1	Why Linux 1. Free 2. Easy to install as a server or workstation. 3. Great support sites. 4. If using as terminal server cuts down costs on maintenance, upgrades for software and hardware. 5. Educational packages included with installs are similar to costlier applications used with PC and MAC.
2	How did I get involved with Linux I started using lindows in early 2002. I was fascinated at how easy it was to install on desktops and laptops. In 2004 I was introduced to K12LTSP at a summer summit session with Anthony Luscre of Mogadore Schools. With CD’s in hand I went back to school and installed on some test computers. I actually caught my tech kids doing their chemistry homework using one of programs. Etech 2005, Ryan Collins of Kenton Schools introduced me to EDUBUNTU. I used this to setup up some extra computers that were donated in a special education classroom. The revolution began. Teachers wanted more. I gave the hardware and K12LTSP OS to my tech helpers and told them get this going and I will buy some thin clients for them to build. In no time they were up and running, so I purchased 6 mini-itx computers from directron.com without HD and CD-Rom. We tested these in certain elementary classrooms and I showcased them to K-5 teachers. In a month the principal wanted these to replace the old computers in the K-5 classrooms at the teachers requests. I was a little hesitant so I found a company called idotpc.com that had cheaper mini-itx systems. I wanted to use these in case the project went bust I could throw an imaged HD in and not lose any money other than the upgrade cost. We have not bought the HD’s to date. A couple of JR High and one freshman really do the setup and upgrades of the servers and clients. This frees me up for other tasks.
3	Versions for Education Fedora was the first Linux OS I used and can be acquired through http://www.k12ltsp.org. I found this version easy to install but hard to get PC clients to boot from and get the sound to work properly with the thin clients. An old imac I borrowed booted from it fine. The support site was very informative to work on a couple of tweaks to get the clients to boot. It is also a 6 CD or 1 DVD download because it installs all the educational applications. The first time I used EDUBUNTU I found it easiest to use and all my clients loved it except of an old imac I borrowed. It also has its own very informative support site and is less intensive for downloads. http://www.edubuntu.org. It is only a 2 CD download with some educational apps on the second CD and the other apps install through an easy to use web interface.
4	The Server I tested out with 2 old desktops that were AMD Sempron’s with 4 GB of memory and added a gigabit network card. Since the success of the program I have transitioned to the server below for better speed with applications. HP ProLiant ML115 Opteron 1210 1.8GHz (Dual Core) / 4GB DDR2 ECC PC2-5300 / 160GB SATA HDD / Embedded SATA RAID 0/1/5 Controller / DVD-ROM/CD-RW / Gigabit LAN / 370Watt PSU / Microtower Server. The only modification was to put in an additional gigabit network card. Cost $580.
5	The Client The client can be an old computer or laptop with a PXE bootable NIC card. I had money so I decide to make more room in the classroom. By getting rid of the old bulky desktops. After doing some price quotes I found www.idotpc.com to be a cost effective solution. An added bonus was they put them together and tested them out. They also have units with CD-Drive bays. Remember the client boots through the network card. No Hard Drive or CD needed. If you have the money you can put a Hard Drive in and run the OS off that.
6	The Network
7	Mini Portables There are many different type of mini portable laptops out there. Few have the flexibility to work with educational based programs. Such as Edubuntu. Here are my Criteria: Has a 30 GB hard Drive or better. 512 to 1 GB of Ram Uses GoS (Ubuntu based) or Ubuntu directly with the ability or drivers to go to windows.
8	Everex CloudBook Uses the GoS and can run Windows GoS Windows XP K-2 Typing cart (24) 7 inch Screen and either stay with the GoS or go with Windows XP. Starts up slow in Windows runs good on the GoS Linux. Also has a great support site. http://www.everex.com/products/cloudbook/cloudbook.htm
9	Sylvania Netbooks Uses Straight Ubuntu or Windows (your pick on purchase) G-Netbook G-Netbook Meso 30gb HD – 1GB ram 80gb HD – 1GB ram VIA C7 Processor Intel Atom Processor $300 $375 Comes with all you need to include Windows Support CD; Sylvania has a very good support site as well. http://www.sylvaniacomputers.com/
10	My Linux Resources The edubuntu Linux main page http://www.edubuntu.org/home Great support documentation and how to videos. http://www.edubuntu.org/Documentation Download sites http://www.edubuntu.org/Download Other great resources that help http://www.k12ltsp.org http://k12os.org http://k12edcom.org