Computer Workstation Configuration

Introduction

The library's computing resources consist of a server and workstations, connected to each other and the Internet via a network. This document explains the workstations.

Workstations include all computers other than the server. Workstations do not provide services to other computers; they are there for people to use directly. We have two types of workstations: desktops and terminals.

Desktops are traditional personal computers running Windows, with various locally-installed programs and peripherals. As of May, 2001 we have only one desktop, a Gateway E-5200. Terminals are personal computers or single-purpose appliances that run a single program, Terminal Services Client, whose purpose is to pass key strokes and mouse clicks from the user to a terminal server and receive back screen updates to display to the user. Programs run on the terminal server, not on the terminal.

Most of our workstations are terminals because the hardware requirements are minimal and they are easily managed while being reliable and fast (assuming a fast terminal server). However, terminals have some limitations. Because they cannot display more than 256 colors, and cannot support directly-attached peripherals we do have one or more desktops for scanning and other multi-media use.

Strategy

Centralize and share computing resources through networking. Each computer should have access to all resources including Internet, network files and printers, and any other resources. Sharing will

• Reduce costs by reducing hardware needs and administrative burden
• Increase service by offering a wider range of resources to each user
• Increase performance and reliability by getting, for example, one good printer instead of several inexpensive ones.

Instead of having special-use machines (one for Internet, one for catalog, one for this particular CD title, one for word processing, etc.), make all the workstations capable of performing all tasks. This will have the following benefits:

• Minimizing differences between workstations will make both administration and technical support and end-user training easier.
• Since each workstation can do any task, it is more likely that one will be available for a user when needed; fewer computers will be more fully utilized.

Offer as many functions as possible from the network, rather than on workstations. This includes user files, user profiles, and applications, as well as printing and other network services. Future options may even include terminal server technology. Shifting the burden of complexity to the server offers these benefits:

• Simplifying and standardizing workstation configuration will increase reliability and lessen time needed for setup, lessen the likelihood of mis-configuration, and reduce hardware needs such as disk space.
• Reduce the chances for accidental or intentional mis-configuration by users or lockups
• Place the responsibility for system administration entirely in the hands of more highly-qualified staff or consultants instead of having typical users making their own changes.

Aggressively pursue centralized administration through group policies and zero-administration initiatives. These methods use network security and other means to enforce standard settings on workstations from the server. For example, a workstation can be "locked down" to prevent users from making any system changes. Central administration confers these advantages:

• Reduction in overall administration and support effort
• Reduction in workstation malfunctions caused by user changes to system
• Workstations are simpler to use because they all work the same way because users are prevented from changing the way they work.

Dedicated Terminals

Network Configuration:

• Configuration tab - Network Components:

1. TCP/IP Protocol: Obtain an IP address automatically. This will also set all the other settings.
2. Network card: whatever is installed in the machine.
3. NO OTHER NETWORK COMPONENTS SHOULD BE INSTALLED.

• Identification tab

1. Computer name: Pick an author (last name only, up to 15 characters) to be the name of the computer.
2. Workgroup: gustavus
3. Computer description: a brief description of the computer and its use, such as "Gateway 486 public-use workstation," or "Compaq Presario public-use workstation."

• Access Control: User-level access control; obtain list of users from Gustavus.

Other

Control Panel - Passwords - User Profiles tab: Choose All Users use the same settings option.

Display settings: set the wallpaper to be the same as on the other terminals. Copy the Shut Down shortcut from another terminal and put it on the desktop.

Get rid of all other shortcuts on the desktop and in the start menu so that users are presented with only two choices: log on or shut down.

Applications

The only application that needs to be on a terminal is the Terminal Services Client. Run setup from \\www\tsclient while the Client for Microsoft Networks is still installed, or on the server use Terminal Server Client Creator to create floppies for the setup.

Run the Terminal Services Connection Manager to create a new connection named Log On (use this name because it matches instructions in the Workstation Use Instructions). Connect to www.gustavus.lib.ak.us at the maximum screen resolution, full screen. Make a shortcut on the desktop and copy it into the start menu, into the programs menu, into the programs\startup menu.