11.25.06
Next EDU-Nix CD Update
CD III Alpha Status
As I had indicated in a previous posting, the next EDU-Nix CD plan is now to refine and update the recently released Version II CD. At present, a new CD is in early creation stages and is fairly stable - I have been running on it for days and no problems. A package listing will be found below, it is very preliminary, and subject to change.
A note on Samba, it has been removed from the next EDU-Nix CD, and I am considering the removal of OpenOffice.org as well. The removal of Samba is with great reluctance, the Samba team has produced a fantastic product and it provides much needed interoperability with Microsoft Windows networks, but the recent deal between Novell and Microsoft has cast doubts on whether one needs to license Microsoft “Intellectual Property” just to interoperate with Windows.
I have no doubts about the “cleanliness” of the code in either project, but Novell’s agreement with Microsoft in which Novell customers receive a covenant not to sue is about the murky area of patents and “IP”, not copyrighted code, and the covenant still doesn’t cover redistribution.
So, in any case, Novell has now submitted to Microsoft’s demand to pay royalties to interoperate with Windows and this project certainly cannot afford to do so, nor will it endorse Novell’s action. Yes, this hurts the usefulness and attractiveness of the EDU-Nix Dual-Mode CD offering, it is an impediment to entering the marketplace to not be able to interoperate with Windows, but it is the prudent move at this time to ensure that the project can continue.
CD III Feature Listing
Windows Software Included:
- Anagramarama
- Childsplay 0.83.0
- Tuxmath 2001.09.07
- Tuxpaint 0.9.16
- Tuxpaint Stamps 2006.10.21
- Tuxtype2 1.5.3
Software Installed in the Slax Live CD Environment:
Under the hood is the Slax Linux Live CD 5.1.8.1, updated to include KDE 3.5.5
- Anagramarama 0.2
- Celestia 1.4.1
- Childsplay 0.83.1
- Firefox 1.5.0.8
- GCompris 7.4
- Gimp 2.2.10
- KDE EDU Suite 3.5.5
- KDU Games Suite 3.5.5
- KSudoku 0.3
- Ktouch 1.5.1.5
- Mathomatic 12.1c.1
- Stellarium 0.8.2
- Tuxpaint 0.9.16
- Tuxpaint Stamps 2006.10.21
If anyone sees any applications that are out-of-date, please let me know, I try to hunt around as much as I can. Also of note is a project that was brought to my attention, AKFQuiz, a quiz making program which seems very intriguing because of all of the various interface possibilities. I will check it out, please keep the suggestions coming.
UPDATE: I have decided to pull OOO after all