The $100 Computer Lab Edubuntu for Libraries Jim Mann Technology Coordinator GCPL [email_address]

Setting the Record Straight I’m an Open Source Evangelist not a “guru” GCPL has not implemented an Edubuntu solution We have only just begun to work with Goodwill/Easter Seals TRC to change the recycling paradigm in the Miami Valley to repurpose donated computers with an Open Source solution

I’m an Open Source Evangelist not a “guru”

GCPL has not implemented an Edubuntu solution

We have only just begun to work with Goodwill/Easter Seals TRC to change the recycling paradigm in the Miami Valley to repurpose donated computers with an Open Source solution

Three Goals Offer an “aaah” moment Use “repurpose” in a sentence Deal with the F.U.D. factor

Offer an “aaah” moment

Use “repurpose” in a sentence

Deal with the F.U.D. factor

The $100 Lab Project It all began with an article on the Internet How could GCPL repurpose our Gates-granted equipment and some 100 seven-year-old OPACS You think you got problems…what is being donated to Goodwill vs. ODOE grant requirements

It all began with an article on the Internet

How could GCPL repurpose our Gates-granted equipment and some 100 seven-year-old OPACS

You think you got problems…what is being donated to Goodwill vs. ODOE grant requirements

A Simple Plan Evaluate consumer needs i.e. a browser, word processor, educational software, multi-media capability Use an Open Source solution to match these needs with computer equipment available i.e. Pentium III The solution Edubuntu

Evaluate consumer needs i.e. a browser, word processor, educational software, multi-media capability

Use an Open Source solution to match these needs with computer equipment available i.e. Pentium III

The solution Edubuntu

What Equipment we Used Edubuntu Distro Classroom server Classroom server add-ons Workstation (PC & Mac) Gates computer for server 2 NICs 500mb RAM 80-gig hard drive Dell Optiplex GX 110 as workstations No hard drive 3-com PXE NICs 17” Gates monitors Misc keyboards, mice, cat-5 cable D-Link 10/100 ethernet switch

Edubuntu Distro

Classroom server

Classroom server add-ons

Workstation (PC & Mac)

Gates computer for server

2 NICs

500mb RAM

80-gig hard drive

Dell Optiplex GX 110 as workstations

No hard drive

3-com PXE NICs

17” Gates monitors

Misc keyboards, mice, cat-5 cable

D-Link 10/100 ethernet switch

What it Would Have Cost 3-com NICs x@ $10 D-Link switch $39 80gig + hard drive $50 Having a big junk pile Priceless

3-com NICs x@ $10

D-Link switch $39

80gig + hard drive $50

Having a big junk pile Priceless

Useful Resources Edubuntu.org Learning Electric Jim’s YouTube Technorati/edubuntu Google/ edubuntu and schools

Edubuntu.org

Learning Electric

Jim’s YouTube

Technorati/edubuntu

Google/ edubuntu and schools

F.U.D. No one ever got fired for choosing Microsoft Fear Uncertainty Doubt I’m afraid I can’t do it There is a new learning curve What if the things we need don’t work? Not everything will work Some things may be different Open Office vs. Microsoft Office What if our patrons (staff) are confused? What if it works too well?

Fear Uncertainty Doubt

I’m afraid I can’t do it

There is a new learning curve

What if the things we need don’t work?

Not everything will work

Some things may be different

Open Office vs. Microsoft Office

What if our patrons (staff) are confused?

What if it works too well?

What You Can Do Play with the “Live CD” Talk with: United Way and other agencies Goodwill Private schools Look for a use in your library

Play with the “Live CD”

Talk with:

United Way and other agencies

Goodwill

Private schools

Look for a use in your library