I'm looking to switch a fleet of kiosk computers from Windows to Linux at my workplace. The kiosks are primarily used for browsing and displaying screensavers, so they don't require complex setups. However, I need a way to remotely manage these machines once they are deployed. This includes updating the operating system and browser, as well as executing other tasks when necessary. We currently use PDQ Deploy for Windows management but need to find a straightforward and free equivalent for Linux. I've seen mention of tools like Puppet, Saltstack, and Ansible, but they seem quite complex, and our Linux knowledge is limited—mostly hobbyist level. Ideally, I'd like a simple method for sending terminal commands to multiple devices, even across different subnets. Any suggestions?
6 Answers
Puppet can also be really effective here since it has a 'call home' feature, while Ansible connects directly to the kiosks. However, Ansible can be configured to work in a pull mode as well, which may simplify things for you.
Keep in mind that if you're introducing Linux into an environment where your team isn't very familiar with it, you'll want to ensure you have a solid reason for the switch. Otherwise, you might face challenges down the line, especially when it comes to troubleshooting updates.
I get that, but we don't really have any Windows admins either. With a kiosk, I believe managing Linux would be simpler than the quirks we face with Windows.
Ansible is probably your best bet for something simple, although it has a bit of a learning curve. It's quite straightforward for larger deployments, allowing you to push updates or run commands across multiple machines simultaneously.
Thanks! Before tools like that existed, was it ever possible to just send terminal commands to a bunch of machines remotely?
For managing a large fleet like that, I'd recommend checking out NetBoot. It allows you to image and manage devices more easily. If you're concerned about the complexity of initial setup, just note that you can create a complete customized desktop and then netboot all the machines onto it.
That sounds interesting, but it seems like a big undertaking. Would it be hard to customize everything needed to boot correctly?
Another tool to consider is Veyon. It's great for managing multiple PCs as it allows you to send commands downstream easily. Plus, you can remotely access them through the Veyon console if anything goes wrong.
I'll definitely give Veyon a look; I've heard good things!
In terms of configuration management, most package managers support automated patching. If you're okay with a bit of scripting, you could set up unattended-upgrades, which is a part of Debian and Ubuntu, to keep your systems updated without hassle.
Is there a particular site where I can find the free FOSS version? It doesn't seem easy to find!