[ILUG] Computers for schools

[Gavin McCullagh]

On Sat, 17 Feb 2007, Shane wrote:

> My attitude to this is that
> 1) The ECDL should be renamed MSCDL...that is MicroSoft Computer Driving 
> License, as that is all that is taught.  The first step would be to have 
> Openoffice as the main application.

Microsoft certainly don't believe this.  At least judging by the fact that
they are going around schools with an alternative Microsoft version which
-- needless to say -- is completely centred around their software.  I know
of at least one school that has been tempted over along with various
licenses at zero purchase cost.

> 2) Schools should be encouraged to use a netboot/ thin(or fat) 
> client/application server system, thereby vastly extending the useful 
> life of the client computers.  With local swap space, these clients 
> could easily see a 20 year life, albeit, with more frequent blasts of 
> compressed air to allow them to keep cool !.

Have you looked at Edubuntu or Skolelinux/Debian-Edu.  A number of schools
in Ireland are using these right now.

> I look after the IT needs of 2 primary schools, but only one of them has 
> any interest in deviating from the simplest route.  They certainly, are 
> open to trying alternatives.  Is there anyone out there who could assist 
> me in that pursuit ?

I help out in a secondary school which is using Edubuntu now for about
15-20 thin clients.  If you want to come and have a look or whatever,
you're very welcome.  Join the edubuntu-users mailing list and you'll get
help from several (myself included) there.

Gavin