Which distro ... for low end hardware ?

[Bill Cavalieri]

Jonathan Hutchins wrote:

>DISCLAIMER:  Jason works for a company that sells LTSP solutions to schools.
>
>He also aparently missed the fact that this is a "Single user single desktop 
>maybe not even networked".  LTSP involves building a fairly sturdy server and 
>saving your money on multiple served workstations, noth the case here.
>
>I've often wondered, given the cost of the server required, at what point you 
>actually start saving money with LTSP by reconditioning existing PC's instead 
>of buying new, low-end (sub $300) workstations and using a peer-to-peer 
>network.
>  
>
Linking to an opensource project is hardly worth a DISCLAIMER.

Since your wondering, often, when the money savings start, lets do some 
brainstorming,

Performance:
$300 desktop, is going to run like a $300 desktop.  I'll start with 5 
workstations, but even 2 would work.
5 * $300 = $1500, now you could have 5 computers that run like $300 
computers.
Or buy a $1500 ltsp server, and re-use your old computers, = 5 computers 
running near $1500 speeds.

Maint:
5 computers to keep running, updated, etc...
Or 1 ltsp server, workstations will netboot, without need for hd, 
floppy, cdrom

Karma:
UN reports it takes 1.8 tons of materials to make a modern pc. 

"that extending a machine's operational life through re-use holds a much 
greater potential for energy saving than recycling."  
http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/03/07/hnunstudy_1.html

-Bill