Advise for Linux on Classroom PC's

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kenkeniff

628 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1197163 14-Dec-2014 10:27

nightieripper: Engage a reputable EDU ICT company to sort it out, www.newerait.co.nz are a good example. False economy using old hardware. Leasing can get over the hurdle of new kit, remember the kids / staff need rely on the network and get on with learning not faffing about trying to make computers work. Also schools use legacy apps for accounts and student management systems so Linux isn't ideal.

Both Google apps and Microsoft stack are totally free to nz schools.....

To clarify Linux wouldn't be replacing Windows on servers, teacher laptops or most of the working class PCs.

It will simply be used to resurrect otherwise dead PCs (that would otherwise be binned) and allow for a system of old hardware to be donated for FREE; no false economy here.

The school does work with those sorts of companies so would continue to apply for funding for better kit etc however the reality is there's no blank cheque and currently the school could use a lot more working PCs than it currently has.

sultanoswing

814 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1197168 14-Dec-2014 10:35

And there are benefits to FOSS over and above simple economics.

You'll be exposing the kids to a cooperative, community developed model based on open standards rather than proprietary.

Teaching them to ask questions, think critically and not just accept what is told them unquestioningly as dogma. I say good on you!

Gozer

184 posts

Master Geek

#1197177 14-Dec-2014 11:01

Whist i think the ideas and sentiment are very credible, a few things i remember from school:

Kids will fight to get the best computer, it was bad enough when they where all nearly identical but when you are using a random assortment of donated stuff it will be worse.

Whilst usb booting is great, do you have a good way to stop them all from walking?

what about network booting? you'll save having to constantly make usbs.

tardtasticx

3075 posts

Uber Geek

#1197178 14-Dec-2014 11:02

I think this would be absolutely awesome.

I've never done anything like this myself, other than using a bootable USB as an installer for a PC, so I wish I could help in some way.

But most kids probably use windows or mac at home, with the vast majority never having used linux ever before. So it can only be a good thing to give the kids an experience with it so early on in life. I really hope this work out well for you :D

nightieripper

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1197198 14-Dec-2014 11:49

no offence buts its a total false economy with old hardware, Its Nobel idea but not practical ... its about being able to reliably deliver teaching and learning outcomes every day.
Providing a solution set no matter what it is... on old hardware will be unreliable at best.. the cost for the school is not just supporting it..... but staff and student confidence in using the devices and the network... and ultimately their ability and willingness to learn utilising technology

michaelmurfy

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13257 posts

Uber Geek

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#1197205 14-Dec-2014 12:19

Just a thought, have you thought of using a terminal server?

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sultanoswing

814 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1197207 14-Dec-2014 12:29

nightieripper: no offence buts its a total false economy with old hardware, Its Nobel idea but not practical ... its about being able to reliably deliver teaching and learning outcomes every day.
Providing a solution set no matter what it is... on old hardware will be unreliable at best.. the cost for the school is not just supporting it..... but staff and student confidence in using the devices and the network... and ultimately their ability and willingness to learn utilising technology

Even better - they'll get I.T savvy by learning about the system as well as using it to do stuff. Where some people see barriers, others opportunities.

To the OP - if linux is good enough for governments (China, Germany et all) don't be put off by the naysayers here ;)

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shk292

2857 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1197215 14-Dec-2014 12:39

I think this is a great idea - open the kids' minds to non-MS software. Not that I'm anti-windows, but I think it's good to sample a range of options so you can handle diversity. I hate the "I need to send email from my phone, so I need an Iphone" mindset.

kenkeniff

628 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1197339 14-Dec-2014 18:10

nightieripper: no offence buts its a total false economy with old hardware, Its Nobel idea but not practical ... its about being able to reliably deliver teaching and learning outcomes every day.
Providing a solution set no matter what it is... on old hardware will be unreliable at best.. the cost for the school is not just supporting it..... but staff and student confidence in using the devices and the network... and ultimately their ability and willingness to learn utilising technology

This may be somewhat true however if you'd fully understood what we're trying to achieve and have experience in linux desktop distros you'll understand it's not really relevant here.

I'm open to all alternatives (I'm not anti-MS or pro Linux) however prefer a solution over a non-solution.

1 working Windows PC + 2 working Linux PC's (even if a browser only distro) is better than 1 working Windows PC + 2 BROKEN PC's in the class rooms as is pretty much the case now.

The kids are pretty tech savvy and will have no problem using Linux desktop without any instruction.

michaelmurfy: Just a thought, have you thought of using a terminal server?

I'm trying to avoid getting involved in the server side stuff. As I mentioned the school will continue business as usual in terms of continuing to upgrade hardware etc through regular channels as funding allows however looking for a 'simple' solution to provide support in the meantime.

nightieripper

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1197389 14-Dec-2014 19:56

kenkeniff:
nightieripper: no offence buts its a total false economy with old hardware, Its Nobel idea but not practical ... its about being able to reliably deliver teaching and learning outcomes every day.
Providing a solution set no matter what it is... on old hardware will be unreliable at best.. the cost for the school is not just supporting it..... but staff and student confidence in using the devices and the network... and ultimately their ability and willingness to learn utilising technology

This may be somewhat true however if you'd fully understood what we're trying to achieve and have experience in linux desktop distros you'll understand it's not really relevant here.

I'm open to all alternatives (I'm not anti-MS or pro Linux) however prefer a solution over a non-solution.

1 working Windows PC + 2 working Linux PC's (even if a browser only distro) is better than 1 working Windows PC + 2 BROKEN PC's in the class rooms as is pretty much the case now.

The kids are pretty tech savvy and will have no problem using Linux desktop without any instruction.

michaelmurfy: Just a thought, have you thought of using a terminal server?

I'm trying to avoid getting involved in the server side stuff. As I mentioned the school will continue business as usual in terms of continuing to upgrade hardware etc through regular channels as funding allows however looking for a 'simple' solution to provide support in the meantime.

nightieripper

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1197394 14-Dec-2014 20:04

I totally understand what you are attempting, however the best option is that you assist the school with is the deposal of the old PCs.. maybe raise some money to purchase something consistent with their current reliable fleet and move the school forward.

Would you like to have someone force you to use very old computers…???

aim

247 posts

Master Geek

#1199819 18-Dec-2014 11:26

nightieripper: I totally understand what you are attempting, however the best option is that you assist the school with is the deposal of the old PCs.. maybe raise some money to purchase something consistent with their current reliable fleet and move the school forward.

Would you like to have someone force you to use very old computers…???

No offence mate, but I think you're missing the point here, he's already explained that "don't bother, just spend your money/time on new stuff" isn't a workable solution.

I would go with something almost everyone who's encountered Linux is experienced with - either Ubuntu or one of its flavours. Have a guest account that resets settings with every log off/on if you don't want to utilise LDAP/NIS. Take an image of the setup to redeploy to other machines/if things go pear shaped. Also, mount the home directory elsewhere.

Talk to the IT department to see what they're willing to do in terms of support and integration.

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