Technology & Learning November 2007 - (Page 18) DATABASES Commercial Access FileMaker Pro Toad for Oracle Active Directory Open Source Kexi OpenOffice Base SQLTools TOra DEVELOPMENT Commercial Access UltraEdit-32 Visual Studio FileMaker Pro Open Source ArgoUML StarUML Aptana Kexi schools across the state have secure, reliable, sophisticated server systems thanks to Linux-based open source technology. In other words, instead of using computers set to run either Microsoft or Apple operating systems, Indiana school children were given desktops running a Linux-based OS (in this case, distribution packages offered by Red Hat, Novell, and Ubuntu) and with preinstalled free open source software (commonly referred to as FOSS), much of it mimicking popular but expensive programming such as the comprehensive office suites offered by major companies. Did Indiana children mind? “Who cares?” one student quipped to Michael Huffman, special assistant for technology, as he surveyed the one-to-one program’s success across the state. “Is Linux the answer? Obviously we think so,” says Huffman, who estimates software costs total only $5 per machine annually. “It’s the only model we’ve come up with that is affordable, repeatable, and sustainable. “If you look at a lot of other states that have had laptop initiatives, I think there is Continued on page 20 CaseStudy:L inux Solutionin Ca ifornia l Getting It Off the Ground In 2004, Saugus Union School District took on one of its most high-profile projects: adopting open source. Though you might assume cost savings was the primary motivation, it was the desire for a flexible system that actually motivated Jim Klein, director of information services and technology at the Santa Clarita–based school district, to switch all 52 systems from Novell NetWare to an open source platform provided by Red Hat. In four weeks, Klein and his team adopted a system that includes virtual network computing, allowing the IT staff to provide technical support remotely for any Windows, Macintosh, or Linux workstation from any location in the district. If Klein learned anything from the project, it’s to dive in. “The best way to learn and/or refine your skills with Linux is to force yourself to use the solution,” he says. And he has a bit of practical advice: “Pick up your Widows machine (or Mac, if you are so inclined) that is on your desk and GRAPHIC APPLICATIONS Commercial Photoshop Visio AutoCAD Illustrator Software But nothing’s drawn more attention to Linux than the proliferation of free open source software (FOSS), much of which is available over the Internet or by disk and can be shared. Most of the free software mimics popular commercial titles (see “OPEN vs. CLOSED,” page 17), and for those who are invested in and want to continue to run Microsoft or Apple applications there is software now available that allows you to run a range of commercial Open Source OpenOffice Draw Dia Gimpshop Paint.NET applications simultaneously (see www.codeweavers.com). “Opportunities for student creativity increase in the world of FOSS since there is no financial barrier to installing powerful special software on the off-chance that some students might use it,” says David Thornburg, of the Thornburg Center. “My own software mix on my Linux laptop would cost (at educational discounts) more than $500 to replace with commercial titles. Again, the cost savings per machine is significant. Add to this the fact that many of these titles are cross-platform, and can be given to students to take home, and the benefits of FOSS grow even larger.” Open Source Online No question, the Web 2.0 explosion is fueled by open source, which offers “free” or “open” solutions, allowing users to participate in Webbased communities, and hosted services such as social networking sites—RSS feeds, podcasting, and wikis. Linux enthusiasts point to the Internet and, in particular, social networking sites as the 18 | www.techlearning.com http://www.codeweavers.com http://Paint.NET http://www.techlearning.com
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