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“WinSun”: Deploying the Windows Desktop on a Sun Ray. Anita Schwartz Carol Jarom. About the University of Delaware. One of the oldest land-grant institutions, as well as a sea-grant, space-grant and urban-grant institution. The University enrolls over 20,000 students.
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“WinSun”: Deploying the Windows Desktop on a Sun Ray Anita Schwartz Carol Jarom
About the University of Delaware • One of the oldest land-grant institutions, as well as a sea-grant, space-grant and urban-grant institution. • The University enrolls over 20,000 students. • More than 7,000 students live on campus. http://www.udel.edu/
Why Sun Rays? • We started evaluating Sun Rays to replace existing NCD X-Terminals.http://www.udel.edu/topics/os/unix/sunray/aboutTerminal.html • Sun introduced Sun Ray Connector • Allows Sun Rays to connect to Windows! Sun Ray 1G
WinSun Project • We were supporting older PCs dedicated to providing limited services. “Express Station” • Same level of support was needed • Sun Connector software was a natural fit Sun Ray 270
WinSun Sites • Smith Hall • Express terminals designed to provide quick access to Windows desktop functionality such as Office suite, web browsing and mail.This site also has full service desktop systems. • Christiana • Full Windows desktop lab environment designed to provide Office suite, SPSS and Maple in addition to web browsing and mail. This site is in the commons area of a student dorm. Functions well as an unstaffed or minimally staff site. In WinSun sites, all files are saved or edited from a USB key and printed via VendPrint.
Additional WinSun Sites • Dickinson -The success of the Christiana site prompted User Services to convert another residence hall computing site to a WinSun site. • Student Centers -At the request of the Student Government Association, two express stations complete with printing were deployed. One in the Perkins Student Center and one in the Trabant University Center.
All-in-One Design • Custom built cabinet • The University carpenter shop designed a cabinet for the station • WinSun Terminal • For email, web browsing and to view and print documents, no editing • VendPrint print release station • A Mac mini was used to minimize space • HP 4240 LaserJet Printer
WinSun ServersHardware Configuration • Sun Ultra 20 Workstation • Dual Core 2.4 GHz AMD Opteron processor 180 • 2 GB Ram • 250 GB mirrored SATA Hard drive
WinSun ServersHardware Configuration • Sun Ultra 40 Workstation • 2 x Dual Core 2.2 GHz AMD Opteron processor 2214 • 8 GB Ram • 250 GB mirrored SATA Hard drive
Windows 2003 Server Configuration • This server should not be a Domain Controller. • Use Local Group Policy Object (LGPO) • Terminal Services configuration • Use Terminal Services Configuration tool to configure Terminal Services • Terminal server computer accounts • Domain accounts that reside in an OU (organization unit) • Accounts use a mandatory profile • Group policies are set on the OU • Enable the Windows Firewall • Allow only designated machines access • Unblock applications as needed
Solaris x86 Server Configuration • Choose Kiosk mode for the SRSS configuration • Default number of predefined kiosk users is 25 • Kiosk scripts are split so direct calls on the Solaris server do not show username and password • Additional script needed for USB keys to be seen on the windows server • All systems are denied access to the Solaris server except 1 for remote administration
Disadvantages • Network is mission-critical. • USB devices not all recognized. • Graphics-intensive applications put high demand on the network. • Applications that use video and audio together do not perform well.
Advantages • Reduced staff. • Ease of configuration and maintenance. • Reduced security/virus administration. • Reduced hardware failure. • Reduced power costs.
Conclusion • Implemented three WinSun terminal sites. • Students accepted the new technology. • Students requested additional terminals in Student Centers. • We continue to learn and discover best practices for this environment. • “Proof of concept” has sparked increased interest around campus.
Useful URLS and Contact Information • Scripts:http://www.udel.edu/topics/os/unix/sunray/winsun/ • Help pageshttp://www.udel.edu/topics/os/unix/sunray/aboutWinsun.html jarom@udel.edu anita@udel.edu