Linux gets foothold in UK classrooms

The Powys Local Education Authority has spurned Microsoft in favour of Linux-based servers for handling intranets and email.

Schools in Wales are saving thousands of pounds using Linux, the authority said, to meet the government's National Grid for learning (NGfL) targets throughout its 125 primary, secondary and special needs schools.

It is also planning a pilot scheme to use Linux-based desktop applications early next year.

In the last few months the Authority also launched SchoolWeb Builder, which takes Open Source software together with in-house PHP (personal home page) scripting, to make what Dr Martin Williams, co-ordinator, ICT support services for Powys LEA and pioneer of the system, calls "idiot-proof DIY web building package for schools".

He added: "All schools have to do is insert the filenames of pictures and text they wish to be placed into templates and it does the rest."

Williams claimed using open source has enabled cost savings of more than 75 per cent for each primary school, and 85 per cent per secondary school.

He noted that other advantages of Linux include the ability to run on relatively low spec PCs.

"These factors combined to give us a web and email server that, software and all, cost less than £300 apiece - a price we could not have got near without using Open Source software at every turn," he said.

Williams added: "I don't think total Microsoft domination is healthy. It is wonderfully ironic that the main competition is coming from an intrinsically non-competitive background, Open Source."

Powys LEA is not alone in turning its back on Microsoft to meet the government's NGfL target of giving 50 per cent of pupils email access by April 2002.

For an in-depth analysis on why schools are choosing Linux, check out the latest News In View:
Linux losing the fight at the school Gates
http://www.silicon.com/a49762

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