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Linda-

The DiscoverStation, by a company called Userful, is a thin client system, where what the end user sits at is really just a terminal as opposed to a PC (though it should look the same to them). A number of these terminals is controlled by a server. So this is a whole system you would be buying that I assume would include both hardware and software - though you might be able to use at least some of your existing older computers.

This type of system does have it's advantages, and I have heard from libraries who use and like the Userful system (anybody out there tried it?). Whether it is a good fit and cost effective for your particular situation is a much more involved situation. It's hard to compare it directly with security software meant to install on individual existing pc's. By the way - please don't download and use the Gates Security Tool any more unless you have a specific reason you need to (like you are running Windows 2000). Instead take a look at the Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit - it's free, supported by MS and is better than the Security Tool.

But if you are looking at buying new computers (Hardware Upgrade grant?) the DiscoverStation system is probably worth comparing to the buying a bunch of new computers and installing the MS Toolkit on them. My sense is that from an initial cost standpoint, it really depends on how many stations/pc's you need, and exactly what hardware you need to buy in each case. At a large scale the Userful system should be cheaper, but at a smaller scale, individual pc's are. I'm not sure where that line is where they are about the same.

My one other concern about them is just the long term support questions. The system is supposed to be much easier to maintain on the software end, because you are only maintaining the server - you don't have software installed on individual pc's. But because it is a somewhat unique system, someone at your library needs to learn it, and if they leave, someone else needs to learn it, etc. You aren't as likely to find someone in your area who already knows how to support it.

Anybody out there with more thin client experience?

Hi there,
Anyone have any experience with DiscoverStation? I'm curious to know about cost -- is it affordable for small libraries? I am also curious, of course, about performance. Do the machines work well?

Thank you!
Brenda

I haven't really heard anything more lately either, but I am fairly out of touch with ground level pac implementation these days - my work no longer is directly connected with public access.

I can say that I have heard pretty much only positive things from people who have used these systems. Perhaps if Chris J. or Chris P see this they may have some more recent experience to add?

Dale

Hi--I visited the Malden (MA) Public Library to look at the system. It has been there for 3 years and the Ref/IT Librarian, Stephen Nedell, loves it. I am sure he would answer questions. His email is snedell@maldenpubliclibrary.org.