Open source thin-client software

Question

I have been looking for a open source alternate to windows thin-client terminals we use for remote desktop into a terminal server which is where users do all their work.

I am often in the situation where i have multiple computers that would do great as a thin-client but i would need to buy an XP license.

Is there some kind of Linux software distro that basically lets you setup an automatic RDP connection on start-up?

Solution 1

I've never used it myself, but it sounds like Thinstation or maybe Thintux is what you are looking for.

If you want to get more complicated, the Linux Terminal Server Project might be interesting also.

Solution 2

Anything that can start rdesktop will do this. Set up an old pc with the linux distro of your choice and configure the users' .profile to start a rdesktop client. Any of the knoppix custom kits would let you make a bootable CD that does this.

Solution 3

tsclient works quite nicely manually. I haven't tried it, but the command accepts an rdp format file as well.

Comments

[andyhammar]

Don't forget you'll still need to buy extra Server TS CALs for you terminal server.

[andyhammar]

No need for complicated - LTSP is built right in to Ubuntu, just select the option from the boot CD's install screen

[EricMinick]

Thinstation works great and you can even PXE boot it to clients - no need for a harddisk install!