- Cost Savings. While computer prices have fallen dramatically in the past few years, there are still many schools (public and private) which find that they have difficulty funding their computer technology programs. There is a cost to the purchase of computers, there are software purchase and licensing fees, and their is the overhead of maintenance (both paid and unpaid) on the computers. While Total Cost of Ownership Studies (TCO) have produced varied results and are quickly outdated, most schools have had the experience of finding that substantial moneys have been invested in technology, often when other programs are at risk. Within three or four years of intial purchases, most schools find that they are actively looking at having to purchase new computers. As well, there are some schools that just don't have the funding for computers at all, and therefore receiving donated or subsidized computers are their only options.
- A Commitment to Reuse. While not nearly as compelling as the cost concerns to most schools, the re-use of computers in a school can be motivated by a desire to model the responsible use of resources. It is my hope that this aspect of computer reuse, while not considered practical by many, will be given more of an opportunity to succeed through the ideas below.
- Technical Education. Just as the automobiles worked on in a shop class don't need to be (and shouldn't be) only the latest models, technical classes on computer repair and upgrading, as well as some programming and network studies, provide a good environment for used computers.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Reasons to Consider Computer Reuse in Schools
There appear to be three main reasons that schools can and do consider the use of used computer equipment.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Thinking About Computer Reuse in Schools
As many schools lament their ability to provide adequate computing resources for their students, the EPA estimates that 60 million PC are obsoleted in this country each year. Of those, best guesses are that only 200,000 are refurbished and find their way to our K-12 schools. That's roughly two computers per school.
Schools may also (understandably) be concerned that any effort to provide a broader framework for the implementation of used computers in schools will result in schools being forced to use equipment that is outmoded or outdated--or, worse still, that the schools will have to become the mechanism for the disposal of computers "dumped" on them. And there definitely is the need for policy discussions relating to computer re-use and recycling.
But it would certainly appear that access to computers, and the ability to use them effectively, computers, will significantly impact the educational and financial future of the children in our school system. Schools spend a significant amount of money on computer technology, sometimes to the detriment of other important programs--and so it would be important for us to understand if there are good ways to reuse computers in schools that allow for broader access at lower costs.
In Canada, where admittedly they are more inclined to create government programs to accomplish social goals, one in four computers in schools has come from their government-run "Computers for Schools" refurbishment program. "Computers for Schools" has provided more than 650,000 computers to schools and public libraries since its inception, with literally all government surplus computers being processed through this program, and one in every four computers in their schools coming from this program. They now delivers in excess of 100,000 additional computers each year (with a general population almost a tenth of the United States, that is roughly 5 times as many computers being reused in schools, per capita, than in the US ). A fuller discussion of that program is outside the goals of this post (since the program is subsidized on several fronts by both public and private entities), but it does provide an opportunity to consider that the re-use of computers in schools can be accomplished on a broad scale in a way that is seen as beneficial to all involved. If we can find a way to help make used computers a reasonable and viable part in our schools, as many schools have done, then we have the opportunity to increase the exposure and usage of computers to students--for many of whom, having good computer skills will make a huge difference in their lives.
Schools may also (understandably) be concerned that any effort to provide a broader framework for the implementation of used computers in schools will result in schools being forced to use equipment that is outmoded or outdated--or, worse still, that the schools will have to become the mechanism for the disposal of computers "dumped" on them. And there definitely is the need for policy discussions relating to computer re-use and recycling.
But it would certainly appear that access to computers, and the ability to use them effectively, computers, will significantly impact the educational and financial future of the children in our school system. Schools spend a significant amount of money on computer technology, sometimes to the detriment of other important programs--and so it would be important for us to understand if there are good ways to reuse computers in schools that allow for broader access at lower costs.
In Canada, where admittedly they are more inclined to create government programs to accomplish social goals, one in four computers in schools has come from their government-run "Computers for Schools" refurbishment program. "Computers for Schools" has provided more than 650,000 computers to schools and public libraries since its inception, with literally all government surplus computers being processed through this program, and one in every four computers in their schools coming from this program. They now delivers in excess of 100,000 additional computers each year (with a general population almost a tenth of the United States, that is roughly 5 times as many computers being reused in schools, per capita, than in the US ). A fuller discussion of that program is outside the goals of this post (since the program is subsidized on several fronts by both public and private entities), but it does provide an opportunity to consider that the re-use of computers in schools can be accomplished on a broad scale in a way that is seen as beneficial to all involved. If we can find a way to help make used computers a reasonable and viable part in our schools, as many schools have done, then we have the opportunity to increase the exposure and usage of computers to students--for many of whom, having good computer skills will make a huge difference in their lives.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
What Are the Limitations of Proprietary Software?
Proprietary software, or software in which the code is hidden and protected (which is what most of us are used to using), might be compared to a car with a sealed engine compartment, limiting the users ability to diagnose, fix, or improve on their purchase, and requiring the manufacturer to be involved in any problem solving. Like this protected car, proprietary software can be very functional and have real value to the user. There are some real drawbacks, however, to this model:
1. Programmers or students are limited in their ability to to learn both how the software and their computer work (just as with a sealed-engine car, there can only driver's training courses, but not shop classes).
2. Users have a limited ability to address problems or errors that arise, as they require the manufacturer's involvement to be fixed, and which is done on the manufacturer's timetable (like having to take your car to a special, authorized dealer for any work).
3. Manufacturers can go out of business, or can determine that they will no longer support existing software, leaving the users without any support or requiring that they purchase new software (like having to a car the manufacturer will no longer service).
