I work at the computer help center here on campus and what
we do is basically provide support for students connecting to the campus network.
This includes things like updating their OS, installing campus standard
software, and configuring their settings. All pretty simple, basic stuff…
One of the projects I’m working on at the moment is a Linux
PXE Terminal Server for use here at the help center. When its done it will be a
standalone system that is not connected to the campus network for in house use.
It will allow Technicians here to easily do port scans using Nessus (the server
will be on the Linux Box, with a Windows Client on a Thumb Drive) allow us to
quickly copy over standard software which is not under the Microsoft License
Agreement for installation to student machines (McAfee Antivirus, Ad Aware, etc…)
have freeware Hardware Diagnostic Tools, and also have a Driver Database so
that Technicians don’t have to go hunting around the internet to get the proper
drivers for a system and wait for the drivers to download (Some of the
manufacturer’s sites are VERY SLOW!).
Right now as I’m typing this I’m doing a hard drive installation
of Knoppix Live (a Linux distro that fits on a CD and can be run from the CD
without installation), and then the configuration begins :) When the project is
done, technicians will be able to connect a user’s machine to our private
switch and boot from the Knoppix Server using the network PXE boot option that
is included in most new BIOS. They will boot into an environment that will
allow them to quickly carry out their tasks, be it installation of
troubleshooting and thus reduce turnaround time.
I will keep you guys posted on the progress…
Cheers,
Thar.