I forced EVERYONE to use Linux

One Sentence Summary:

The video demonstrates setting up a Linux terminal server to enhance productivity by allowing multiple users to access powerful computing resources simultaneously.

Main Points:

Transitioning from Windows to Linux for better resource management in a video editing environment.
Terminal services allow multiple users to access a single powerful computer simultaneously.
Using low-powered devices, like Raspberry Pi, as thin clients to connect to the terminal server.
Thin Link software enables free Linux terminal services for up to ten users.
Setting up user accounts in Linux is simpler and more efficient than in Windows.
Virtual GL allows remote clients to utilize the server's GPU for enhanced performance.
The server setup requires specific hardware and software configurations for optimal functionality.
Monitoring user sessions and system health can be done through a web administration interface.
Shadowing features allow administrators to view and control user sessions for support.
The project showcases creative collaboration among team members using shared resources effectively.

Takeaways:

Transitioning to Linux can significantly improve resource utilization in collaborative environments.
Using thin clients reduces hardware costs while maintaining access to powerful computing resources.
Thin Link offers a cost-effective solution for terminal services without expensive licensing fees.
Virtual GL enhances graphic performance for remote users, making demanding tasks feasible.
Effective user management and monitoring tools are essential for maintaining productivity and support.

Step By Step:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to migrate from Windows to Linux based on the video transcript you provided:

1. Why Migrate to Linux?

The main motivation for switching from Windows to Linux is to use a Linux terminal server. This will allow multiple users to access a single powerful machine simultaneously, rather than each user needing their own computer.
Software/Tools Mentioned:
- Linux terminal server
- Ubuntu 20.04 (Operating system)
- Windows 11 (Original OS running on the machine)

2. Setting Up the Linux Terminal Server

You’ll need a powerful machine running Ubuntu 20.04 (or any compatible Linux OS).
Install Thin Link on the server to set up the terminal server environment. Thin Link is a free tool for creating a Linux terminal server.

Steps:

Visit syno.com and download Thin Link for administrators.
Extract the downloaded files and find the install server script.
Open the terminal and run the script using:
```
sh /path/to/install-server.sh
```
During installation, select master when prompted to choose the server type (you can set up multiple agent servers later if needed).

Software/Tools Mentioned:

Ubuntu 20.04
Thin Link (Server-side software)

3. Setting Up Users

Add user accounts for everyone who will be using the system. For example, use the add user command in the terminal:
```
sudo adduser [username]
```
Assign sudo privileges if needed by running:
```
sudo usermod -aG sudo [username]
```
If you have many users, you can use LDAP to centralize user management.

Software/Tools Mentioned:

adduser (Linux command)
LDAP (For centralized user management)

4. Client Setup for Remote Access

On the client machine (could be a Raspberry Pi or any lightweight computer), install the Thin Link client. This is the software users will use to remotely connect to the Linux terminal server.
Go to syno.com and download Thin Link for the user’s operating system (e.g., Windows, MacOS, or Linux).
Install Thin Link on the client and enter the IP address of the Linux server to log in.

Software/Tools Mentioned:

Thin Link (Client-side software)

5. Setting Up Hardware Acceleration (Optional but Recommended)

For performance-heavy tasks like video editing or 3D modeling, you can install Virtual GL. This tool will allow the server to use its powerful GPU for tasks being run on the client machine.

Steps:

Download Virtual GL from GitHub and install it on your Linux server.
In the terminal, navigate to the downloads folder and install Virtual GL with:
```
sudo dpkg -i virtualgl-x.x.x.deb
```
Configure Virtual GL to allow your system to use the GPU for remote tasks.

Software/Tools Mentioned:

Virtual GL (For server-side GPU acceleration)

6. Final Configuration and Testing

After installation, test everything by logging into the Thin Link client from a remote machine (like a Raspberry Pi).
Check that all applications (e.g., Blender for 3D modeling, video editing tools) are running smoothly.
Monitor the system performance through Thin Link’s web admin tools.

Software/Tools Mentioned:

Blender (For 3D modeling)
Video editing software (e.g., for rendering)
Thin Link (For monitoring)

7. User Control and Monitoring

You can use Thin Link’s admin tools to manage sessions, monitor user activity, and even control which applications users can access.
You can also “shadow” users’ sessions to monitor their work remotely.

Software/Tools Mentioned:

Thin Link (Admin tools for user management)

8. Enjoy Your New Setup

With everything set up, all users can now access the powerful Linux terminal server from any device, allowing them to work on tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and more without needing powerful individual machines.

Software/Tools Mentioned:

Thin Link (Client and server-side)

This migration will not only make your team more productive but also save on hardware costs, as everyone shares resources from one powerful machine.