[MLUG] I'm back... and some info re: serving native-windows apps from a linux terminal

[Matthew Schmidt <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

Hey all,

I was at the data center yesterday swapping out our streaming MP3 server from a Debian Sarge 500Mhz box to a Ubuntu 2.4Ghz box when I noticed a decrepit old machine plunking away in the same cabinet. Lo and behold, it's the MLUG box. I love the sticker on the front of the CD-ROM - "This drive is broken." Awesome.

Then I was talking with George Robb yesterday and he mentioned MLUG. Now I've got MLUG on the mind. Anyhow, I guess I'm back.

Shawn, I can't help you with serving up Windows-specific stuff using a Linux terminal server (although I have /heard/ of it being done--but don't quote me on that). But I can give you some info on the apps you mention.

Win4Lin, VMWare, Bochs, etc. are emulators. In order to run Windows Server 2k3 with them, you need to have a license for 2k3. Which would defeat the purpose. Further, you'd need to have Linux clients deployed to use (most of) these emulators. If you're in a Windows house, I presume that it's doubtful they'd want to switch to Linux to run emulated Windows apps. Some will argue with me here, but in my experience, it's easier to run Windows apps in Windows (although not necessarily as stable, secure, etc.).

CrossOver Office is a sweet app, but I don't think it'd meet your needs either. CrossOver Office is basically a nice GUI for WINE (which is not an emulator, but is close enough that you can consider it to be an emulator). WINE is a set of libraries that makes it possible to run /some/ Windows apps on a Linux machine. Again, very client-side. I don't think this would be a feasible option for you.

I feel your pain, though. We're testing an app that requires server 2k3 and all these changes with CALs is a major pain in the rear. We can get 2k3 at the University for like $115, though, so the pain is negligible.

Good luck.

HTH,

Matt

Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 16:55:30 -0600
From: Shawn Parker <EMAIL:PROTECTED>
Subject: [MLUG] serving native-windows apps from a linux terminal
        server?
To: MLUG Members < EMAIL:PROTECTED>
Message-ID:
        <EMAIL:PROTECTED>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

with the insane cost of deploying a windows 2003 terminal server, i'm
looking for alternatives.

does anyone know of various ways to serve windows based software via a
linux terminal server.

one of my clients owns a small business. he has < 10 users. the
software they use is windows based sales software. it is industry
specific, and very niche...so finding a viable linux equivalent is
next to impossible (and writing custom software is out of the
question).

as a tiny business, purchasing 2003 server is becoming a budget buster
due to the need for both AD CALs and TS CALs (unlike win2k). i know
about products like vmware, cross-over office, etc...but i've never
used them. would this be an option?

i have a sinking feeling i'm out of luck, here, but i thought i would ask.

--
shawn

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