Re: [seul-edu] Introduction and question

[Cameron Miller <cdmiller@adams.edu>]

David Tisdell wrote:
> Hi all,
> My name is Dave and I am new to this list. I am the
> tech coordinator for a high school. Over the last 3
> years, I have had a growing interest in Linux. It has
> many cool features and promises to be a great asset
> for schools. One thing I haven't seen discussed is the
> availability of management tools. Is there something
> along the lines of Novell's zenworks to manage Linux
> workstations. I use zenworks to install application
> software, apply patches, change system settings etc on
> Windows clients. Is there an open source tool to do
> things like that for Linux or better yet: multiple
> platfom clients (i.e. Windows and Macs). I am
> installing everything as a dual boot so that we can
> start using Linux as a workstation. Having a
> centralized management tool would be a big plus
> especially with the number of clients I need to
> support. Thanks.
> Dave
> 


Hello,

In terms of Zenworks like stuff, there are several ways to accomplish 
the end goal, both UNIX and linux centric.

 From a server push perspective, rdist and similar tools can be used.

Linux client based, Debians apt-get, Mandrakes urpmi, autorpm, etc. are 
available.  The client based stuff can be remotely activated from a 
server or administrative workstation, to centralize control.

Another apporach is to use a network file system to store applications 
and home directories.  One can even store the entire client working 
environment server side and go thin client, like LTSP, and K12LTSP. 
There is even a LTSP/Mosix project, to distribute resource usage amongst 
multiple servers, workstations, and thin clients.

Another thing to be aware of is that from the linux client, you can 
often access the other dual boot partition, and make changes.  From 
linux you can remotely reboot and decide which OS will be active on 
startup.  One can choos to boot linux into a ram disk and initiate 
reimaging of partitions form a network server for example.

For Mac specific client management on the Mac side, take a look at revrdist.

For Windows there is a rsh server that when scripted from a linux 
environment can do useful things.

The linux server side supports serving to Mac clients via netatalk. 
Linux supports Windows network file serving with Samba.

I am not aware of an all in one Zenworks like solution addressing linux, 
Windows, and Mac clients.  On UNIX and linux, it is more of a collection 
of tools, each designed to do a small set of things very well.  These 
tools are generally capable of being glued together to provide a 
customized best fit solution to your site specific problems.

Also, I have not looked really closely at Zenworks, just it's general 
idea of pushing new client changes out to groups of machines.

- cameron
-- 
- cameron miller
- UNIX Systems Administrator
- cdmiller@adams.edu