August 2002 - openSUSE Edu - openSUSE Mailing Lists

Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Meeting yesterday and welcome to new members of the list
by Philip Hands 07 Jul '03

07 Jul '03

Roger Whittaker <roger(a)suse-linux.co.uk> writes: > I've just subscribed various people to the list - please post a > message to say hello and introduce yourselves. Hi, If you were at the meeting, I was wearing a Debian t-shirt (with a red swirl logo on it) --- there's a photo at the top of this article, where I'm wearing similar stuff (except for the penguin ;-) http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/articles/issue6/lu6-Editorial-A_patently_bad_ide… I'm a Debian GNU/Linux developer, and run the UK Debian mirror, and am responsible for producing the Debian official CD images: http://www.uk.debian.org/ http://cdimage.debian.org/ I have only a peripheral interest in educational matters, in that I've been frustrated in the past in my efforts to provide free computers (which were otherwise destined for a skip), but I can certainly contribute on a technical side, and having been involved in Debian (which is completely voluntary, like OSIE is expected to be) since 1996 I may be able to make some suggestions about how to ``organise'' such a thing. For those of you who've not come across Debian before, we're a world-wide voluntary organisation (read, chaotic jumble of mailing lists) that puts together a Linux distribution (and soon a HURD distribution) and gives it away. Debian doesn't pay people to do this, and doesn't sell what it produces, and in most legal senses doesn't really exist (i.e. the machines in the mirror network mostly belong to people like me, rather than to Debian, and the bandwidth is donated rather than paid for). This probably gives a pretty good feel for what Debian is all about: http://www.uk.debian.org/social_contract which you will notice leads into the The Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG), which is where the Open Source Definition came from. My internet machine, that hosts the Debian UK mirror, may be of use to OSIE, since it has about 30GB of spare disk, and a 20Mbit/s connection at a well connected ISP. This machine could act as either a primary host or mirror site for the web site, and could do DNS secondarying etc. as well. Something I'd be interested in working on (although perhaps a SuSE list is not the right place to spend too much time discussing this ;-) would be producing Debian CD images, tuned to the needs of educational users. Debian has accumulated some funds in the UK, and have been looking for a worthwhile cause to spend them on (we never really need to pay for anything that actually makes Debian work, so don't have much use for money), so we could probably afford to have a few thousand CDs pressed, and send them out to schools that are interested. Cheers, Phil. -- Say no to software patents! http://petition.eurolinux.org/ Philip Hands. +44 (0)20 7744 6244 philip.hands(a)uk.alcove.com Alcove UK --- Liberating Software --- http://www.alcove.com/ http://www.hands.com/ phil(a)hands.com http://www.uk.debian.org/

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RE NHS Meeting - Bill and Tony
by Alan Harris 18 Sep '02

18 Sep '02

Hi all thought this might be of interest to some of you :- <my email> > Subject: Microsoft and the British Government - Possible Anti-Competitive Behaviour > Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001 15:04:20 +0100 > From: alanh(a)bryngwyn.carmarthen.sch.uk > To: Erkki.Liikanen(a)cec.eu.int > > Hi, > > I write regarding the current negotiations between the British > Government and Microsoft in which, to date, Microsoft have been awarded > a contract to supply the National Health Service with some 60 Million > (£)'s worth of software licenses. > > I would be grateful if you could inform me of the current state of the > anti-competition investigation being undertaken by the EU against > Microsoft, as it appears that more such deals (like that for the NHS) > are in the pipeline. As the commisioner with responsibility for the > Information Society I am sure that you are well aware of the potential > for damage being created by such actions. > > Many Thanks > > Alan </my email> <commisioners response> > Subject: RE: Microsoft and the British Government - Possible Anti-Competit ive Behaviour > Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2001 14:08:31 +0100 > From: Erkki.Liikanen(a)cec.eu.int > To: alanh(a)bryngwyn.carmarthen.sch.uk > CC: Mario.Monti(a)cec.eu.int, Marc.Van-Hoof(a)cec.eu.int, Olli.Rehn(a)cec.eu.int, Per.Haugaard(a)cec.eu.int > > Dear. Mr. Harris, > > I pass your letter to my colleague Mario Monti and his cabinet. He is > responsible for this issue. > But still, during investigation I don't believe much more can be said what > has been in public. > > with best regards > > Erkki Liikanen > > ******************************** > Mr. Erkki Liikanen > Member of the Commission > tel. +32-2-295.79.57 > fax +32-2-295.85.61 > erkki.liikanen(a)cec.eu.int > secretary; kirsi.larjava(a)cec.eu.int > tel. +32-2-295.14.40 > http://europa.eu.int/comm/commissioners/liikanen/index_en.htm > </commissiones response> There may be hope for all of us then? Alan ----------------------------------------------------- Alan Harris Network Manager Bryngwyn School Tel : 01554 750661 Fax : 01554 758255 E-mail: alanh(a)bryngwyn.carmarthen.sch.uk ----------------------------------------------------- Notes: 1. The contents of this email may be snooped on by interested government parties for unknown purposes! Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, 2000. 2. The opinions expressed in this email are personal and may not be shared by Bryngwyn School. -----------------------------------------------------

