Today, I finished installing 15 openSUSE workstations in the OVMS library. It has been a fascinating process integrating Linux within our OS X infrastructure. I’ve truly grown to appreciate the UNIX backbone of OS X Server.

I’m using OS X OpenDirectory to authenticate and mount users network folders via NFS mounts. What was surprising was how easy it was to share via NFS and AFP at the same time. The system isn’t as secure as I’d like it, but since we are only using it for student work it will due.

What I’m still amazed about is the total cost of the install. 15 workstations (P4 3.2 Ghz with HT) with 17″ LCD monitors for a grand total of $3800.00! Compared to around $15,000 for 15 iMacs or Macbooks, it is a purchasing ration of roughly

4-to-1.

Of course, the openSUSE workstations do not have iWork or iLife, but they do have Firefox, OpenOffice, and GIMP (Photoshop like program). We have found that nearly 95% of our library computer use was for research and word processing, so why pay the mac premium? It is really important to consider where on the “Creation Continuum” the worksation falls. The pilot is geared towards meeting the specific needs of library users and leveraging the power of  “cloud computing” resources we are providing to students via Google Apps, WordPressMU, and Moodle.

So far there are two early successes. One, students think the new computers are “awesome”! They actually like the idea of “open-source” software and some want to put it on their computer at home already. Two, using recycled computers is about as “green” as it gets when comes to electronics.

I’d be happy to post more about the process if anybody is interested.