1. Programmers or students are limited in their ability to to learn both how the software and their computer work (just as with a sealed-engine car, there can only driver's training courses, but not shop classes).
2. Users have a limited ability to address problems or errors that arise, as they require the manufacturer's involvement to be fixed, and which is done on the manufacturer's timetable (like having to take your car to a special, authorized dealer for any work).
3. Manufacturers can go out of business, or can determine that they will no longer support existing software, leaving the users without any support or requiring that they purchase new software (like having to a car the manufacturer will no longer service).
Why Is Thin-client Linux Such a Good Fit for Schools?
Linux thin client addresses two aspects of computer use in schools that have been particularly problematic.
The first is financial. Schools are expected to provide computing resources for students, but many find that it is an enormous financial burden to do so. Detailed studies indicate that most schools spend on average $2400 per computer per year, factoring in the purchase price, upkeep and maintenance costs, software licenses and upgrade fees, virus- and spyware-protection measures, and staff time. If the principal has to take the role of computer technician, as is sometimes the case, his or her valuable time that is needed for other projects is often spent diagnosing and repairing computers. Many schools will spend a substantial amount to modernize their computer technology, only to find that three or four years later they have to spend an equivalent amount again. Thin-client Linux may not meet all of a school's computing requirements, but it can take care of a very large percentage of general computer use by students (web research, word processing, spreadsheet use, and presentation-building), thereby freeing up funds for other school programs or salaries. Just as a family might need a more costly car for vacations and car-pools, but drives a more modest sedan or pickup truck to run local errands, there is no reason to use the most expensive computers for regular tasks.
The second aspect is academic. More than ever, colleges and businesses are indicating that fewer and fewer students are coming out of school with adequate computer technical skills—at the very time that computers have become more widely available in schools. This is because the focus on Windows® and commercial (or “proprietary”) software that has dominated school teaching environments does not easily allow for the teaching of computer and programming skills. Not only is there an expense to the commercial software, but most of the code of that software is protected, or hidden, thereby eliminating some of the most significant aspects of learning that might take place. The students are then trained in what appear to be complex programs, but are actually learning skills that the business world would classify as “clerical.” There is another unfortunate consequence to this model. Not all students who learn to use a $500 program on a $1000 computer are likely to be able to afford those on their own after they graduate, putting them in the position of not being able to continue to practice their skills, or potentially pressuring them to use “pirated” versions of the software. Open Source programming software, which is 1) free, 2) as highly regarded as any commercial software, and 3) able to run on older computer hardware, becomes the logical choice for the teaching environment, but does not have the marketing dollars behind it which drive the adoption of commercial software by schools. The exodus of programming jobs from the United State to India and other lower-income countries would appear to be a direct result of their ability to learn those programs which are most needed, not those which have been most vigorously marketed. Linux and thin-client Linux have typically been considered only by schools that have hit a financial impasse and have been forced to search for an alternative; only then do they discover that it is often not just better for the school because of price, but also because of the end-result of its use.
The first is financial. Schools are expected to provide computing resources for students, but many find that it is an enormous financial burden to do so. Detailed studies indicate that most schools spend on average $2400 per computer per year, factoring in the purchase price, upkeep and maintenance costs, software licenses and upgrade fees, virus- and spyware-protection measures, and staff time. If the principal has to take the role of computer technician, as is sometimes the case, his or her valuable time that is needed for other projects is often spent diagnosing and repairing computers. Many schools will spend a substantial amount to modernize their computer technology, only to find that three or four years later they have to spend an equivalent amount again. Thin-client Linux may not meet all of a school's computing requirements, but it can take care of a very large percentage of general computer use by students (web research, word processing, spreadsheet use, and presentation-building), thereby freeing up funds for other school programs or salaries. Just as a family might need a more costly car for vacations and car-pools, but drives a more modest sedan or pickup truck to run local errands, there is no reason to use the most expensive computers for regular tasks.
The second aspect is academic. More than ever, colleges and businesses are indicating that fewer and fewer students are coming out of school with adequate computer technical skills—at the very time that computers have become more widely available in schools. This is because the focus on Windows® and commercial (or “proprietary”) software that has dominated school teaching environments does not easily allow for the teaching of computer and programming skills. Not only is there an expense to the commercial software, but most of the code of that software is protected, or hidden, thereby eliminating some of the most significant aspects of learning that might take place. The students are then trained in what appear to be complex programs, but are actually learning skills that the business world would classify as “clerical.” There is another unfortunate consequence to this model. Not all students who learn to use a $500 program on a $1000 computer are likely to be able to afford those on their own after they graduate, putting them in the position of not being able to continue to practice their skills, or potentially pressuring them to use “pirated” versions of the software. Open Source programming software, which is 1) free, 2) as highly regarded as any commercial software, and 3) able to run on older computer hardware, becomes the logical choice for the teaching environment, but does not have the marketing dollars behind it which drive the adoption of commercial software by schools. The exodus of programming jobs from the United State to India and other lower-income countries would appear to be a direct result of their ability to learn those programs which are most needed, not those which have been most vigorously marketed. Linux and thin-client Linux have typically been considered only by schools that have hit a financial impasse and have been forced to search for an alternative; only then do they discover that it is often not just better for the school because of price, but also because of the end-result of its use.
Linux Thin Client: How It Works, Benefits, & Drawbacks
How Does Thin-client Linux Work?
