Background:
Elementary School labs have been using Open Source software since 2001. John Cuzzola modified the LTSP project to be a diskless client model with the ability to run large applications like OpenOffice on the server. In 2006 we decided it was time to upgrade the old Redhat servers to Debian. At the same time Dean Coder, the principal of Barriere Secondary wanted Linux on all the student, teacher and admin workstations. Barriere Secondary's switch to Open Source was a success. Each school would take 2-4 weeks, to install the hardware and provide support for Open Software. The last 3 high schools were finished in Septebmer 2009.

• Debian based package system - Completely free. We do not have to pay for any upgrades or support. We are also implementing Ubuntu Linux on fat-non-diskless workstations.
• Virtualization - vserver and vmware to help facilitate easy upgrades and backward compatibility. Save on hardware costs.
• Diskless client model - hardware has fallen in price to the point where it is cheaper to buy new-bare-bones workstations than it is to maintain old legacy workstations. As apposed to ltsp thin-client model, the diskless model allows for: 3d acceleration(google earth & beryl), seamless multimedia and external usb device integration. Diskless clients also have the benefit of less load on the network and the server - South Kamloops Secondary is running 236 diskelss clients off of one server (Oct 2009).
• FreeNX - Remote access to your desktop from any computer in the world.
• Applications: openoffice.org, kontact, cycas drafting, web-based courseware, google earth, special software for math, science, english, computer programming, accounting etc. Plus teacher tools to monitor and controll their labs: internet on/off, games on/off, monitor student screens etc.

Moodle Implementation:
SD No. 73 is currently implementing the Moodle Course Management System in all of our Secondary Schools. Elementary Schools will also be using Moodle over the next year.

Moodle Facts:
Moodle is on a virtualized district server with each of the schools having their own instance. Moodle will provide not only exceptional course management functionality but content management which the schools can easily manage and maintain. Moodle is Open Source and under constant development and improvement.

Most of our schools are now using moodle as their main website. Showcase.

For more information visit the Moodle Website

• Firewalls - FreeBSD
• Email system using open source
• Centralized authentication - LDAP
• Web content filtering - Dansguardian
• Primary Domain Controllers - SAMBA
• Web-based systems: Apache, PHP, MySQL, Perl
• Web-based Report Card System
• Web-based Student Data and HR Query System
• Web-based Workorder System
• Web-based Transportation System

Workstations with Linux on the Desktop

3200
October 2009

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