ask the very same question.
=20
Every time I research any major software product, I learn about a free or =
inexpensive Linux counterpart. This includes some very big ticket items =
including the thin client environment, virus protection software, web =
filtering software, email server software, classroom content management =
software, etc... I am in the process of doing some cost analysis on =
migrating to Linux and open source solutions for a few of our more =
expensive software products -- just a 'what if' scenario at this point.
=20
Our questions remain (and I think must be answered on a case by case =
basis):
=20
1) What sort of support could we get for various Open Source packages =
(and at what cost)?
2) For a given product, what training is available for our staff?
3) How do I answer security concerns raised about open source products? =
What legitimizes an open source product as non-malicious and stable? Just =
about any Open Source software I see comes with disclaimers in which the =
authors abdicate any responsibility for problems resulting from using =
their software. This is particularly important since we are handling =
sensitive student data that must not be compromised.=20
4) When buying paid software, schools often look at the financial =
stability of a company to predict the longevity of a products life (e.g. =
we don't buy products from companies near bankruptcy). Can one gain any =
assurances about the longevity of an open source product? =20
5) Will the time and training commitment to adapt to a Linux environment =
justify any savings?
=20
The benefits of using Linux not only involve software savings, but also =
potential hardware savings. Linux distributions consistently run much =
better on older hardware with less memory and processor speed.
=20
Great topic, Joe; please keep this discussion public or share responses!
=20
Kevin Eaton
=20
---------------------------------------------------
Kevin Eaton
Director of Technology
The Pennington School
Phone: (609) 737-6140
Fax: (609) 737-7920
Email: keaton@pennington.org
Web:
www.pennington.org
---------------------------------------------------
>>> Joe Merricks <MERRICKSJ@hargrave.edu> 2/28/2008 12:51 PM >>>
I am a member of a committee at my school, Hargrave Military Academy, that =
is examining the question of "What next?" My question to you is:
=20
Are any schools in the process, or considering migrating to Linux? Both =
on the server side and the desktop side? If so, would sharing your =
reasons, experiences, Linux distro, etc. I a m particularly interested in =
schools in the Mid-Atlantic area. You may reply off-list to me or on =
list. I am sure that there are others that may be interested in this =
thread.
=20
=20
=20
=20
Joe Merricks
Math Instructor
Hargrave Military Academy
200 Military Drive
Chatham, VA 24531
merricksj@hargrave.edu=20
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