Today, I installed Edubuntu on my MacBook Pro laptop.
Displayed above, you can see me using a Web 2.0 tool, VoiceThread just fine under Firefox in the Ubuntu-linux operating system. What makes Edubuntu unique is the educational software that comes with it, and the support for thin-clients running off a server.
This past October, the tech sites were ablaze with high hopes for the latest version of Ubuntu, named “Gutsy Gibbon.” Having used Linux before, it is even more polished and stable than I’ve noted in past forays. I doubt I could use this day-in and day-out as effectively as I use the Mac (in part due to my familiarity with Mac over Ubuntu linux), but the amount (and quality) of what’s there says a lot for what schools could do with inexpensive machines and this free software.
Incidentally, I had some issues getting Ubuntu installed on my Mac with Parallels 3. I took the advice I found elsewhere, and:
- Installed the earlier v7 release of Ubuntu with their Alternative CD.
- I used the text-installer. It hung on me.
- I restarted, and it had actually fully installed.
- I used the built-in system update in Ubuntu to upgrade from Fiesty Fawn to Gutsy Gibbon.
- I used a command-line tool to install (upgrade, if you will) to Edubuntu.
- I used the built-in software installer to grab a lot more software, including the titles that come on the Edubuntu install disc.
The only thing I had to do on my own was install Flash. Latest versions of OpenOffice, TuxPaint, GIMP, etc., are all ready and waiting. Thanks to some folks on the Edubuntu IRC channel for some advice in getting Edubuntu installed over Ubuntu.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Is edubuntu good? would you advise other people to have it?
February 14th, 2008 at 6:48 am
It works, it’s stable, it’s free, and it comes pre-loaded with a lot of “typical” software that you’re already likely using. My recommendation would be to find an older machine, install it (or install it under a virtual environment, as I did) and force yourself to use it for awhile.