This term Harcourt School is piloting a new computer network system that is expected to provide significant reductions in energy and maintenance costs along with other significant advantages.  Thin Client work stations have been set up at the school following extensive testing by the District 16 I.S. Team. The product being used is Ncomputing’s  L300 virtual stations. The device is about the size of  three stacked CD cases. The device has a video port to connect a monitor, a network port, a usb keyboard and mouse port, and two remote USB ports. With compact LCD monitors and keyboards the whole assembly is much smaller than the normal  computer and monitor combination. The use of these virtual stations, a first for the Maritimes in a school setting, frees up more desktop space for other work. School users have found that their work stations boot up faster, function faster, and contribute no noise pollution or heat to the classroom. The  benefits of this system includes fewer trips to the recycling plant, (this solid state equipment should have a 10year lifespan) and far less energy consumption, (the stations use 1 to 5 watts in idle state while a desktop computer uses upwards of 100watts).  The end user cannot see a difference from running any Windows7 desktop. Most importantly, when completed there will be only one computer in the school, (the server). The I.S. team can install and support software without sending a technician on 160km round trip from Miramichi to service the school. In a year where budget restraints are being implemented this product is offering reduced technical support and energy costs, an almost carbon neutral environment, and a faster, cooler, and more quiet computing environment for students and teachers.    Former Work Station               New Work StationNew Network Server