The $100 The $100 Computer LabComputer Lab

The $100 The $100 Computer LabComputer Lab

Edubuntu for LibrariesEdubuntu for LibrariesJim MannJim Mann

Technology Coordinator GCPLTechnology Coordinator GCPLjmann@gcpl.lib.oh.usjmann@gcpl.lib.oh.us

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

Three Goals• 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

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

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

What it Would Have Cost

• 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

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?

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