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Sounds like a great idea. Perhaps one way of cutting down on costs could be to write to local companies, explaining the plans and ask for any computer equipment they no longer have any use for. Once you have collected a certain amount of kit, you could then set about building small networks, then approach local schools offering complete computer networks, running Linux for X amount, You would charge to cover costs, time, and costs for cables, hubs and other kit, overall I would guess for under 10,000 you could set up a nice network, with internet access. I think some schools also want things like cameras so they can use it for video conferencing, (or allowing the kids to see and talk to each other at the same time), have a look at mind storms and the Linux support and perhaps offer this as an option, or a package on it's own. Depending on what you collect you should be able to get some donated. You could negotiate a support, installation contract with a local school. Given limited budgets I am sure this would work, if done with the right approach. You also need to consider training on the software, as they would not want to be left in the lurch if you move somewhere else and they are left with no support, so you would also need to keep detailed notes on how the network is set up. Again you could include this as part of the deal, I am not sure what is best to do first, I would guess get the computers, then approach schools, that way you don't have the problem of not being able to get adequte equipment for the project. Anyway good luck, if you need any help just let me know I have some bits I may be able to donate, and various suppliers of computer bits. Paul Sutton ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Hewson" <P.J.Hewson@xxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <list@xxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: 11 December 2001 12:37 Subject: [LUG] Linux in Schools > Hello, > > I have always wished I had time, energy and belief to get involved in this. > I understand that 15 networked computers in a primary school, with NT and all > the other M$ goodies along with proprietary network management software can > set you back £18,000 - £28,000 on a five year lease. Admittedly, that does > cover (some?) repairs if they are needed during the lease, and presumably > software upgrades but still. As I don't have the bottle to remortage my > house and attempt to start selling complete installations plus technician (me) > for half that, does anyone know of any Install-Fests aimed at schools? This > news item shows what's happening abroad:...... > > http://www.seul.org/edu/report59.html > > It's been hard to avoid the debate about the lack of sophistication of desktop > office suites on Linux, but surely what's available is good and reliable > enough for primary schools? > > Regards. > > Paul > > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > Paul Hewson, Postgraduate Statistics Student (part-time) > School of Mathematical Sciences, Laver Building, > University of Exeter, North Park Road, EXETER EX4 4QE, U.K. > > tel: +44 1392 382773 fax: +44 1392 382135 > email: P.J.Hewson@xxxxxxxxxxxx > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- > > > -- > The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG > Mail majordomo@xxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe list" in the > message body to unsubscribe. > -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG Mail majordomo@xxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe list" in the message body to unsubscribe.