Linux Format forums

hyweljones · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 1:14 pm Post subject: Scrap Our Network!

I work for an NHS hospital (not in IT, I'm a nurse) and we have this terrible network that runs mostly on novell netware and is such a shambles that you require one password to get onto the system (which you have to annoyly change every 21 days), another password for your email once you are on the system, and to use the internet, a firewall password. Depending on which computer you log onto you'll be able to get a your space on the server. Thats not mentioning the specialist areas such as the patient administration system, X-ray, pathology etc each having their own set of rules!
Now nurses are generally simple IT creatures with little clue to how these things actuall work. I know a little about IT and the whole system baffles me. Its real life equvilent is the car thats had its fan belt replaced by a pair of tights, the engine runs on old chip fat, has different colour doors and panels and only starts when you whack a solenoid with a sledgehammer.
What Linux systems could replace this ancient relic with a nice up to date way of getting single sign on and off you go with access to what you're allowed to and restricted from what you are not?

linuxgirlie · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 2:09 pm Post subject: RE: Scrap Our Network!

Have never had it running in the NHS but (shameful plug...) a cut down version of karoshi (www.karoshi.org.uk) sounds ideal, no technical knowledge is needed and its one password for everything. Though you may find that not being in technical support may hinder your chances of convincing anyone important!

Jo
_________________
My knowledge comes with no warranty...........

Server operating system designed for schools:www.linuxschools.com

hyweljones · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 2:28 pm Post subject:

Sounds good for the first few problems (ie one password for sign on email and firewall) but I think the real challenge would be to get these ancient systems like the patient admin system, etc to run with it. If I'm not mistaken, through a little network probing Wink

these are run on SCOUNIX servers and themselves have separate password/username combo's, and are run from windows desktops (mainly 95, and 98!!!!) using an emulation terminal. Confused

So, is it a case of backing up these databases and transferring them onto something compatable with karoshi?

I wouldn't worry about me not being in tech support. I think there are only 3 people working for IT in our hospital (it is small) and I'm always causing trouble and picking fights! Laughing

hyweljones · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 2:37 pm Post subject:

While on the subject, I'm running a samba file server at home (affectionally know as "ol' Whirry") which works beautifully for windows clients but I have trouble with mandriva grinding to a halt when trying to access shares, transfer files and open mounted shares in applications. Can karoshiathome work in this way?

gch15 · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 2:43 pm Post subject:

Novell Netware! Haven't heard of it in a long time. It is bringing back some (not very nice) memories!
Is this setup unique to your hospital or is it a NHS-wide thing?

linuxgirlie · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 3:15 pm Post subject:

Karoshi at Home will setup a full window/linux client network and we have yet to have anyone who has talked about slow transers etc. As long as you make a backup of your files you should give it a go and let me know if it helps, if it doesnt there maybe something wrong on your hardware.

SoI take it that you are running some sort of database on the servers? Should of thought about that, I have seen several open source patient databases but not sure if they would be a good alternative or not. If you can convince them we would put in a good amount of work to get a soloution that is perfect for you....lol KaroshiNHS ... hehe

Jo
_________________
My knowledge comes with no warranty...........

Server operating system designed for schools:www.linuxschools.com

hyweljones · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 12:21 pm Post subject:

hyweljones · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 12:23 pm Post subject:

M0PHP · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:19 pm Post subject:

I'd have thought that all NHS hosptials would have a unified network infastructure and database between them all, where an employee could be transferred (for example) from one hospital to another and have the same interface for managing appointments and whatever other information is required. Rolling Eyes

And this is from the same government that wants to introduce an electronic national ID card scheme!! Evil or Very Mad

hyweljones · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 4:05 pm Post subject: