Software Requirements

Software Requirements

A part of the sustainability model for Indiana Access relies on the software on the machines.  While the hardware is perfectly capable of running most modern operating systems, including Microsoft Windows XP, and capable of supporting office packages like Microsoft Office, the fiscal model necessary to support the project begins to deteriorate  when these costs are factored in.  Therefore, systems in pilot schools are loaded with low-cost/no-cost open source software.  Based on results from the pilots projects, open source software seems to perform well.

As the  program expands beyond English Language Arts classrooms and beyond the 9-12 grade levels, the available number of applications and their quality will become increasingly important.  The Open Source community continues to come out with new and improved software applications, and the recent efforts of OSDL and other organizations striving for a common desktop application interface, all point to a bright future for open source applications.

Currently, the operating systems in use in Indiana's pilot projects include Linspire 5.0, and Novell Linux Desktop (NLD9).  Application software generally includes:

• Sun Microsystems' STAR OFFICE
• Star Writer (Word processing software)
• Impress (Presentations software)
• Star Calc (Spreadsheet software)
• Star Base (Data base software)
• Star Draw (Graphical drawing software)

• CMAP (http://cmap.ihmc.us/)

• REALplayer for Linux

• Firefox web browser

• GIMP (Image manipulation software)

• Codeweaver's Crossover Office (Crossover Office allows many applications designed for Microsoft Windows to run under a Linux operating system)

Moodle (http://moodle.org/) applications (Moodle is a course management system), are proving popular in several areas.  Hundreds of other applications are available.

In addition to open source applications that are available, many companies are now making efforts to allow their software to operate in  Linux environment. Within the next 1-2 years, we expect to see several new applications become available  in a Linux version.

WHY LINUX?

The sustainability model for the Indiana ACCESS project relies on keeping costs as low as possible for schools.  Using Linux as the operating system and open source for the application stack, we have been able to keep software costs to about $13-$18 per machine per year.  This includes software update support. The traditional model for similar software would cost more than $200 per computer.   This cost differential allows for the acquisition of additional hardware for placement in classrooms.  Ultimately, if laptop computers become more affordable and replace the desktop model in Indiana ACCESS, low-cost software will still make sense.

Part of the Indiana ACCESS project is to test the viability of Linux on the desktop in classrooms.  The low-cost hardware/low-cost software approach provides exciting opportunities for K-12 education.  As training opportunities improve for  Linux, and local school staff become more aware of its capabilities, we should see an increased level of sophistication and use.

Management

The traditional software environment currently in place in schools developed over time.  Systems to manage the software and systems developed in response to needs.  The Department of Education is focusing attention on details of  systems and software management as this project develops.  We hope to be able to offer an architecture that results in a “managed solution” for software updates, downloads, patches, and enhanced application level software. This solution should be less costly and more manageable than the broad mix of current systems.

Inclusion

It is our expressed goal to welcome new partners in this effort.  We encourage software developers and anyone else to contact us to include their products.  This includes developers of operating system software including other providers of Linux.  In addition, we will continue to look for all avenues for providing low-cost, hi-tech solutions to schools.

We believe that the interests of education are best served by encouraging a strong multi-vendor environment that offers the hope of full interoperability between applications, management structures, and data sets.  As we pursue projects that will result in consistent, usable, meta-data for tagging the state's academic standards and other resources, we want to ensure availability in the broadest sense possible.

Giving teachers and students the tools they need to succeed in the 21st Century, we build the base for a strong future for Indiana and increased opportunities for a quality of life second-to-none.