The cluster machines differ from debathena-workstation machines in a few ways:
- serial reusability ("login chroots")
- Users get root privileges
- larvnet (workstation monitoring)
- central syslogging
- software metrics
- hardcoded printer list
- session-duration-limiting software ("bugme", on quickstation only)
- "thirdparty" software (a giant metapackage pulling in a ton of Ubuntu software)
- screensavers lock after 10 minutes and can be logged out after 20.
- A number of disabled services:
- "fast user switching"
- sshd
The key packages here are:
- debathena-kiosk: Creates the "Browse the web/register for account" button the GDM login screen
- debathena-cluster-login-config: Responsible for disabling tty logins, preventing fast-user-switching, disables some GNOME session types which interact poorly with our environment, installs some mandatory gconf keys.
- `debathena-larvnet: Creates busyd and larvnet-wrapper, which report the machine's status (free or in use).
- debathena-reactivate: Provides serial reusability via login chroots, sets the public root password, ensures users are in the correct local admin groups for the duration of their session.
- debathena-syslog-config: Configures central syslogging to wslogger.mit.edu
- debathena-metrics: Reports the names of binaries executed during the login session. Before you put on your robe and tinfoil hat, read this
- debathena-bugme: Quickstations only. Responsible for the 10 minute timer.
- debathena-recovery-mode-config: Adds some options to the "recovery mode" menu.