DISKLESS WORKSTATION IN LINUX --- IT Acumens. COM

Introduction Recent linux kernels offer the possibility to boot a linux box entirely from network ,by loading its kernel and root filesystem from a server. In that case, the client may use several ways to get the first instructions it has to execute when booting :home made eproms ,special network cards implementing the RARP,BOOTP or DHCP protocols ,cdroms ,or bootloaders loaded from a boot floppy or a local hard drive

diskless workstation: We define a diskless workstation as a computer that doesn't boot it's operating system from a hard disk. Instead, it locates a server on the local area network and downloads the operating system across the network.

A diskless workstation It's a computer without a hard drive in it, and generally without a CD-ROM drive. The workstation has a network card and video card, and may also have other expansion cards such as a sound card. A diskless workstation inherently relies on services provided on the network for most of its operation, including booting and running applications. Generally the workstation will be operated as a thin client using a central server to provide access to files and run applications, but given sufficient resources of its own, some applications can be run locally. When operated in a thin client mode the resource requirements for the diskless workstation are relatively modest, making it quite feasible to use older computers (eg, Pentium 150-200) for the workstations. This offers a considerable benefit in reusing existing hardware.

A Linux diskless workstation Linux makes a good choice for a diskless workstation operating system because it offers good support for a wide range of PC hardware (network and video support is particularly relevant here). Linux 2.2 kernel series includes support for network booting and several network file systems. It is also available relatively cheaply, and the source code is available easing the task of diagnosing or fixing problems.

Internet Cafe and Financial Banking with "Diskless Linux" We can set up Internet Cafe with diskless Linux. Internet cafes are immensely popular in developing countries like India, Thailand, China. In India Internet cafes are also serving as financial banking centers where people go to pay bills, trade stocks, transfer money and do online banking. In India people do not go to bank they go to Internet cafe for online banking!!

COMPARISION IN RAILWAYS –UNIX THEY WANT TO PAY FOR THAT. IN OUR PRJ -LINUX. IT IS FREEWARE. KERNEL MODIFICATION CAN BE DONE FOR NETWORK SECURITY PURPOSE.

More advantages Total cost of ownership is very low in case of diskless computers. Cost of maintenance is completely eliminated All the backups are centralized at one single main server. No need of UPS battery ,air-conditioning ,dust proof environment for diskless clients, only server needs UPS battery ,A/C and dust proof environment.

FUTURE ENHANCEMENT Diskless clients in future Monitor manufacturers will place the cpu , nic, RAM right inside the monitor to form a diskless computer. Eliminating diskless computer box and thereby saving space. Monitors with outlet for mouse, keyboard and power supply.

“DISKLESS WORKSTATION IN LINUX” CONCLUSION The project “DISKLESS WORKSTATION IN LINUX” is effective and found to be efficient with real time. Hence the project proves to be versatile one as it is flexible with out any inconvience.