NepaLinux 2.0 LTSP enabled DVD comprising both the GNOME and KDE Desktop Environments has been released by Madan Puraskar Pustakalya on August 17, 2007. Earlier, some other Linux distributions in combination with Language Interface Pack had been deployed owing to the lack of LTSP support in NepaLinux previous releases. With this  new LTSP enabled DVD released, it is expected that many rural schools, telecentres and cybercafes would greatly benefit as this release takes into consideration the shortcomings over the previous provisions.

The hard copies of the DVD are available at Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya while the downloadable version of the DVD would soon be made available in the internet.

What is LTSP?

LTSP stands for Linux Terminal Server Project, which adds thin client support to the Linux servers. It is used to allow many terminals to simultaneously access the same computer. Applications run on the server with a terminal known as a thin client handling input and output.

LTSP is becoming more popular in schools and cyber cafes as it allows them to access the computers without purchasing the expensive desktop machines. The idea is to use thin client machines that are less costly than the standard computers. In traditional system there are relatively high powered Intel based PC's spread around at every desk. Each with several gigabytes of hard disk space. Users store their own data on the local hard drives. Fortunately, there is another way. Utilizing the LTSP, you can take very low-end PCs, remove the hard drive, floppy drive and CD-ROM, and add a bootable network card.

Uses of NepaLinux 2.0 with LTSP

NepaLinux, like some of the other popular Linux distributions, supports LTSP now. As NepaLinux is a localized Linux distribution in Nepali language, all the thin clients can log into Nepali environment.

NepaLinux 2.0 with LTSP support can be used in schools and cyber cafes in order to reduce their expeses significantly. They can use one high-configuration system to install NepaLinux and use other machines with pxe boot enabled, without having hard drive, floppy drive and CD-ROM.

It can be implemented in sectors like government schools, telecenters, where language is a major barrier for utilizing computer technology, as all the desktop environment and applications such as office suite, Internet applications, multimedia applications, etc. are localized.

Using LTSP with Nepalinux 2.0:

NepaLinux 2.0 is an installlable Live DVD. In order to install NepaLinux 2.0, simply follow the steps from the installation manual accessible from "Applications ----> system Tools ----> NepaLinux English Installation manual"

After the installation  to configure LTSP, change the IP address setting of your system. Set the default IP setting  to 192.168.0.1. If you want to use your own settings, you need to change the dhcp configuration file located at /etc/dhcpd3/dhcpd.conf.

Now configure your clients to boot from their network card which has pxe.