School Board meeting

[champ_weller]

I was recently given the opportunity to give a presentation at my schools next school board meeting on how i think technology can be improved at our school. I want run all the servers off linux and all the workstations as well but do you guys have any suggestions on what i can do to make a good case? i have lots of ideas but the more ideas the better in my mind. thanks

[elija]

Don't only talk about open source, talk about open standards such as those used by Libre Office and how that prevents vendor lock in.

Describe how it isn't all or nothing; they can start by using FOSS in a familiar Windows environment.

Talk about (and demo if you can) specialist installs such as edubuntu and have a look at various case studies for Linux and open source being used in schools for further ideas.

Good luck.

[champ_weller]

alright i am going to study all this i plan on doing a powerpoint and showing them that it allows for less hardware purchase by bringing in my old dell inspiron 600m thats running ubuntu 11.04

[elija]

alright i am going to study all this i plan on doing a powerpoint

DOH! Surely you mean "an impress"

[champ_weller]

lol yes yes impress is what i meant powerpoint is just what i am use to saying before i switched to linux honestly the only part of libre office i have used is writer for my essays and such

[jayd512]

Describe how it isn't all or nothing; they can start by using FOSS in a familiar Windows environment.

Agreed.
Anything from Mozilla leaps to mind, as they do a stand-up job of abiding by open standards.

[arespi]

Maybe you can show some of the work that has being done with linux at education. My personal favorite is

Helios Initiative

basically they get computers for kids who cannot afford a computer or Internet access. And the best way of doing so is by using linux/FOSS.

The Blog of Helios

They are always in the need of donated equipment so if any of you guys can give them a hand would be very nice.

[atreyu]

I'd also recommend showing them that your Linux environment:

• Works happily with MS-generated files (.doc, .xls, jpeg, etc.)

• Participates seamlessly in a Windows network environment (samba)

• Functions as an efficient web browser (firefox), complete with plugins (flash, pdf, etc.)

• Has a pleasing graphical user interface (even show off w/Compiz, etc., if your hardware can do it glitch-free)

Focus on (or at least mention) the inherent security and lack of exposure to viruses and spyware that Linux incorporates, too.

[TaZMAniac]

You can do a Google search using the term "School districts switch to Linux".

And here is a link to a story about a Maryland library that switched to Linux;
The GNOME Journal: Maryland Library Benefits from its Switch to Linux

But...... (Always a spoiler)..............
The migration from Windows to Linux is not an easy task and the IT department may totally boycott the idea.
I say this because they come from a Windows environment.
They grew up with it and work with it every day.
Saying Linux to them is like asking them to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge! LOL!

To give you an idea of what you may be up against I will use a quote from the system admin at the company I work at;

Linux is not a real operating system

Yep! He said that in front of a bunch of us.
He will never consider using Linux for anything.

My suggestion is to propose a migration that elija suggested.
A move to open standards and a possible testing of a few pc's using Ubuntu.
Remember that the IT department will probably have a learning curve just like we did when we first started using Linux.

Good luck to you.

[champ_weller]

now if i posted a impress presentation on here would you guys look at it and review it?