idea: a managed linux distribution, for weak users

[billycrook at gmail.com]

I've long thought it would be neat for broadband ISPs to provide a
netbooted connectivity/hardware testing OS.  It won't corrupt itself
since you won't be able to change the master image on the server, and
it could easily be used for web browsing.  Then again, would you trust
your ISP to execute code on your machines?  I wouldn't.  And I
seriously doubt ISPs want to do anything more than they're doing now,
or support it.

If you really thought it was something people could buy, and wanted to
do it, you could re-sell time warner's infrastructure like earthlink,
aol, roadrunner, and planetKC do.  You'd be running the dhcp servers,
so you could do it if you were so inclined.  Call Time warner to draft
up the paperwork.

There are a number of lightweight, cheap computers that fit on the
back of a monitor and netboot for this sort of thing.  Cheap enough to
rent out to people at a $5 a month, upcharge from the regular
connection package.  Your biggest cost will be support.

On 2008-08-20, Bradley Hook <bhook at kssb.net> wrote:
> A) Computer provided in the package, providing standardized hardware.
> B) Sub-contracted ISP services should be included, so that the
> management group is authorized to contact the ISP and make changes or
> request support, and all participants have a minimum amount of
> connectivity.
>
> I actually know a considerable number of people that would love a setup
> like this, but I don't see it being feasible within an acceptable cost
> range.
>
> Altogether a novel idea, but most likely impractical.
>
> ~Bradley
>
>
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