[NTLUG:Discuss] Help with schools

[agoats at compuserve.com]

Some of the purists may flame, but this is a good thing to push to keep 
teachers employed while changing the culture.

First phase should be to stay on Windows, but switch to software that 
has a short learning curve. Best place I found for Windows software is
http://osswin.sourceforge.net

Here, you have many of the open source software we run under Linux set 
up for Windows. OpenOffice is the main savings point for schools.

http://www.seul.org

has a lot of software for teachers, schools and libraries which may also 
have windows based versions of the same software. Alternatives are to 
use the source code for Linux and a complier for windows like  MingGW or 
Bloodshed Software (see osswin.sourceforge.net under Programming).

When people are used to the "new software", they can then look at Linux 
with a windows or desktop environment that has the most look and feel 
similar to windows. This has the highest acceptance rate from the users 
as it has the least learning curve.

Regardless of the cost of software, part of the high cost for schools is 
the cost of hardware as well. What does it take to run Widnows 7? Can 
you use a Pentium II at 300 to 400 MHz? Pentium 3 at 500 MHz or even 
1GHz? Now compare that to Linux and you may find that it is cheaper to 
keep the old hardware and switch OS and Software. 

Another cost issue is in virus scanners and security software that has 
to be added so help keep the schools protected from malware and hacking. 
Linux, particularly SELinux enhanced systems, are more secure than 
Windows and since it's mostly free (can't think of anything that costs 
$$$ right off hand), it's again a savings to schools.

Get some of the User Groups to work with the schools and we might be 
able to help the schools by providing support in the transitions from 
proprietary software to FOSS/Linux. Are there any of the NTLUG or DFWUUG 
that would be interested in such projects? Maybe. Let's ask..... anybody 
willing to work with schools to transition to OpenSource on Windows?  
Then later, from Windows to Linux?

FYI, a few years ago, Wylie ISD showed that the cost of software and 
hardware to the schools was over $1.5 million and wanted us to pay more 
taxes for this cost. Keep in mind the number of computers in the lab, 
the teachers' computers, computers for the office staff, computers for 
the district office and staff and any others for the school board. The 
total number of seats is pretty high, which even a low, cut rate price 
is very expensive in total. How many teachers does $1.5 million pay for? 
Hmmmm........

Alvin


Greg Edwards wrote:
> Fred James wrote:
>> Greg Edwards wrote:
>
>>> me off list and I'll get your information to her. I don't think the
>>> folks that are working with the colleges would be relevant to what
>>> happens at the public school level.
>>>
>>> greg at nas-inet.com
>>>
>>> TIA,
>> Your pardon, please ... I have not done, nor am I currently involved in
>> any such undertaking. Nor am I an "interested" or "invested" party. But
>> if possible, I should out of personal curiosity be very interested in
>> hearing about the process/progress, please. Off list if need be, but
>> interested none the less. I thank you for your kind consideration, and
>> of course, I should understand if you choose not to include me in the
>> "listening audience".
>> Regards
>> Fred James
>>
>
> Fred,
>
> No slight intended, but upper education and public school districts 
> are very different animals.  Her goal is to try and convince the 
> school that things like OpenOffice, for example, at $0 is a better 
> option than MS Office at $300+ each for the 70+ computers in her 
> school.  She's not going to be teaching OSS, she wants to change the 
> culture and impact the bottom line.
>
> She'd like to talk to as many people as possible who might have 
> already dealt with the brick walls that she needs to overcome.  If you 
> think that the road you've traveled and the lessons you've learned 
> would be helpful, she'd be happy to pick your brain.
>