A CD is just so big
There are so many great Free Software projects, and space on a compact disc is limited. Here, I hope to compile a listing of some of the other great Free Software projects out there, with an emphasis (as always) on software that can be useful in a school setting.
Distributions, Software Collections, Support Software
- Edubuntu Linux
- An offshoot of the tremendous Ubuntu distribution and community, the Edubuntu Linux distribution brings the spirit of Ubuntu to schools, through its customised school environment.
As of the 6.06 release (Thats June 2006) the installation CD is also a Live CD, the Ubuntu community and spirit make EDUbuntu a fantastic Linux distribution for schools and students - and they will shipit free! - SSS: Software for Starving Students
- The Software for Starving Students CD enhances the Windows and Mac desktop computing experiences by providing an easy way to install free, high-quality software titles via a user-friendly interface.
- The Open CD
- TheOpenCD is a collection of high quality Free and Open Source Software. The programs run in Windows and cover the most common tasks such as word processing, presentations, e-mail, web browsing, web design, and image manipulation.
- Moodle Courseware Management System
- Moodle is a course management system (CMS) - a free, Open Source software package designed using sound pedagogical principles, to help educators create effective online learning communities.
- The SchoolTool Project
- SchoolTool is a project to develop a common global school administration infrastructure that is freely available under an Open Source licence.
- K12 Linux Terminal Server Project
- Once installed K12LTSP lets you boot diskless workstations from an applications server. You can use old PC's as diskless clients , all applications run on the terminal server.
Thin-clients are perfect for schools because they are easy to install and require little maintenance, since they have no software or hard drives. They are reliable and immune to malicious tampering and viruses.
A la Carte Free Software for Windows Computers
- ClamWin Antivirus
- Free, Open Source Antivirus for Windows PCs, an absolute necessity for Windows users. ClamWin is Free Software, without any subscription fees or adware ⁄ spyware.
- 7-Zip Archive Manager
- 7-Zip is an archive manager, used for creating and opening or extracting zip files, as well as numerous other types of archives.
- PDF Creator
- Create PDF files from any Windows program just like printing on paper, allowing for universal consumption of your document since PDF is an Open Standard that is supported on nearly every known platform.
- Scribus
- Scribus DTP is provided within the Live CD Environment, but the Windows version did not fit on the CD. Please read the page, you must install Ghostscript first in order to install Scribus, a link is provided along with some background information.
- Stellarium
- Stellarium is available within the Live CD Environment, but alas, the Windows version did not fit on the final CD, you can download the Windows version from the Stellarium Website.
Primary Schools Educational Software
- GCompris
- GCompris is an educational software which proposes miscellaneous activities to kids from 2 to 10.
- ChildsPlay