shoestring pc
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begun:
10/23/06 Welcome! This is a modest attempt to provide computer users, especially computer teachers and school labs, with suggestions, information, software, and more, all on a "shoestring budget." 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 (using msconfig)
Why is my computer SO S-L-O-W? (It used to be so fast!)
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!
When this page was written, this program was not for XP and not for the latest equipment. It may now include XP, idk. At any rate, thinking in terms of a "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! If you have XP, so much the better. (Don't bother with Vista!!!!!! If you don't know why, just start "googling" around to find out.)
Other:
OpenOffice "live guides" - courtesy Digital Distribution
Made
with Nvu on a P-III class machine running
Mepis Linux. Thanks,
Dean!!!