Linux is extraordinarily well-suited for the thin-client environment. The code-sharing capability of Linux allows a server that might be able to run relatively few programs in Windows® sessions to host dozens of Linux users. (It's even better than that—the second user of a program on a thin-client Linux network is generally able to start the program faster than the first user because the code is already loaded into memory.) Older pcs are then converted to run as super-fast thin-client workstations, or new specialty thin-client machines can be purchased, and they are connected by a regular computer network to the server. While usually priced close to the level of a low-end pc, a new thin-client machine is typically very small, quiet, and energy-efficient, since it does not require many of the components that a regular pc does.
What Are the Advantages of Thin-client Linux?
What Are the Limitations of Thin-client Linux?
Linux is extraordinarily well-suited for the thin-client environment. The code-sharing capability of Linux allows a server that might be able to run relatively few programs in Windows® sessions to host dozens of Linux users. (It's even better than that—the second user of a program on a thin-client Linux network is generally able to start the program faster than the first user because the code is already loaded into memory.) Older pcs are then converted to run as super-fast thin-client workstations, or new specialty thin-client machines can be purchased, and they are connected by a regular computer network to the server. While usually priced close to the level of a low-end pc, a new thin-client machine is typically very small, quiet, and energy-efficient, since it does not require many of the components that a regular pc does.
What Are the Advantages of Thin-client Linux?
- Significantly decreased maintenance. This is due to both the stability and the reliability of Linux (the “uptime”--or time between reboots--of Linux servers is often measured in years), and the fact that only the server requires any maintenance or updating. A new program for all users only has to be installed once on the server. Computer technicians can typically support 5-times as many Linux machines as Windows® machines (or more) because Linux is so trouble-free. Also, should a client workstation fail, another thin client can immediately be plugged into the system in its place--without the tedious processes of reinstalling software and restoring data.
- Control of individual computer usage. A user is not able to load pirated or problematic software on an individual machine, and only those programs which the school wants students to be using are loaded on the server and thereby are available on the workstations.
- No virus or spyware vulnerability. Linux has been built from the ground up with security in mind, and like the Apple Macintosh (which is based on Linux's cousin, Unix), it is significantly immune to the viruses and spyware that typically plague personal computers.
- No software licensing or upgrade fees. Not only can you now purchase a computer that will run 50 or 60 workstations at what most of us remember paying for a single-user pc only a few years ago, but you can put the Firefox web browser and the Open Office productivity suite on that server, and much more, without any purchase or licensing costs. In fact, a thin-client Linux server can come loaded with dozens of free educational and productivity software packages, all of which are part of the Open Source software community. eWeek magazine recently reviewed Open Office and recommended that any organizations with fewer than 500 employees use Open Office as their primary office suite. Firefox web browser itself is extremely popular because of its safety and security features. Students are not getting anything less with Open Source software.
- Log-in independence. Because all work is actually done on the server, a user can log in at any machine, having access to their saved work and preferences whether they are on a computer in their classroom, or one in the library, or anywhere else in the school that the thin-client network is set up. Thin-client Linux can even be extended to allow students and teachers to log in from outside of the school.
- Students who work with Linux and Open Source software right now are going to find that they are way ahead of their fellow students in college and the workplace. Because the Open Source software movement allows a greater amount of flexibility and the actual viewing of the software code, those students interested in a computer career can have a significantly richer educational experience working in Linux.
What Are the Limitations of Thin-client Linux?
- It's not Windows®. While most students can quickly and easily switch between an Apple Mac, a Windows® pc, and a Linux thin client, many teachers and school boards are unfamiliar with Linux. Because computers and computer education are already something of a “black box” for them, they are reluctant to add something else, not realizing how much Linux will help them.
- It's not Windows® part II. There is a great abundance of free Linux software available, but you can't purchase it at your local office-supply store then just load it on a computer. Not only are Linux programs written specifically for Linux, but the installation process is different since almost all programs are free and are installed over the internet.
- It's not Windows®, part III. There are some great programs written for Windows® that just aren't available in Linux or don't have a good Linux counterpart. In most cases, schools keep some number of computers running Windows for these specific applications. Another option, since thin-client Linux does not require the workstations hard drive, is to run both Window® and Linux on the workstations (called “dual booting”) depending on the need of the classroom at the time.
- The Thin-client methodology that allows the cost-effective reuse of older, less powerful computers (you can easily use a Pentium or Pentium II computer) also means that you are transferring a lot of video data over the computer network. Some graphic-intensive programs (mostly games) consume more bandwidth than is readily available, and therefore can't be used.
- Streaming video, sound, CD and floppy access, and USB availability require special configurations to work over a thin-client network.
- Linux technical support is perceived to be less readily available than support for Windows®. It is true that most schools have technicians who are not trained in Linux. Many schools also rely on an informal network of parents with computer knowledge, and while a great deal of Linux help is readily available that way, those contacts have not previously been made.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
What Does Thin-client Mean?
Thin-client computing is a “back to the future” technology. Before the advent of the personal computer (pc), mainframe computers powered “dumb terminals,” which were reliable, affordable, and centrally controlled. The adoption of pcs by organizations as their main computing platform was driven by the variety of software being written for the pc, but resulted in the difficult tasks that most organizations are familiar with today: installing, managing, and maintaining individual computers. In a thin-client network, a powerful computer called a “server” does the actual processing tasks, while significantly less powerful computers act as “clients,” just providing the keyboard, mouse, and video-display interaction with the server. To users accustomed to a personal computer, it can be a surprise to learn that the super-fast “client” computer they are sitting at is not actually performing their tasks. As high-end pcs have increased in power and decreased in cost, they are now increasingly being used as servers in thin-client networks. In this configuration, the server alone requires maintenance and configuration, significantly simplifying the support tasks associated with computer use.
