University of New Brunswick - The 2013 ResNet Student ...

Program Descriptions
Sunday, June 22 2008
Time: 11:30 - 12:30 PM
Presentation 1A: Thin Client Implementation
Presenter/Institution: Carol Jarom (University of Delaware) & Karl Vollmer (Oregon State University)
Format: Lecture
Theme: Future of ResNet
Technical level: 5
Location: Singer 161
Description: The Information Technologies-User Services department at the University of Delaware has replaced existing “fat”
Windows PCs with Sun Ray thin clients connecting to a Windows 2003 server running Terminal Services in two of their computing
sites. We have coined the term WinSun terminals for these stations. In addition, this technology is being used for express stations in
one of our busiest sites and in kiosk setups in our student centers. It has reduced staff support time, minimized security
vulnerabilities and reduced hardware costs. No hard drives means no more ghosting to keep these systems clean and up to date. I
will give an overview of our hardware and the software configuration we are using in this environment.
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Oregon State University uses the Linux Terminal Server Project (http://ltsp.org) to run web-enabled desktops in the dorm lobbies and dining halls.
Each box is running a network boot copy Linux that is pulled from our central server. They do not have a internal HDD. Updates are as simple as a
configuration change on the server. I will talk about how we implemented it, and why we chose Linux as well as some of the stumbling blocks we
hit when implementing the system.
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Presentation 1B: Remote Support For Students
Presenter/Institution: Eric Rosenberg (Stony Brook University), Behzad Barzideh (Stony Brook University)
Format: Lecture
Theme: Cool Tools
Technical level: 3
Location: Singer 351
Description: Stony Brook University would like to present our remote support solution for students, Bomgar. Bomgar is a network
appliance with a built in web server that allows remote connections to any computer with an internet connection. We have setup a
URL to direct the students to the Bomgar box’s web server. They are prompted to install a small plugin. Once installed, the remote
support representative has full control of the user’s desktop. The support session may be ended at any time by either the user or the
rep. Once the session has ended, the remote client will uninstall itself from the remote computer. The remote client is compatible
with Windows 9x – Windows Vista, OSX 10.3 – OSX 10.5, Ubuntu, Redhat, Fedora & Suse. Bomgar has helped reduce the need for
dorm room visits and greatly improved response time. The appliance allows concurrent remote connections based on licenses. We
currently have 10 licenses and 40 technicians. The appliance in place is expandable up to 20 concurrent connections.
Presentation 1C: Creating and Maintaining a Walk-up Service Center
Presenter/Institution: Liam Doherty (Illinois State University)
Format: Lecture
Theme: ResNet Operations
Technical level: 5
Location: Singer 361
Description: This presentation will focus on how Illinois State University created a walk-up service center for computer technical
support on campus. Traditionally at ISU, ResNet, Help Desk, and TechZone (the campus computer store) were separate entities, each
with their own form of computer support and audience. I will show how we brought together each of these support divisions, the
process of collaborating with all departments to create a singular vision, and how we are maintaining that vision through the easy
and difficult times.
ResNet 2008 @ University of New Brunswick