[K12OSN] Why Linux?

[Dimitri Yioulos]

Hi, Jason.

I'm afraid I can't give you first-hand insight as to the merits of
Linux/LTSP in an educational setting.  I do, however, use both in a business
setting.  I believe that the merits of Linux and LTSP are so compelling,
that I'm willing to build virtually my entire company's IT infrastructure
around it.

That having been said I, too, am a big fan of this list (very bright, very
dedicated people - I learn every day by listening in [and hope to contribute
where I can].  And, in reading the posts here, I can come up with some very
good reasons why your schools will want to give Linux/LTSP a go:

- as already mentioned, money.  I'd venture to guess that the folks here
have saved tens of thousands of (fill in your own currency here) by reusing
"retired" hardware or buying new equipment that doesn't require e.g. an HD
or lots of ram, etc., and, by using easily available, quality, free or
low-cost software.

- as you've seen, by being able to turn to bright, dedicated folks in the
education field who use Linux/LTSP, and are more than willing to help others
solve the problems we all encounter at one point or another.  But if your
people are more comfortable with it, there's always paid support from a
growing list of companies.

- it seems that the kids who use K12LTSP in their classrooms or labs love
it.  If you've used Linux yourself, you can certainly attest to the fact
that it's easy to use and provides ample tools with which to work.  Consider
that most kids have been exposed to the Windows and Apple operating systems
and programs already, and have mastered them.  It's no stretch to learn
Linux.

- listen to your colleagues as they discuss all of the wondrous ways in
which they've harnessed K12LTSP in their environments.  Look at the recent
"Wish List" posts to see what they have in mind for the future; astounding!
This points up one of the beauties of Linux - it's highly customizable.
Can't do that with a proprietary operating system.

There are plenty of Linux vs. Windows articles out there.  One I read
recently can be found in an issue of Linxworld magazine
(http://www.linuxworld.com/magazine/linuxworld_vol2issue11.pdf).  Perhaps
that will help bolster your cause.

I hope this helps.  Good luck in your efforts; I know you'll succeed.  And
there's plenty of help for you right here.

Dimitri

-----Original Message-----
From: k12osn-bounces at redhat.com [mailto:k12osn-bounces at redhat.com] On Behalf
Of Jason
Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 12:36 PM
To: Support list for opensource software in schools.
Subject: [K12OSN] Why Linux?

Hi Everyone.

I've been reading this list for about a week now and I'm enjoying it 
very much.  It's been a great source of information.

I work for a school board that just quite doesn't understand the benefit 
of Linux especially LTSP.  We did have Linux servers for authentication 
for Windows machines and proxy etc but they got cold feet and went with 
MS 2003 Server (not without problems)

We are currently working on getting 2 LTSPs at an elementary school and 
secondary school (for special education).

I was wondering if anyone has some information, suggestions, 
presentations etc of the benefits of Linux/LTSP in the educational area. 
  I have some websites bookmarked but I'm looking for more personal 
experience from a technician, teacher etc point of view.

I'd like to use it to make a white paper of sorts to show how well 
Linux/LTSP works and saves money and time.

Thank You for your time.

Jason



_______________________________________________
K12OSN mailing list
K12OSN at redhat.com
https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/k12osn
For more info see <http://www.k12os.org>