Not trying to put the stoppers on things, but talking from experience, the following are my ramblings on the subject. I have been working in a High School (1300 students) as Network Manager/Installer/Fixer, Dogs Body and Teacher for over 6 years. I have been using a Linux Web Server in the school for Intranet and Internet access for 5+ years. Web Server (RH) started with Modem connection, then ISDN and now ADSL. Works brilliant, using Squid and Dan's Guardian and can control access all over the school. I have often thought about rolling out a class of Linux workstations and in fact 1 school here set up a Linux network a couple of years ago. That setup is now gone for a number of reasons. Not enough support, Min. of ED supports only Microsoft, all support software, etc is built around Microsoft. Also talking with possible employers, they want students that know Microsoft products, not Linux. I am self taught with Linux because I was not happy with MS Proxy and wanted a better, safer and easier way to browse the net at school. I am frustrated with Linux because of lack of support but still continue to use it. I am still trying to get Suse working with Squid on a new Server that hosts one of our domains and also runs Moodle. I need local support to help with this. (I had a student who needed a project for her final paper for her Computer Degree set it up originally. She has now moved out of town and into full time employment.)
Fact, Primary schools and High Schools are sooooo different, what works in one will not work in the other. They have totally different ways of teaching. Try and visit some schools and check on what they are doing with computers then see how you can 'Introduce' Linux into the system. NCEA has made major changes to the way things are now done in school, from reporting through to what and how we teach in class. That on its own influences the software that must be in schools. The positive thing is to remember the saying 'softly, softly catchee monkey'. In other words take small bites, get good results and grow from there. Install a Web Server, set up Intranet, Internet access and host the schools website on the server. Set up so that Teachers can post work for students to access from home as well as school. Set up discussion forums, etc. Get all happy and positive on how well it all works. Then move on to a Mail Server, etc. Look at Koha for the library system. But support, support, support them, please. Take away the need to have the Microsoft server products and Licenses. Change the Browser on the workstations, and follow with small changes over to the Linux apps. This would still be a huge job and on going for some time. Offer heaps of support. You must all ways be aware of No Money and working with 'Experts' at the schools. I am not trying to stop anyone with their ideas, just take a look at the whole picture. I have had many visitors over the years looking at what I have put in place and amazed that it was done part time by 1 person. I have helped other schools install Linux as a web server because it works so great. I will support you in any way I can in this project. Hope this is not too long. Cheers Terry Cole Rotorua, New Zealand mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cole.gen.nz http://www.websnz.com
