shoestring-pc

shoestring pc

begun: 10/23/06
last updated: 2/17/07

Welcome! This is a modest attempt to provide computer users, especially computer teachers and school labs, with suggestions, information, software, and more. There will be a particular focus on running a school computer lab. (A special welcome to all MACSA workshop participants--the notes and follow-up are all here!!) This will be geared both toward the Windows user and those wanting to learn about Linux. It won't be fancy due to time constraints. Poke around, see if you like it, and always e-mail me with your comments and suggestions!

-- Marty

Computer Lab on a Shoestring Budget:

Software:

APPLICATIONS - mostly open-source with some freeware. These are the everyday programs you and your students will run.
ANTI-VIRUS - again, open-source.
CONTENT FILTERING - protect yourself and your students!

Performance:

Speeding up your pc

Linux:

Looking at Linux
Three Distros to try - info on Mepis, Ubuntu, Puppy, and other helps
Mepis Tour - a nice, if homey, video introduction to the Mepis Linux OS (approx. 5 minutes)
Top Ten Annoyances - what new Linux users need to know to keep cool

Windows licensing

Microsoft's licensing program for computers donated to schools. Read carefully!

This program is not for XP and not for the latest equipment, but thinking "shoestring budget," remember: older PCs with Windows 98se are fine for teaching applications, computer concepts, and programming; plus, most open-source programs work fine with them!

Other:

OpenOffice Draw tutorial
OpenOffice "live guides" - courtesy Digital Distribution

Word Processor

Database

Spreadsheet

How to burn ISOs to make a CD

^{Made with Nvu on a P-III class machine running Mepis Linux 6.0. Thanks, Dean!!!}