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MS Backing Open Source
by Matt Summers 28 Aug '02

28 Aug '02

I must be seeing things http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/2193275.stm "A new body called the Initiative for Software Choice has started lobbying governments over their use of so-called open source software. The group is backed by Microsoft and critics see it as an attempt to stifle governmental use of open source software. But the Initiative said it has only been set up to ensure fair play for all firms when bidding for government business." Who are they? Has anyone heard anything else about this? Matt Summers - Curriculum Developer LJ Technical Systems LTD 5/6 Francis Way, Bowthorpe, Norwich, NR5 9JA. UK. Tel: (01603) 748001. (+44 1603 748001). Fax: (01603) 749263. (+44 1603 749623).

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers
by Matt Summers 28 Aug '02

28 Aug '02

Yes it is. You have one of our A+ labs? -----Original Message----- From: Chris Puttick [SMTP:chris@centralmanclc.com] Sent: 28 August 2002 12:47 To: ''suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com' ' Subject: RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers Octree do an entry level for about ?800ish which would probably do, although the next one up is probably worthwhile if you're using it in a classroom environment, partly because the entry chassis has pretty loud fans and partly because it looks prettier :-). Also the entry level is limited to 512Mb RAM where as the next spec up can cope with 6Gb... Cheers Chris PS Is LJGroup as in A+? -----Original Message----- From: Matt Summers To: 'suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com' Sent: 8/28/02 12:08 PM Subject: RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers Resonable speed CPU and amount of RAM, IDE HDD (anysize), dual autosensing NIC's or 1 NIC +1 free PCI slot. Thats about it really. I don't need any frills, I want to keep things simple for the students and for me. -----Original Message----- From: Chris Puttick [SMTP:chris@centralmanclc.com] Sent: 28 August 2002 11:57 To: 'suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com' Subject: RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers If you want a supported cost-effective solution, try Octree - http://www.octree.co.uk - who offe a nice range of rackmount kit and have superb support. And for reference, we have 5 R2s and 2 R1s so far... What sort of spec are you looking for? Regards Chris -----Original Message----- From: Matt Summers To: SUSE Linux Group (E-mail) Sent: 8/28/02 11:47 AM Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers Can anyone suggest a manufacturer or supplier for a low profile rack mounted server. I have checked out Dell and Compaq and they are just too expensive. I need something simple, ie no SCSI etc. For anyone who is interested, it will run Linux. It may turn out to become an education product to teach people/ shool children about Linux. Thanks in advance, Matt -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers
by Chris Puttick 28 Aug '02

28 Aug '02

Octree do an entry level for about £800ish which would probably do, although the next one up is probably worthwhile if you're using it in a classroom environment, partly because the entry chassis has pretty loud fans and partly because it looks prettier :-). Also the entry level is limited to 512Mb RAM where as the next spec up can cope with 6Gb... Cheers Chris PS Is LJGroup as in A+? -----Original Message----- From: Matt Summers To: 'suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com' Sent: 8/28/02 12:08 PM Subject: RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers Resonable speed CPU and amount of RAM, IDE HDD (anysize), dual autosensing NIC's or 1 NIC +1 free PCI slot. Thats about it really. I don't need any frills, I want to keep things simple for the students and for me. -----Original Message----- From: Chris Puttick [SMTP:chris@centralmanclc.com] Sent: 28 August 2002 11:57 To: 'suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com' Subject: RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers If you want a supported cost-effective solution, try Octree - http://www.octree.co.uk - who offe a nice range of rackmount kit and have superb support. And for reference, we have 5 R2s and 2 R1s so far... What sort of spec are you looking for? Regards Chris -----Original Message----- From: Matt Summers To: SUSE Linux Group (E-mail) Sent: 8/28/02 11:47 AM Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers Can anyone suggest a manufacturer or supplier for a low profile rack mounted server. I have checked out Dell and Compaq and they are just too expensive. I need something simple, ie no SCSI etc. For anyone who is interested, it will run Linux. It may turn out to become an education product to teach people/ shool children about Linux. Thanks in advance, Matt -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers
by Matt Summers 28 Aug '02

