Proposal for a Multiseat GNU+Linux System to Serve as Multiple Public Computer Consoles for the IAHC Library

by Andrew Dougherty

Overview

The Irish American Heritage Center Library would benefit from the availability of public computer consoles as a research aid. These computer consoles (also referred to as heads, seats or terminals) would utilize a capability of the GNU+Linux operating system to simultaneously run (up to at least) 6 consoles from only 1 computer! That is, 6 sets of monitors, keyboards and mice, running from 1 computer. The advantage of this for the library extends beyond merely initial cost. There is less noise pollution, less power consumption, less space being taken up by servers, and fewer administrative burdens. The initial cost also would be ridiculously low - we would make use of various tested online and local computer parts suppliers in order to facilitate an inexpensive yet powerful and reliable system. Also, if more stations are desired (perhaps later on), we can simply acquire another such system. A budget analysis follows.

Here is an example of such a system. Note that the consoles need not be so close together as depicted here.

As a working hostname for the system, I propose "ellen-trechen", the name of a 3-headed monster from Irish mythology that used to frequent the Cave of Cruachan in Connaught. (Similarly, the Koha Library Information System server has been named "eolas", Irish for "knowledge").

The ability to run multiple fully functional consoles derives from technical capabilities of the GNU+Linux system. GNU+Linux, as a Unix derivative, is an inherently multi-user, multi-tasking operating system. Given what has been stated online, my own personal experience in running multiple monitors and multiple X servers, and a vast number of applications simultaneously, I am confident performance would be great, even when there were all 6 or so users on the system (provided enough RAM is purchased, as in the budget).

It is possible of course to start with only a few, say 2-3, consoles, and add consoles as needed. The advantage of this rests in less commitment, however, finding matching parts (for aesthetics) later on may be difficult.

The computer consoles will enhance the Library's status as an educational facility while saving costs. As the system can be constructed for $300, compare to $500x6 = $3000 for 6 Windows computers.

Uses

• access to the IAHC Library's Koha Library Information System and its collection and searching for titles.
• computer classes. (While the system runs GNU+Linux, there are great similarities between Windows and GNU+Linux in terms of user interface. Many proprietary programs (such as Excel and Word) have equivalent open source programs, (to wit, Gnumeric and OpenOffice/Abiword). Additionally, should the user really need to use the free software version, the software is available freely (gratis) online.) Also enabled would be more advanced classes such as programming and system administration.
• accessing the Internet for research and personal use (with dansguardian and adzapper for content filtering), as well as per user bandwidth rationing to avoid slowing the IAHC Internet.
• access to online Irish resources: Irish newspapers, chat-rooms
• access to a wide variety of online Irish language learning materials: such as http://abair.ie (for conversion of Irish text to spoken audio files, aka Text To Speech), CELT (Corpus of Electronic Texts) - a vast archive of Celtic literature, An Gramadóir (Irish language grammar checker), and online Irish language chat-rooms (#gaeilge, #bearla on irc.freenode.net).
• access to the WinGleacht Irish/English dictionary (for which a site license will be obtained for around 25 euro/user.) WinGleacht will run under GNU+Linux as a WINE (Windows Emulator) application.
• access to library DVDs and CDs, online audio and video.
• serving custom services to users, such as a web server with pages about the library, links to external articles, my own Tara Knowledge Archives, and so forth.
• additional terminals for staff to complete library work, such as cataloguing.
• group meetings for staff members, Na Gaeil, or otherwise.
• an additional GNU+Linux server for tasks like backup of the primary Koha system and so forth.

Pros

• Inexpensive initial cost and total cost of ownership.
• Demonstrated adequate performance for normal processing tasks.
• Easier to secure and administer one machine than several.
• Remote administration through ssh tunnel.
• Enables access to Internet from library for research/personal use, attracting patrons
• Repeatability and Economy of Scale. I may be working to implement the same system for a not-for-profit called "The Computing Workshop" that teaches computing skills to students on the autistic spectrum.
• Existing free (gratis) GNU+Linux Library Kiosk configurations from which to choose.
• Ability to give specific users access to their own accounts. Disk space will be rationed using the Unix quota system. This will enable users such as those in IAHCL Computer Classes
• CRT monitors are cheaper (around $10) and use about the same amount of power (measured by wattage).
• Only 1 network adaptor is required to service all heads.
• Users can have persistent profiles stored on the machine for work spanning multiple days/sessions.

Cons

• Not yet tested. While many aspects of the system have been tested,
• Inherent security concerns in giving the public access to computers.
• At lower expenditures, used monitors would be required which may or may not be consistent with the image the Library wishes to project.
• There are sometimes situations (although not really in a library setting), where one would wish to have entirely one computer (such as rebooting). However, in Linux, rebooting is rarely needed, even when upgrading the operating system itself!
• This does not take into account separate audio systems. It is possibly possible (modal logic :) ) to create separate, per user audio hardware - more research is needed. This would require an additional number of PCI sound cards. The currently chosen motherboard only has 4 PCI ports, so it would not be possible to have every head have its own sound using this configuration. A solution would be just to use one audio bus for everyone, and have headphones. This is a serious limitation, but not one that in my mind penalizes the overall project too heavily, as separate audio channels is not required for almost all typical library functions.

Maintenance

GNU+Linux is free software and can be maintained by anyone. I use the systems to train future volunteer administrators.

In order to facilitate a rapid response should problems arise, as well as ordinary maintenance, I can if need be configure ellen-trechen to open an ssh tunnel to forward its ssh port to one of my machines, so I can log in without the need for complicated static IP or AP port forwarding techniques. This means that I can log into the system from my house, but that no one else could, enabling secure remote administration.

Budget

Here is a budget for all the components needed for a 4-headed system. Please note that this system does not scale to six due to motherboard limitations. This is not meant to be exact, as prices will change by the time the system is ordered. I will use my expertise with ordering systems and finding best prices to purchase quality hardware at cheap prices avoiding Lemon brands (such as Maxtor/E-Machines).

Base System

4 X of this list

The total price arrives at $330 + 4 X $55 = $550. If cheaper video cards are selected, price will be $450. Another $50 could be saved through the selection of a cheaper processor, yielding $400! This figure does not include USB hubs and power cables, which would be around $15-$25 tops. If LCD monitors are desired, the price would increase about $200. Suitable increases in expenditure can result in improved component specifications, although the system itself (as opposed to the consoles) is already very powerful. If total frugality is desired, get rid of extra RAM and reduce hard drive for another $50 savings - or use spare components.

Possible 4-Headed Systems: Total Cost

Software

Free (Gratis), Free (Libre).

Volunteer

System will be fully documented so that anyone with GNU+Linux experience could maintain it.

Life-cycle

Invariably, as time progresses and software becomes more complicated, a computer has more and more difficulty keeping up. With this computer, as it gets older, in a few years time, we can simply reduce the number of "heads" it has, from 6 or 4 down to 3 or 2 and then finally just 1, until it finally is metaphorically killed by Amergin. The keyboard/mouse/monitor can then be used for other systems.