Linux for Education
From Schoolforge-UK
There are many versions of Linux available and a few are particularly suitable for use in schools or colleges. This page enumerates those systems. The Try_FLOSS_Now page gives further ideas for trying FOSS popular software.
The Linux Open Source Operating System provides a stable and reliable platform for school ICT. It powers network infrastructure and workstations by providing communications and server software and the desktop environment used by students, teaching staff and administration staff. A large number of generally useful programs are usually provided with Linux.
Ubuntu is now by far the most popular distribution and Nick Holme has provided a number of useful beginners guides to using Linux from his personal experiences. 132Solution's Ubuntu Linux Beginner's Installation, Transition, and Configuration Guide is also good introduction for users familar with Windows.
The Support, Training and Activities sections of this site provide much information on installing, configuring and maintaining Linux. Try FLOSS Now provides ideas on how to explore Linux and other FLOSS software.
The Free software for Education page lists many more programs that run on these systems.
Editors note: we need each the links below to have it's own Wiki page for education notes and reviews etc.
Contents |
Terminal Server Systems
With Terminal Servers the workstations act as simple terminals and most (often all) of the desktop applications run on a central server or cluster of servers. This is effectively a return to the 'old days' of text terminals but using the X Windows system to give full GUI functionality.
These systems can provide the most dramatic cost savings by allowing the use of old and low specification PCs and thin clients on desktops. Administration, maintenance and security issues are also greatly simplified as software installation is centralised.
| Item | Notes |
| LTSP | the most widely used Terminal Server package for Linux. |
|---|---|
| K12LTSP | a complete educational distro based on RedHat Fedora (Gnome) and LTSP. |
| Skolelinux | a Debian based educational distro developed in Norway using KDE and LTSP. |
| Edubuntu | another complete distro based on Ubuntu (Gnome) and LTSP. |
| Ndiyo | provides very low cost PC networks based on ultra-thin clients and FLOSS software. |
| Pxes | The Pxes project provides OSS thin client software. |
Both Nymph and FreeNX are also interesting but little information is available.
Linux distributions (distros)
The name 'Linux' is most correctly used to refer to the kernel which controls the hardware and provides basic software services. Many other programs add to the kernel to make the entire Linux Operating System. The GNU project created many of these programs and predates Linux by some years. These programs are now bundled together in various combinations, creating the myriad Linux distributions. See this brief history of Linux for more details.
Each distribution, or distro, has unique features but be aware that some contain programs that are not true FLOSS and so your freedoms are curtailed. There are Distros that aim to give a Windows like experience, some that provide more traditional Unix environments and some that are ideal for server use. Some are commercial or have commercial versions where documentation and support are povided for a fee.
Of the included programs the desktop and the program installer are particularly influential. The desktop provides the main display environment and will usually be Gnome or KDE, but there are others, and some distros offer a choice. The program installer determines how easily new programs and updates are obtained and installed. It manages the often complex interdependencies between programs.
DistroWatch.com monitors all the Linux distros and provides a Top Ten most popular list.
An honorary mention goes to FreeBSD which is not Linux but a direct descendent of UNIX and is also free software. It has a reputation for speed and reliability and will run most Linux programs.
Distros can be obtained by download (HTTP, FTP or torrent), purchased from the 'manufacturer' or obtained from specialist Linux CD operators who charge a nominal sum for a CD set.
| Distro | Desktop | Notes |
| CentOS | Gnome | Enterprise linux at zero cost. CentOS is a rebuild of RedHat Enterprise linux that conforms to their distribution policy and is in use
in millions of sites worldwide - totally free. |
|---|---|---|
| Debian | Gnome | the basis of many others, it is small but has the most complete selection for later download and install. It fully embraces the Free Software philosophy in content and the way it operates socially. |
| K12LTSP | Gnome | based on RedHat Fedora (Gnome) and LTSP to give a Terminal Server solution. |
| Linspire | KDE | has Click 'n' Run warehouse system that simplifies finding and installing software packages. |
| Mandriva(Mandrake) | KDE | a popular first-time distro. |
| Skolelinux | KDE | aimed at schools and has an international focus. |
| Slackware | a minimal unix-like distro that is ideal in critical server applications. Not ideal for beginners. | |
| Ubuntu / Kubuntu | Gnome / KDE | rapidly developing into a high quality and popular distro with an emphasis on school use. |
| Xandros | KDE | includes Crossover Office for running MS Office and other Windows packages. |
| Xandros Education | KDE | Xandros tailored for educational use. |
| edubuntu | Gnome | Linux for young human beings. variant of ubuntu designed for classroom use. |
| SuSE | KDE | Popular linux distribution, based on RPM system, has a good system management tool YAST.
|
LiveCDs and DVD's
Most of the distros have a live CD available and this is an ideal way to 'test drive' without installing. A Live CD contains a complete Linux system that can be used by simply putting it in your CD drive and rebooting your PC (it may be necessary to enable CD booting the PCs BIOS). Nothing is changed or stored on the PC but it is possible to access existing files. With a LiveCD and a USB data key to store configuration information a desktop can be taken anywhere.
There is a comprehensive list of available Live CDs.
The Knoppix distro originated the concept.
| Item | Desktop | Notes |
| Freeduc-primary | XFCE4 | A lot of educational applications, runs with light computers. |
|---|---|---|
| Knoppix | KDE | The original with excellent hardware detection. |
| Knoppix for Kids | KDE | |
| LiveLAMP | na | A LAMP server to learn about web development. |
| Mandriva(Mandrake) | KDE | Has excellent USB data key support. |
| OSSWatch Knoppix | KDE | Includes Moodle, Tex, TEI tools, RELOAD |
| Ubuntu / Kubuntu | Gnome / KDE | a good place to start. |
| SuSE live DVD / | KDE | Maintained by Novell |
Windows Emulators
Windows emulators allow Windows programs to run on-top of Linux by simulating the Windows program environment.
| Item | Notes |
| Crossover Office | based on Wine but only supports a few programs, mainly Office productivity. It is commercial and has a purchase price. |
|---|---|
| Wine | has the lofty aim to support ALL Windows programs on Linux. |
PC Emulators and Virtual Machines
A PC emulator provides complete PC emulation, including the processor, hardware devices, and memory. This creates a virtual PC on another platform and allows the running of any PC software including Windows or Linux. Several virtual machines can exist concurrently. In addition to running windows programs on other platforms they can be useful for multi-user, training and testing applications. A virtual machine can easily be reset from an image.
| Item | Notes |
| Bochs | a PC emulator that runs on most popular platforms. |
|---|---|
| XenSource & Xen | a virtual machine monitor that supports execution of multiple guest operating systems on Linux. |
| VMware | Commercial Virtual machine - run legacy winXP on Linux |
