Edubuntu

Edubuntu is a Operating system intended for education.

Presentation

It is an official alternative of the Distribution Linux Ubuntu, which wants to be directed user , therefore simple and usable by all.

Its principal characteristic is to be conceived to make function together a heteroclite group of computers on the scale of the class thanks to integration owing to lack of LTSP. A host computer can allow several old machines, PC and Mac, to function suitably.

As a Free software, Edubuntu can be legally used, studied, modified and redistributed, which makes it possible any structure to create versions adapted to its own needs.

Technique

Distribution

As all the distributions Linux based on an operating system GNU/Linux one can see it like a Russian Poupée, to describe the elements which compose it:

Edubuntu : the layer of software described low;
Ubuntu : the Distribution Linux to which this software is added;
Debian : at the same time the ancestor of Ubuntu, and an “expert” version more which benefits from advanced from Ubuntu. This Operating system is one of most widespread on the data-processing waiters lodging the Web pages.
GNU : a whole of software which makes it possible to use the computer freely. They follow the movement created by Richard Stallman;
Linux : the engine, that one almost never sees, but which makes it possible all the remainder to function.

Appearance

The graphical interface, which one sees with the screen and which makes it possible to use the computer without writing in line of order, is by defect the office Gnome. It is possible to replace it by that of KDE (as in Kubuntu) or by the office Xfce (as in Xubuntu). The facilitated integration of Edubuntu with Xubuntu (thus of the Edubuntu solutions on Xfce) is under development to still simplify the access to the oldest machines.

These interfaces being based on the open standard X Window, the pupils are not dependant on the selected operating system (here Ubuntu).

Specificity

Thanks to LTSP, one can recycle the old computers in light customers, i.e. in work stations functioning with the power of another computer, the waiter.

One can choose to install one or the other in the place of a station " indépendant" , which makes it possible to balance an information technology infrastructure with a minimum of investment.

Version

The development cycle of Edubuntu does not differ from that of the distribution relationship. The two projects share the same software base and same deposits APT, one can thus refer to the versions of Ubuntu. The version desktop can be transformed besides without sorrow into Ubuntu, Kubuntu or Xubuntu.

The Edubuntu project appeared only little of time before version 5.10 ( Breezy ) of October 2005, which was the first version of Edubuntu.

The version 6.06 LTS ( Dapper Drake ) is the stable version of reference to the next version LTS (which means Long Term Support , therefore customer support of long life). With thus advising for the waiters.

The intermediate versions benefit from the last evolutions and are generally preferable for the user stations. Currently it is the version 7.10 ( Gutsy Gibbon ),

Distribution and installation

Since version 7.10, the distinction was made between CD desktop which are used for using and/or installing edubuntu on a computer alone or customer; and them versions waiters which allow as their name indicates it, to install the computer power station of the network (typically that which centralizes the resources of the class). There exists in more one CD of plug-in waiter, which contains additional functions for this installation.

In both cases, the images Iso are downloadable.

Support

an assistance is proposed on Internet by communities Edubuntu or Ubuntu.

a paying customer support is proposed by the business firm of the Fondation Ubuntu (Canonical Ltd), and of the independent companies, affiliated or not. For version LTS (Long Time Support) this service will be proposed during at least 5 years after the coming out date.

Software contents

Commun runs with Edubuntu and Ubuntu Linux by defect: OpenOffice, Firefox, Gimp, Gaim, Totem,…

Addition with Edubuntu by defect: Kino, Scribus, Dia,… and for education: GCompris and part of Kdeedu (Kalzium, Kanagram, KBrush, KEduca, KhangMan, Kig, Kmplot, KPercentage, Kstars, Ktouch, Kturtle, Kverbos, KVocTrain).

Compatible free educational softwares (easily installables with a connection Internet): Software of the burrows Abuledu, Celestia, Dr. Geo,…

See too

Other distributions for education:

Abuledu - the free solution for the school, based on Debian Woody/Sarge or Ubuntu + Final Linux Server Project (LTSP)
Skolelinux - Debian + LTSP
Cutter Project - SuSE + LTSP
EduLinux - French, based on Mandriva
Eduknoppix - Italian, based on Knoppix
Freeduc-Cd - French, based on Knoppix, but active
Majilux - French, based on Knoppix
Flash (data-processing) - a Customer-Leger for LTSP (like Edubuntu installed as a customer)
K12ltsp - Redhat + LTSP, but not directed education
Ubuntu-cdprof - French, a Ubuntu personalized
and the project One Laptop per Child (a Portable by Child) - English, based on Redhat
List of LiveCD - where a part is devoted to the liveCD world of education

External bonds

; Edubuntu:

the official site in French
Documentation in French (wiki) and the new site
the anglophone official site
Edubuntu Page of Scideralle
To download the 7.10

; Others:

wiki Debian edu
SLIS (Communications server Linux for the School Internet Under Debian)
Teaching SCRIBE Waiter Under Ubuntu

Random links: