interest in Edubuntu for Cambodian schools

[jelkner at divmod.com]

Hi Tim,

My first suggestion would be to get in contact with Colin McDermott, who is leading the ubuntu-lite project.  Colin is already doing the kind of referbishing of older computers that you want to do.

I would also suggest that you join the ubuntu-lite mailing list if you haven't already done so.  You can find the list at:

http://groups.google.com.au/group/ubuntu_lite

Good luck with your very important project bringing software freedom to Cambodia.

jeff elkner

On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 06:59:15 -0700 (PDT), "John \"Tim\" DENNY" <timdenny66 at yahoo.com> wrote:
>I am intrigued with the Ubuntu lite project as we need an operating system >that is decently responsive on older machines.
>
>the basic setup at present is Windows 98se with MS office 2000...
>about 60 of the recently donated computers are laptops. I feel it is
>best to keep them as mobile, indepedently operating systems, yet the
>possibility of setting up thin clients in a computer lab situation with
>older desktops sounds like a great way to go.  The big problem is that
>it will be tough to find someone in Cambodia to teach us how to setup a
>thin client lab.
>
>you ask about my timeline...  the sooner the better...  I have been
>asked to demonstrate computers running the Linux OS as soon as I can.
>Decision-makers would then consider loading computers from now on out
>as dual boot (windows/Linux) or hopefully Linux only machines if they
>are impressed with the setup.
>
>I have basically convinced our mobile learning team (a van that tours
>the country demonstrating educaitonal technologies to disadvantaged
>people) to shift to linux as it woudl mean a totally loaded computer
>with a great sample of software and games that coudl easily impress new
>learners. The thought being, --  if the first operating system they see
>is FOSS, then they have room to think and grow in a world not
>monopolized by windows.
>
>Yet again the problem will be fining a "lite" os in place of windows
>98se so that the computers will be sufficiently responsive. further
>down the road we hope to install a mobile internet connection so that
>the computer demonstrations can include lessons on the net... maybe a
>bit far-fetched at this stage as we have no knowledge of mobile
>internet capabilites in rural areas of Cambodia...
>
>Any suggestions?
>
>Peace
>Tim
>
>--- jelkner at divmod.com wrote:
>
>> Hi Tim,
>>
>> The computers you describe could serve as Edubuntu thin clients, but
>> that assumes you will have a networked lab situation with at least
>> one high powered machine to be the server.
>>
>> You might also be interested in Ubuntu-Lite, which is aimed at
>> working directly on machines like you described.  I'm hoping to be
>> able to make contributions to Ubuntu-Lite developement once school
>> starts, but that will be contingent on student interest (I can lead
>> them to water, but I can't make them drink...)
>>
>> I'm not sure who is coordinating the Ubuntu-Lite effort.  I receive
>> regular emails from a google group:
>>
>> Ubuntu Lite:
>> http://groups.google.com.au/group/ubuntu_lite
>> ubuntu_lite at googlegroups.com
>>
>> and I found a web site that seems to be under development:
>>
>> http://www.ubuntulite.org/
>>
>> Hopefully, these efforts are being coordinated.
>>
>> What is your time line?  If you plan to work on this during the
>> coming school year, perhaps I could lend a hand.
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> jeff elkner
>>
>> On Sun, 14 Aug 2005 07:12:39 -0700 (PDT), "John \"Tim\" DENNY"
>> <timdenny66 at yahoo.com> wrote:
>> >As a donor of decommissioned computer my group
>> http://www.pc4peace.org
>> >has sent almost 350 computers to Cambodia in the past year and
>> >hopefully can sustain the donations to assist in a larger way in the
>> >near future. At present the donated computers are mostly older with
>> >CPUs in the range of 233 to 300 mhz, 64 meg ram and basic components
>> >throughout. I have attempted Ubuntu live CD operations yet have
>> failed
>> >due to the slow CPU speed.
>>
>
>John T. Denny Ph.D.
> Development Consultant UNESCO Phnom Penh
> http://www.avuedigitalservices.com/VR/drjohndenny [Vita]
>----
>Help Cambodia prosper through donations to needy schools, NGOs and community centers. -- see: http://www.pc4peace.org -- for donations, funding and membership please email me directly!