What is Free and/or Open Source Software?
Software that is developed openly by a community of programmers may look like a chaotic process close-up, but produces extremely stable results long-term--comparable to the processes of democracy and open-market economies. Linux is just one example of thousands of computer programs that have been “copy-lefted,” a licensing process that immediately puts the program's code into the public domain while at the same time guaranteeing it will stay publicly available. (Sometimes called “share and share alike”). The GNU General Public License, originally written by Richard Stallman, is the most popular of this type of license. The different movements which are generally referred to as “Free and Open Source Software” are motivated by both altruism and pragmatism; by a belief that the ability to work together to create and build upon computer code benefits both the programmer (who can produce better software by not having to start from scratch) and the ultimate users of the software (who get better software). Recent studies have shown open-source software to have many fewer coding errors than proprietary software because of the process of peer review that takes place in the development process. The most widely known example of an Open Source software program is the Apache web server software, which runs over 70% of the world's websites.
What Is Linux?
What Is Linux?
Linux (pronounced “linnuks”) is a computer operating system, like Microsoft Windows® or the Apple Mac OS (the Linux “desktop” or main screen, in fact, looks much like a combination of the two). Linux is most widely known among corporate computer users because of its quality, reliability, and price. Linux has matured to the point where it is now the preferred platform for most of the world's more robust and critical computer systems. Because of the robust Linux programmer community, there are several “flavors” of Linux (known as “distributions”), each specialized in slightly different way. The logo for Linux is a penguin.
Who Created Linux?
In 1991, Linus Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland, started to write a computer operating system. By releasing early versions of the software under a “public” license, Torvalds provided an environment for many other programmers to work together to improve his software, which became known as Linux. It was this commitment to freely available software code, in combination with similarly free programming tools written by Richard Stallman from MIT, that allowed Linux to rapidly become the main alternative to proprietary operating systems.
Linux (pronounced “linnuks”) is a computer operating system, like Microsoft Windows® or the Apple Mac OS (the Linux “desktop” or main screen, in fact, looks much like a combination of the two). Linux is most widely known among corporate computer users because of its quality, reliability, and price. Linux has matured to the point where it is now the preferred platform for most of the world's more robust and critical computer systems. Because of the robust Linux programmer community, there are several “flavors” of Linux (known as “distributions”), each specialized in slightly different way. The logo for Linux is a penguin.
Who Created Linux?
In 1991, Linus Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland, started to write a computer operating system. By releasing early versions of the software under a “public” license, Torvalds provided an environment for many other programmers to work together to improve his software, which became known as Linux. It was this commitment to freely available software code, in combination with similarly free programming tools written by Richard Stallman from MIT, that allowed Linux to rapidly become the main alternative to proprietary operating systems.
Monday, July 11, 2005
NECC 2005 Report
K12 Free and Open Source Software--News & More
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome to NECC '05 Attendees
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A special welcome to all those who attended the Free
and Open Source Software Center at NECC '05 in
Philadelphia. (NECC is the National Educational
Computing Conference, the world's largest educational
technology conference for teachers and technology
coordinators.) The show was a great success, and our
thanks to all who contributed their time and efforts
to demonstrate free and open source software--with
special thanks to the folks at ISTE for all their
support.
Some photos from the show... -
http://www.technologyrescue.com/necc2005.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Open CD - Open Source & Free Software for Windows
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Those who stopped by the Free Software Center at
NECC 2005 were able to pick up a copy of "The Open
CD," with free software for Windows users. This CD
includes OpenOffice, Firefox, GIMP, and much
more--all free to use and copy! If you didn't get a
copy or weren't at the show, you can download the CD
from the link below or call and we'll send you a copy.
theopencd.org - http://www.theopencd.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ubuntu Linux - The Next Great Linux Desktop (and for free!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the most popular give-aways at the show was
the two-CD set of Ubuntu Linux. One CD allows you
to test out Linux by putting it in your CD-Rom drive
and rebooting your machine. The operating system
and programs actually run from your CD without
affecting your hard drive or installed programs.
The other CD is for the brave who decide to install
Ubuntu as your operating system on a PC (a great
choice).
We love Ubuntu here and think you will, too. The
link below will take you to their main website,
where you can download the CDs (Windows or Mac), or
they will send you the actual CDs for free. It
doesn't get better than that.
Ubuntu Linux Main Website - http://www.ubuntulinux.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Moodle: No Room at the Inn!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Moodle is a course management system (CMS). It's a
free, Open Source software package to help educators
create effective online learning communities. And
gauging by the sold-out sessions at NECC, we're
going to hear a lot more about it this year.
We've recently installed Moodle on a server here in
our offices, and it was pretty easy. Not "brainless,"
but not "rocket science" either. And for those who
want to try it out without any work, there are
hosting services for as little as $5 a month for Moodle.
Moodle's Website - http://www.moodle.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resource Corner: Linux Educational Application Index
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some 600 Open Source Educational applications for
the Linux environment, categorized by topic. From
Astronomy to Typing.
Educational Application Index - http://www.richtech.ca/seul
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resource Corner: Table of Linux Replacements for Windows
Programs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
43 pages (printed out) of Windows-equivalent or
replacement programs that are available in Linux.
From technical to recreational, covering pretty much
everything you might want to find for Linux.
Regularly updated.
Equivalent / Replacement Table -
http://www.linuxrsp.ru/win-lin-soft/table-eng.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harvard Business School on Open Source Software
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The Simple Economics of Open Source," a working
paper by Josh Lerner and Jean Tirole, is summarized
by Martha Lagace, Senior Editor, HBS Working
Knowledge newsletter. "Why in the world would
anyone take the time to write complicated software
programs for
free?" she asks, and then describes their answers to
this question.
Harvard Business School Newsletter -
http://www.hbswk.hbs.edu/item.jhtml%3Fid%3D1503%26t%3Dtechnology%26noseek%3Done
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Heart Transplant:" Linux to the Rescue in Utah Lutheran
School
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
250 students, an annual technology budget of $15,000
(used just to keep the administrative and teacher
computers running), and 60 Pentium one and Pentium two
computers that are languishing in the classrooms...
what's a school to do?
Read how Principal Dennis Fangmann and Technology
Rescue resuscitated Grace Lutheran's computing
resources by installing a Linux Server, and turning
their old computers into cutting-edge thin clients.
And on a shoestring budget, no less!
Read the story... -
http://www.technologyrescue.com/gracesandy.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome to NECC '05 Attendees
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A special welcome to all those who attended the Free
and Open Source Software Center at NECC '05 in
Philadelphia. (NECC is the National Educational
Computing Conference, the world's largest educational
technology conference for teachers and technology
coordinators.) The show was a great success, and our
thanks to all who contributed their time and efforts
to demonstrate free and open source software--with
special thanks to the folks at ISTE for all their
support.
Some photos from the show... -
http://www.technologyrescue.com/necc2005.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Open CD - Open Source & Free Software for Windows
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Those who stopped by the Free Software Center at
NECC 2005 were able to pick up a copy of "The Open
CD," with free software for Windows users. This CD
includes OpenOffice, Firefox, GIMP, and much
more--all free to use and copy! If you didn't get a
copy or weren't at the show, you can download the CD
from the link below or call and we'll send you a copy.
theopencd.org - http://www.theopencd.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ubuntu Linux - The Next Great Linux Desktop (and for free!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the most popular give-aways at the show was
the two-CD set of Ubuntu Linux. One CD allows you
to test out Linux by putting it in your CD-Rom drive
and rebooting your machine. The operating system
and programs actually run from your CD without
affecting your hard drive or installed programs.
The other CD is for the brave who decide to install
Ubuntu as your operating system on a PC (a great
choice).
We love Ubuntu here and think you will, too. The
link below will take you to their main website,
where you can download the CDs (Windows or Mac), or
they will send you the actual CDs for free. It
doesn't get better than that.
Ubuntu Linux Main Website - http://www.ubuntulinux.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Moodle: No Room at the Inn!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Moodle is a course management system (CMS). It's a
free, Open Source software package to help educators
create effective online learning communities. And
gauging by the sold-out sessions at NECC, we're
going to hear a lot more about it this year.
We've recently installed Moodle on a server here in
our offices, and it was pretty easy. Not "brainless,"
but not "rocket science" either. And for those who
want to try it out without any work, there are
hosting services for as little as $5 a month for Moodle.
Moodle's Website - http://www.moodle.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resource Corner: Linux Educational Application Index
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some 600 Open Source Educational applications for
the Linux environment, categorized by topic. From
Astronomy to Typing.
Educational Application Index - http://www.richtech.ca/seul
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resource Corner: Table of Linux Replacements for Windows
Programs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
43 pages (printed out) of Windows-equivalent or
replacement programs that are available in Linux.
From technical to recreational, covering pretty much
everything you might want to find for Linux.
Regularly updated.
Equivalent / Replacement Table -
http://www.linuxrsp.ru/win-lin-soft/table-eng.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harvard Business School on Open Source Software
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The Simple Economics of Open Source," a working
paper by Josh Lerner and Jean Tirole, is summarized
by Martha Lagace, Senior Editor, HBS Working
Knowledge newsletter. "Why in the world would
anyone take the time to write complicated software
programs for
free?" she asks, and then describes their answers to
this question.
Harvard Business School Newsletter -
http://www.hbswk.hbs.edu/item.jhtml%3Fid%3D1503%26t%3Dtechnology%26noseek%3Done
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Heart Transplant:" Linux to the Rescue in Utah Lutheran
School
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
250 students, an annual technology budget of $15,000
(used just to keep the administrative and teacher
computers running), and 60 Pentium one and Pentium two
computers that are languishing in the classrooms...
what's a school to do?
Read how Principal Dennis Fangmann and Technology
Rescue resuscitated Grace Lutheran's computing
resources by installing a Linux Server, and turning
their old computers into cutting-edge thin clients.
And on a shoestring budget, no less!
Read the story... -
http://www.technologyrescue.com/gracesandy.html
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Summer 2005 Open Source in Education Notes
News and helpful tips from the world of Linux and
Open Source for the K12 community.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
eSchool News Special Report on Open-Source Software
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A seven-page report on the dramatic impact that
open-source software can have on schools, featuring
K12LTSP (the K-12 Linux Terminal Server Project).
Online Editor Daniel David says: "People sometimes
assume that the only benefit of open-source
software is that it costs less--much less--than
licensed products that dominate the current network
landscape. While reduced costs are a major benefit,
the buzz surrounding open source is about more than
saving money. That's because many people see open-
source software as faster, more reliable, less prone
to viruses and security threats, and more flexible in its
ability to adapt to new technologies than the
operating systems most schools are currently
running."
