Thinstation is a Linux-based distribution designed for thin clients that operate without loading from disk, connecting from a central server. It is often used with services such as remote desktop, Citrix, VNC, RDP, and SSH.

1. System Requirements

x86-based computer (Pentium 4 or later recommended)
At least 512 MB RAM
USB or PXE boot supported BIOS
USB or CD/DVD media for testing by writing the ISO

2. Required Software and Preparations

2.1 Downloading Thinstation Resources

Obtain the latest images from Thinstation's official GitHub repository or community forums:

git clone https://github.com/Thinstation/thinstation.git
cd thinstation

2.2 Setting Up the Compilation Environment for Configuration (Ubuntu/Debian)

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git gcc make syslinux squashfs-tools genisoimage p7zip-full

3. Configuration and Compilation

Thinstation is compiled by being customized with configuration files.

3.1 Preparation

cd thinstation/build
./build --allmodules

3.2 Customization (ts.conf)

Edit the thinstation.conf.buildtime file under the build/conf/ directory:

NET_USE=Yes
NET_DHCP=On
SESSION_0_TYPE=rdesktop
SESSION_0_RDESKTOP_SERVER=192.168.1.10
SESSION_0_RDESKTOP_OPTIONS="-f -u kullanici -p sifre"

Similar parameters can be added for protocols such as RDP, VNC, and SSH.

4. ISO Creation

./build

At the end of this process, the thinstation.iso file is created in the build/images/ folder.

5. Thinstation Running Options

5.1 Writing to USB Media

sudo dd if=build/images/thinstation.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync

Note: /dev/sdX must be your correct USB device. Incorrect selection will result in data loss.

5.2 PXE Boot Environment

By setting up a TFTP server, clients can be booted over the network:

Edit the /etc/dnsmasq.conf file as follows:

port=0
dhcp-range=192.168.1.50,192.168.1.150,12h
dhcp-boot=pxelinux.0
enable-tftp
tftp-root=/tftpboot

Copy the necessary files from the build/netboot/ folder to the /tftpboot directory.

6. Client Setup and Testing

USB or PXE priority boot is set via BIOS on appropriate hardware.
Network settings are automatically configured (if DHCP is enabled)
The remote desktop session is automatically started.

7. Extra Settings

Session count can be increased: SESSION_1_TYPE=...
Static IP: NET_DHCP=Off, NET_IP_ADDRESS=...
Language/Keyboard: KEYBOARD_LAYOUT=tr
Local printer, sound card, USB devices can be supported.

8. Common Problems and Solutions

Black screen: Server IP may be incorrect or ports may be closed.
Doesn't boot: ISO file may be written incorrectly.
No network: DHCP or hardware may be incompatible.

9. Conclusion

Thinstation is a very flexible and lightweight solution for organizations that want to set up network-based client systems. When configured correctly, it can even repurpose old hardware as remote desktop clients.