Linux+on+My+Computer


 * Linux on My Computer **


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This workshop was definitely not for everyone. Omitted from the Program Book, it was not heavily attended, which gave it a much more relaxed atmosphere. Questions were plentiful and audience participation was knowledgeable and informed. The presenter explained the value of taking computers that are considered past their prime, and with very little budget turning them into a small network capable of updating a language lab at his school. He also described his success creating a Moodle server from similar equipment. Using Ubuntu and 15 Pentium IV computers he was able to successfully create the network and server without need for Microsoft licenses and expensive virus software. Ubuntu is open source software that is not prone to being hacked or crashing. I am certain that his deep knowledge of the software and hardware accounts for much of his success, but having done similar things in the past YTE classes with much less knowledge, I am confident that it can be done with donated or surplus computers. The issue with any network is the on-going maintenance issues that will be unavoidable. He mentioned that the system never failed due to the software or hardware. But the system had to be shut down on four occasions that included a tree taking out the entire electrical power supply for three days, the moving of the lab to another location, and two other times the reason for which I am unable to recall, but not for anything to do with software. His presentation is attached. My take-away from this was the encouragement that comes from having done it once a few years ago, knowing that it’s still a valuable exercise for my students, some of whom want to build a small gaming network, but haven’t the funds to afford the market-price hardware and software.