The site requires a free registration to look at this
article.
eSchool's "Open-Source Software" article... -
http://.eschoolnews.com%2Fnews%2FshowStorysr.cfm%3FArticleID%3D5662
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Highly-Anticipated (and Debated) Becta Project Report
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Becta, the British Educational Communications and
Technology Agency, released last Friday their much-
anticipated report on "Open Source Software in
Schools." Their study of 48 schools looks at
effectiveness, TCO (total cost of ownership), support
costs, and the future for Open Source software in
schools.
Most controversial: "For OSS [open source software]
schools, cost per PC at primary school level was half
that of non-OSS schools..."
"Open Source Software in Schools" from Becta... -
http://www.becta.org.uk%2Fcorporate%2Fpublications%2Fdocuments%2FBEC5606_Full_report18.pdf
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Microsoft (tm) Announces WinXP Thin Client in the Works
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Microsoft (tm) announced this past week that they
are working on a thin-client version of Windows XP
(tm) that will work on used computer equipment.
Code-name: Eiger. Only in its initial development, but
with plenty of publicity, it would appear that Eiger is
a response to the growing awareness of Linux thin
client technology.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resource Corner: New "Linux in Classrooom" Website
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shawn Powers, the Technology Director at Inland
Lakes Schools, has created a new website "dedicated
to helping teachers use linux in their classrooms."
This is a wonderful idea that we hope will help with
the non-technical aspects of using Open Source
software in schools.
We encourage those of you on the front lines--
teaching Linux in your schools--to visit this site and
help build the body of non-technical, curriculum-
oriented resources for teachers.
Visit Linux in the Classroom... -
http://linux.inlandlakes.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resource Corner (Continued): K-12 Win CD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Luis Montes, has just released version 4.2.1 of the
k12wincd.
This CD provides "an image of software that parents
may wish to install for their children that go to a
school using K12LTSP. It can be thought of as a
take home companion CD for students using Windows
at home, but k12 linux at school."
Download from this site... -
http://k12wincd.sourceforge.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
K12LTSP/LTSP Demonstrations: Illinois, Iowa, & Missouri
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, May 24th, 7:00 pm at the Linux Users of
Central Illinois (www.luci.org)
Wednesday, May 25, 1:00 pm at the Center for
Business and Industry Services, RiverPark Place, 610
North 4th Street, Room 103, Burlington, IA 52627.
To register and for more information, contact:
Bruce Huddleson (bhuddleson@scciowa.edu).
Thursday, May 26, 6:30 pm at St. Charles [County]
Linux Users Group (STC LUG)
http://www.sluug.org/~stclug/
Here's to affordable, reliable, and stable computing in
schools!
Open Source for the K12 community.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
eSchool News Special Report on Open-Source Software
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A seven-page report on the dramatic impact that
open-source software can have on schools, featuring
K12LTSP (the K-12 Linux Terminal Server Project).
Online Editor Daniel David says: "People sometimes
assume that the only benefit of open-source
software is that it costs less--much less--than
licensed products that dominate the current network
landscape. While reduced costs are a major benefit,
the buzz surrounding open source is about more than
saving money. That's because many people see open-
source software as faster, more reliable, less prone
to viruses and security threats, and more flexible in its
ability to adapt to new technologies than the
operating systems most schools are currently
running."
The site requires a free registration to look at this
article.
eSchool's "Open-Source Software" article... -
http://.eschoolnews.com%2Fnews%2FshowStorysr.cfm%3FArticleID%3D5662
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Highly-Anticipated (and Debated) Becta Project Report
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Becta, the British Educational Communications and
Technology Agency, released last Friday their much-
anticipated report on "Open Source Software in
Schools." Their study of 48 schools looks at
effectiveness, TCO (total cost of ownership), support
costs, and the future for Open Source software in
schools.
Most controversial: "For OSS [open source software]
schools, cost per PC at primary school level was half
that of non-OSS schools..."
"Open Source Software in Schools" from Becta... -
http://www.becta.org.uk%2Fcorporate%2Fpublications%2Fdocuments%2FBEC5606_Full_report18.pdf
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Microsoft (tm) Announces WinXP Thin Client in the Works
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Microsoft (tm) announced this past week that they
are working on a thin-client version of Windows XP
(tm) that will work on used computer equipment.
Code-name: Eiger. Only in its initial development, but
with plenty of publicity, it would appear that Eiger is
a response to the growing awareness of Linux thin
client technology.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resource Corner: New "Linux in Classrooom" Website
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shawn Powers, the Technology Director at Inland
Lakes Schools, has created a new website "dedicated
to helping teachers use linux in their classrooms."
This is a wonderful idea that we hope will help with
the non-technical aspects of using Open Source
software in schools.
We encourage those of you on the front lines--
teaching Linux in your schools--to visit this site and
help build the body of non-technical, curriculum-
oriented resources for teachers.
Visit Linux in the Classroom... -
http://linux.inlandlakes.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resource Corner (Continued): K-12 Win CD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Luis Montes, has just released version 4.2.1 of the
k12wincd.
This CD provides "an image of software that parents
may wish to install for their children that go to a
school using K12LTSP. It can be thought of as a
take home companion CD for students using Windows
at home, but k12 linux at school."
Download from this site... -
http://k12wincd.sourceforge.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
K12LTSP/LTSP Demonstrations: Illinois, Iowa, & Missouri
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, May 24th, 7:00 pm at the Linux Users of
Central Illinois (www.luci.org)
Wednesday, May 25, 1:00 pm at the Center for
Business and Industry Services, RiverPark Place, 610
North 4th Street, Room 103, Burlington, IA 52627.
