The document discusses open source software options for operating systems, session management tools, desktop applications, and additional resources that can be used to set up public workstations in libraries. It provides lists of recommended open source operating systems like Ubuntu and Groovix, session management software like libKi, productivity and multimedia applications, and websites for additional support. Finally, it lists some vendors that provide open source-based systems and hardware designed for public library workstations.

1. Open Source Public Workstations in Libraries
Baron, Zintl, DeBaun and Pettigrew
October 8, 2009
Open Source Software for Operating Systems:
• Ubuntu- desktop operating system - www.ubuntu.com
• Groovix- desktop operating system - www.groovix.com
• OpenBSD- server operating system - www.openbsd.org
• Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP)- thin client software, multi-user
configuration - www.ltsp.org
Session Management Tools:
• libKi- kiosk software - http:libki.org
Desktop Applications:
• OpenOffice.org- office productivity suite - openoffice.org
• Firefox- internet browser - mozilla.com/en-US/firefox
• Adobe Reader- reads PDF files - http://get.adobe.com/reader/
• MPlayer- multimedia player for Windows, Mac OS/X, and Linux -
www.mplayerhq.hu/design7/dload.html
• MPlayer list of supported formats- www.mplayerhq.hu/DOCS/codecs-
status.html
Additional Websites:
• WineHQ- software layer to run Windows applications under Linux -
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2. Open Source Public Workstations in Libraries
Baron, Zintl, DeBaun and Pettigrew
October 8, 2009
www.winehq.org
• OpenPrinting- database of printers to use with Foomatic -
www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting
Vendor List:
• Open Sense Solutions- Groovix Linux distribution - http://open-sense.com
• Canonical- Ubuntu Linux distribution - www.canonical.com
• Userful- runs Linux-based public workstations (Canada) -
http://www2.userful.com
• DisklessWorkstations.com- vendor of terminal hardware compatible with
LTSP - http://disklessworkstations.com
Additional readings and websites:
• Raymond, Eric S. (2000). Why You Should Care. Version 3.0. In Cathedral
and the Bazaar. http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/cathedral-
bazaar/introduction/
• Raymond, Eric S. (2001) How to Become a Hacker. Revision 1.40: 3
November 2008. http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/hacker-howto.html
• Open Source Initiative. http://www.opensource.org/history
Source:
Houser, J. (2009). Open Source Public Workstations in Libraries. Library
J. Baron, E. DeBaun, J. Pettigrew, A. Zintl Page 2

3. Open Source Public Workstations in Libraries
Baron, Zintl, DeBaun and Pettigrew
October 8, 2009
Technology Reports, 45(3), 5-38.
J. Baron, E. DeBaun, J. Pettigrew, A. Zintl Page 3