10/10/2010 8:59 AM, Bob Neeper wrote:
>    Edubuntu has a thin client setup available.
> We ran one for a while using a virtual server to some old PC's
> We have used an openSUSE Education version for a few years using 5 very small
> Neoware boxes.
> It's server is virtual also.
> Both are free s/w.
>
> Saturday, a staff member mentioned she was at Ohio Genealogical Society in
> Bellvile and they have N Computing.
>
> Thursday she has set up a trip for her Library Genealogy group so I will see
> firsthand.
> It's relatively close to you for a visit also. Hop on RT71, head south, turn left.
>
> Or N computing might provide a few users to contact.
>
> There are many things to consider.
>
> How they would be used.
> What is the response for heavy use such as video's,  music, downloads? Would
> they slow down?
> Normal word processing, email, etc. should probably be fine.
>
> Is there a real cost saving over individual pc's?
> They may have different cards to connect. Or a special PC like box at each station.
> How hard to set up?
>
> What is the upgrade cost/options 4 or 5 years from now?
>
> Do you still need individual MS licenses?
>
> If the main box fails all connected PC's fail.
>
> You are locked in to one vendor.
>
> Etc.
>
> You might Google for recent reviews
> I found Zednet deemed  the X300 "Unsuitable for demanding applications" in 2008
> http://www.zdnet.co.uk/reviews/thin-clients/2008/02/14/ncomputing-x300-39292828/
> But that is probably out of date.
>
> Biztech did one on the X550 in Jan indicating a few disadvantages.
> http://www.biztechmagazine.com/article.asp?item_id=707
>
> Some on the L320, plus and minus.
> http://alatest.com/reviews/desktop-reviews/ncomputing-l230/po3-53021276,28/#partner:50472
>
>