To register and for more information, contact:
Bruce Huddleson (bhuddleson@scciowa.edu).
Thursday, May 26, 6:30 pm at St. Charles [County]
Linux Users Group (STC LUG)
http://www.sluug.org/~stclug/
Here's to affordable, reliable, and stable computing in
schools!
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Grace Lutheran School Saving $24,000 per Year
Are you frustrated with non-working, unreliable, expensive,
or hard-to-maintain computers? If so, you are not alone.
I've been repairing, refurbishing, and re-selling computers
for the last 16 years, and even I've been frustrated with
how difficult it can be to keep computers running well. I
love computers, but it was the last thing I needed when
coming home from work to hear the kids say, "Dad, the
computer's not working." It seemed like every time I turned
around there was some virus, or spyware, or patch requiring
my immediate attention. As if there weren't other important
things to do with my time!
I don't mind a little upkeep, but I just wanted my
computers to run without constant care and feeding
(money!). The average school with 75 computers is estimated
to spend $2,251 per computer per year to keep it running.
That's because the cost of buying the computer is only the
start. You also have software and license costs, upgrade
and repair costs, and usually lots of staff time.
It can cost more in time and money to recover from a bad
computer virus than the actual price of the computer. And
in the first half of last year alone there were more than
4,000 viruses unleashed into the computer world. I'll bet
you've seen more than your fair share.
Is there an answer, then, to providing affordable and
reliable computing in schools? Yes, but it took me two
years to figure it out. Two years of dropping sales and
tightened school budgets for us to look for an alternative
way to help schools with their technology needs. The answer
is called K12LTSP, which is the "Linux Terminal Server
Project" for schools.
Please don't be frightened by the word "Linux." Linux is a
free operating system built by the collaborative efforts of
programmers all over the world, and it is definitely ready
for prime time. 60% of the worlds web servers run Linux
now. You and I will notice that the icons are different
than on our Windows® or Macintosh® computers, but the kids
will just start using it. And it's free. Really. No license
costs. No upgrade costs. No software audits or
recordkeeping needed.
But it's not just Linux that makes K12LTSP a great
solution. There are two more factors that are really
important.
First: all the other software on the system is also free,
and free to upgrade. Open Office, which comes installed
with K12LTSP, has word processing, spreadsheet,
presentation programs and more, all for free. The default
file formats can be the same ones you are used to (*.doc,
*.xls, *.ppt) You also get Firefox web browser and dozens
of other educational programs pre-loaded as well. Both Open
Office and Firefox are widely respected programs.
Second: because of the unique way that Linux runs, all you
need to do is to install a state-of-the-art Linux server,
and most old, donated, or otherwise useless computers will
run as client workstations off the server. You can sit down
at an old Pentium 1 computer that's been relegated to the
obsolete pile, but now it runs at the speed of a Pentium 3
or 4.
The benefits of this "terminal server" (also known as "thin
client") technology are tremendous. Instead of keeping all
of your computers maintained, you now only have one server
to be concerned about (and because it's Linux, you don't
have to worry about viruses or spyware). All of the
workstations, or terminals, are interchangeable and don't
even need hard drives to run. They "boot" off the server.
When a student logs in-whether in the library or a
classroom-they have access to all of their settings and
data, since everything is stored on the server.
I know this can be hard to imagine. I had to see it to
believe it. We've installed K12LTSP in schools in Hawaii,
California, Utah, and Indiana so far-and I can tell you, it
works. As you'll see on the enclosed flyer, we estimate
that Grace Lutheran School in Sandy, Utah, is saving around
$24,000 a year using K12LTSP on their 60 computer
workstations-computers that they already had, most of which
had been running Windows 95® and were seen as dinosaurs by
the students. That $24,000 a year is money that they can
now put into other programs, or toward teacher salaries.
At just under $200 per year per computer in total costs
(versus the $2251 I mentioned earlier), it's been a long
time since technology costs could actually take a
reasonable place in a school budget.
or hard-to-maintain computers? If so, you are not alone.
I've been repairing, refurbishing, and re-selling computers
for the last 16 years, and even I've been frustrated with
how difficult it can be to keep computers running well. I
love computers, but it was the last thing I needed when
coming home from work to hear the kids say, "Dad, the
computer's not working." It seemed like every time I turned
around there was some virus, or spyware, or patch requiring
my immediate attention. As if there weren't other important
things to do with my time!
I don't mind a little upkeep, but I just wanted my
computers to run without constant care and feeding
(money!). The average school with 75 computers is estimated
to spend $2,251 per computer per year to keep it running.
That's because the cost of buying the computer is only the
start. You also have software and license costs, upgrade
and repair costs, and usually lots of staff time.
It can cost more in time and money to recover from a bad
computer virus than the actual price of the computer. And
in the first half of last year alone there were more than
4,000 viruses unleashed into the computer world. I'll bet
you've seen more than your fair share.
Is there an answer, then, to providing affordable and
reliable computing in schools? Yes, but it took me two
years to figure it out. Two years of dropping sales and
tightened school budgets for us to look for an alternative
way to help schools with their technology needs. The answer
is called K12LTSP, which is the "Linux Terminal Server
Project" for schools.
Please don't be frightened by the word "Linux." Linux is a
free operating system built by the collaborative efforts of
programmers all over the world, and it is definitely ready
for prime time. 60% of the worlds web servers run Linux
now. You and I will notice that the icons are different
than on our Windows® or Macintosh® computers, but the kids
will just start using it. And it's free. Really. No license
costs. No upgrade costs. No software audits or
recordkeeping needed.
