Ok, so I’m here to setup one Ubuntu Education Edition client on the school network of the American Cooperative School of Tunis, in Tunis, Tunisia. Right now, the school uses a mixed OS infrastructure: Laptop, servers, and media computers that run Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows XP on desktops in the library. One solution that has been overlooked is Ubuntu Linux. The aging desktops need to be replaced for an upgrade to Vista, and they’re not running to well with XP either. The resources that Ubuntu Education Edition would bring to ACST would contribute to the school environment.
Specifications:
- Run an Ubuntu Education Edition 8.04 client on a school computer
- Enable client to use the school’s network, specifically to enable people to log on with their usernames and passwords from the Win/Mac infrastructure
- Have all core systems (Internet, Network, Update, Kernel, and graphics) operating sufficiently, and hopefully to have non-core systems such sound operational as well.
- Enable students to use the Ubuntu EE client with more efficiency then they would with the aging Win/Mac clients.
- Educate students and teachers about the new systems and how to use them
- Spread the word about Ubuntu and Open Source Software through posters and other media.
Materials
- Ubuntu 8.04 “Hardy Heron” Desktop CD free from www.ubuntu.com
- Ubuntu Education Edition (formerly Edubuntu) Addons CD from www.edubuntu.com
- Non-core system packages to enable interface with the OS X Server
- Computer with Ubuntu compatible technology
- Packages to give the Linux client the same functionality as a Win/Mac client.
- Power supply for both the CPU and monitor.
Roles:
- I, Chris Tomalty, will work on all facets of the projects while seeking assistance from members of the Ubuntu community.
Procedure
- Test computer with Ubuntu, including systems such as sound, internet, and graphics.
- Install Ubuntu and the Educational Addon CD
- Install and configure packages that enable operation with the existing infrastructure and facilitate use, such as GStreamer audio codecs.
- Tune up systems
- Create How To Use Ubuntu guide
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[...] Ubuntu for ACST wrote an interesting post today on Design BriefHere’s a quick excerpt Right now, the school uses a mixed OS infrastructure: Laptop, servers, and media computers that run Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows XP on desktops in t he library…. [...]
This is a superb idea. I live just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia and I’m currently in the process of doing the same thing at my school. My plans, however, are a little bigger. My school district, of about ten high schools (well over 10,000 students), is in the process of developing the new “School of the Future” plan. They want to integrate new technologies into the school system. Abby Virtual School is where we are currently in this plan. I, and a friend of mine, plan to counter the administration’s plans with one of our own– a complete adaptation of Ubuntu Linux (Education Edition, but a customized version). Our plan has all the machines in the school dual booting Ubuntu/XP with the Ubuntu side of things acting in a ThinClient framework. It’s a long story, but the point is I really think you should step things up! I love the idea of getting the open source ideals into schools, hell I bring my laptop and resort to fancy Compiz-Fusion tricks when I need attention. What I’m saying is, don’t undercut yourself and the project; think big, plan big, go big. By the way, you just got a new blog reader. =]
Troy.
PS. I don’t know how often we update our site, but feel free to check on it as at some point we make updates on the status of Operation Education Liberation.