28 Aug '02

Resonable speed CPU and amount of RAM, IDE HDD (anysize), dual autosensing NIC's or 1 NIC +1 free PCI slot. Thats about it really. I don't need any frills, I want to keep things simple for the students and for me. -----Original Message----- From: Chris Puttick [SMTP:chris@centralmanclc.com] Sent: 28 August 2002 11:57 To: 'suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com' Subject: RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers If you want a supported cost-effective solution, try Octree - http://www.octree.co.uk - who offe a nice range of rackmount kit and have superb support. And for reference, we have 5 R2s and 2 R1s so far... What sort of spec are you looking for? Regards Chris -----Original Message----- From: Matt Summers To: SUSE Linux Group (E-mail) Sent: 8/28/02 11:47 AM Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers Can anyone suggest a manufacturer or supplier for a low profile rack mounted server. I have checked out Dell and Compaq and they are just too expensive. I need something simple, ie no SCSI etc. For anyone who is interested, it will run Linux. It may turn out to become an education product to teach people/ shool children about Linux. Thanks in advance, Matt -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers
by Chris Puttick 28 Aug '02

28 Aug '02

If you want a supported cost-effective solution, try Octree - http://www.octree.co.uk - who offe a nice range of rackmount kit and have superb support. And for reference, we have 5 R2s and 2 R1s so far... What sort of spec are you looking for? Regards Chris -----Original Message----- From: Matt Summers To: SUSE Linux Group (E-mail) Sent: 8/28/02 11:47 AM Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Rack Mouted Servers Can anyone suggest a manufacturer or supplier for a low profile rack mounted server. I have checked out Dell and Compaq and they are just too expensive. I need something simple, ie no SCSI etc. For anyone who is interested, it will run Linux. It may turn out to become an education product to teach people/ shool children about Linux. Thanks in advance, Matt -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com

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Rack Mouted Servers
by Matt Summers 28 Aug '02

28 Aug '02

Can anyone suggest a manufacturer or supplier for a low profile rack mounted server. I have checked out Dell and Compaq and they are just too expensive. I need something simple, ie no SCSI etc. For anyone who is interested, it will run Linux. It may turn out to become an education product to teach people/ shool children about Linux. Thanks in advance, Matt

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StarOffice - licence
by Dave Williams 24 Aug '02

24 Aug '02

Hi This is an extract from the StarOffice Licence "3. Educational Institution License To Use. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, if you are an educational institution, Sun grants you a non-exclusive and non-transferable license for the internal use only of the accompanying unmodified binary form of the Software. In this situation "internal use" means that your enrolled students, faculty and staff may use the Software." OK, internal use means use by enrolled students and staff. But does this stipulate where the software can be used ie. can a member of staff use it at home? Can we give a copy to kids to use for their school work at home? Anyone got any knowledge of how this should be interpreted? Dave Williams

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Appalled at primary teacher's gift
by Chris Puttick 17 Aug '02

17 Aug '02

Laptops for Teachers (see http://lft.ngfl.gov.uk/ ) does have as a minimum specification an office suite and a configured dial-up ISP. The more sensible of the LEAs/suppliers did specify OpenOffice or StarOffice as the suite, if only because schools can purchase MS cheaper than the OEM supplied price. None that I am aware of were sensible enough to buy them with no operating system or DRDOS or (god forbid...) Linux, even though the same situation would exist with the school purchasing of MS operating systems too. The problem in the end is that most or all purchases of these laptops (both under LfT and previous schemes) were done without the guidance of someone operating at the sharp end of school ICT, along with the lack of proper, skilled, education focused, IT support in primaries and indeed many secondaries. But hey, what would I know? I'm only a skilled and experienced IT professional who's been specialising in the education sector for nearly 3 long and painful years... :-} Cheers Chris -----Original Message----- From: Tim Pizey To: suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com Sent: 8/15/02 1:14 PM Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Appalled at primary teacher's gift Hi, A friend of mine has just recieved a HP laptop from Estelle. It is completely unconfigured, with a standard windows XP install. No teacher specific applications. No education specific ISP setup. No nothing. Surely we could do better in an afternoon. The machine was from Oxford LEA under a programme called 'Laptops for Schools'. I think something should be done. Any ideas? Apparently over 60 percent of teachers at the school have a laptop delivered at different times, but with no customisation at all, so they don't get used. I think this is awful. cheers tim pizey -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com

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