But it's not just Linux that makes K12LTSP a great
solution. There are two more factors that are really
important.
First: all the other software on the system is also free,
and free to upgrade. Open Office, which comes installed
with K12LTSP, has word processing, spreadsheet,
presentation programs and more, all for free. The default
file formats can be the same ones you are used to (*.doc,
*.xls, *.ppt) You also get Firefox web browser and dozens
of other educational programs pre-loaded as well. Both Open
Office and Firefox are widely respected programs.
Second: because of the unique way that Linux runs, all you
need to do is to install a state-of-the-art Linux server,
and most old, donated, or otherwise useless computers will
run as client workstations off the server. You can sit down
at an old Pentium 1 computer that's been relegated to the
obsolete pile, but now it runs at the speed of a Pentium 3
or 4.
The benefits of this "terminal server" (also known as "thin
client") technology are tremendous. Instead of keeping all
of your computers maintained, you now only have one server
to be concerned about (and because it's Linux, you don't
have to worry about viruses or spyware). All of the
workstations, or terminals, are interchangeable and don't
even need hard drives to run. They "boot" off the server.
When a student logs in-whether in the library or a
classroom-they have access to all of their settings and
data, since everything is stored on the server.
I know this can be hard to imagine. I had to see it to
believe it. We've installed K12LTSP in schools in Hawaii,
California, Utah, and Indiana so far-and I can tell you, it
works. As you'll see on the enclosed flyer, we estimate
that Grace Lutheran School in Sandy, Utah, is saving around
$24,000 a year using K12LTSP on their 60 computer
workstations-computers that they already had, most of which
had been running Windows 95® and were seen as dinosaurs by
the students. That $24,000 a year is money that they can
now put into other programs, or toward teacher salaries.
At just under $200 per year per computer in total costs
(versus the $2251 I mentioned earlier), it's been a long
time since technology costs could actually take a
reasonable place in a school budget.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Update on LTSP
Update on Linux Thin Client & New Website
(www.technologyrescue.com)
It’s been some time since we have given an update on our
Linux thin client project (LTSP), and several exciting
developments have taken place.
We’ve completed two full installations of LTSP. The first
was for Connections Charter School in Hilo Hawaii. John
Thatcher, the principal of this three-story school that
overlooks beautiful Hilo Bay, also serves as the resident
computer expert in the school. So frustrated by virus and
spyware problems, John had just unplugged his computer lab
from the internet. Already aware of Linux because of some
active parents involved in the school, he quickly asked us
to convert his computer lab to Linux thin client after
seeing the technology demonstrated. We installed an LTSP
server, and used his existing computers for the
workstations.
The installation took less than a day, and it was
fascinating to watch his middle-school students as they
arrived for their first computer lab the next day.
Jostling to get to their “favorite” computers when they
arrived, we surprised them by showing that all the
computers now identically fast. And that when they store
their individual work, it is actually stored on the server,
so they can log into any machine in the network and work on
their own customized desktop and with their own documents.
Our second installation was at Notre Dame School in
Marysville, California. With 130 students, the school has
struggled with fewer than ten working computers. Like many
private schools, the cost of acquiring and maintaining
computers was just not feasible for them. We outlined a
plan for a powerful LTSP server, and then installing four
computers in each classroom in their main building.
Because of the old construction, wiring the building was
difficult, and we installed several of the classrooms
wirelessly. In addition to the LTSP server and
workstations, we installed an internet filter system that
works seamlessly and is also based on Open Source software.
We are also now installing a laser printer in each
classroom.
Our third installation will be a private school in Sandy,
Utah this coming month. We’re very excited to have a
product that makes such a difference for schools. For
those attending the NECC 2005 Conference in June, please
come find us. We are using LTSP to provide the “email
garden” at the conference.
(www.technologyrescue.com)
It’s been some time since we have given an update on our
Linux thin client project (LTSP), and several exciting
developments have taken place.
We’ve completed two full installations of LTSP. The first
was for Connections Charter School in Hilo Hawaii. John
Thatcher, the principal of this three-story school that
overlooks beautiful Hilo Bay, also serves as the resident
computer expert in the school. So frustrated by virus and
spyware problems, John had just unplugged his computer lab
from the internet. Already aware of Linux because of some
active parents involved in the school, he quickly asked us
to convert his computer lab to Linux thin client after
seeing the technology demonstrated. We installed an LTSP
server, and used his existing computers for the
workstations.
The installation took less than a day, and it was
fascinating to watch his middle-school students as they
arrived for their first computer lab the next day.
Jostling to get to their “favorite” computers when they
arrived, we surprised them by showing that all the
computers now identically fast. And that when they store
their individual work, it is actually stored on the server,
so they can log into any machine in the network and work on
their own customized desktop and with their own documents.
Our second installation was at Notre Dame School in
Marysville, California. With 130 students, the school has
struggled with fewer than ten working computers. Like many
private schools, the cost of acquiring and maintaining
computers was just not feasible for them. We outlined a
plan for a powerful LTSP server, and then installing four
computers in each classroom in their main building.
Because of the old construction, wiring the building was
difficult, and we installed several of the classrooms
wirelessly. In addition to the LTSP server and
workstations, we installed an internet filter system that
works seamlessly and is also based on Open Source software.
We are also now installing a laser printer in each
classroom.
Our third installation will be a private school in Sandy,
Utah this coming month. We’re very excited to have a
product that makes such a difference for schools. For
those attending the NECC 2005 Conference in June, please
come find us. We are using LTSP to provide the “email
garden” at the conference.
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