Diskless network security By Milosz Szalczynski

What is it? Is a computer system that doesn’t have its own disk and instead it stores its data on a network file server, this works by using the network to load up the operating system. This can reduce the cost of a LAN because on large disk drive is usually less expensive than few little ones. This can simplify back-ups and security as all the data is in one place which is the file server. These machines still have a monitor, motherboard, network card, keyboard and mouse. It loads up the operating system from the network instead of a hard drive.

Where is it used? They are mostly found in corporations, schools and libraries.

Why is it used? It’s much cheaper Saves power No moving part Less likely to fail as there is less parts It’s easy to maintain as you only have to manage the server and not loads of clients More secure, all updates done on the server Replacement is easier as you don’t have to install any software manually

What are the benefits? It’s much cheaper Saves power All the backups are centralized at one single main server. Can operate in places like factory floor where a hard disk might be too fragile.

Disadvantages The main disadvantage is that all this is useless with out network.

Examples Public University Workstation Count: 125 Server Count:  3 (virtualized) Users: 200+ Eclipse programming environment for computer science students.