[chat] [kencaldwell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx: Re: Getting legal software for donated PCs]

[Ken Caldwell <kencaldwell@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Forwarded message from Ken Caldwell <kencaldwell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> -----

Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 23:11:14 +1000
From: Ken Caldwell <kencaldwell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: Pc's for Kids Inc <admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Getting legal software for donated PCs
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In-Reply-To: <001301c10eac$e9057fa0$c48a86cb@colinbay>; from admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx on Tue, Jul 17, 2001 at 08:40:33PM +1000
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<quote who="Pc's for Kids Inc">

<snip>
> 
> Linux is one option open to the Pc's for Kids project - There are many who
> voiced this to be a strong issue - Our assistants are trying to make this
> happen as I write and this new wave is a whole new learning curve for us
> all. If you have any packages that can suit our listed systems please duly
> advise?
> 

I will give this some thought and respond more fully in a few days.
I can confirm however that all the products listed below will run linux.

Are the machines destined for the Pacific Islands intended to be used by
kids or are they to be used by the comunity in general?
It is possible but not very practical to run X (the linux version of windows)
on a machine with only 8MB RAM but I would recommend restricting such
machines to text only applications.

> Our project has 3 main products we distribute to kids:
> 
> 1. 486 SX Machines 8MB and 300 HDD (These go to assist Rotary in their
> Donations In Kind Project to Pacific Islands)
> 
> 2. 486 DX Series with the 16mb and a 420 HDD (We send these to very young
> children to the age of 10)
> 
> 3. Low End Pentium 75 / 90 / 100 / 120 / 133 / 166 these have a full package
> provided - CD / 16MB / 850 HDD Min / Sound / and 56.6 Modem. (This is our
> most requested and addresses 100% of most children needs)
> 
> If you have parts or items that can assist - we invite your donation.
> 
> (Microsoft) MS is in our schools and kids understand this very well - Our
> concern is support needed in many locations should we be forced to alter our
> systems OS.

I'm sure the kids will learn very rapidly, it's the parents who may have some
difficulty :-)
> 
> These Q&A will be raised when the time comes - But we must face and stand up
> to MS - For the issues that the Press reported and other key factors.
> 
<snip>
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ken Caldwell" <kencaldwell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Colin Bayes" <admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2001 5:19 PM
> Subject: Getting legal software for donated PCs
> 
> 
> > Someone posted the following link on the Sydney Linux Users Group
> > mailing list
> > http://www.it.mycareer.com.au/breaking/2001/07/16/FFXHC2W94PC.html
> > with the story of how Microsoft will not let you have free licences
> > for their software.
> >
> > Have you considered equipping the computers with free software?
> > Free operating systems and applications exist to provide all the
> > functionality of MS Windows and applications.
> >
> > The software is no more difficult to learn than Windows but is
> > different.  It may be worthwhile to contact the Computerbank
> > project
> >
> > http://www.computerbank.org.au/
> >
> > which has aims similar to your own organisation.  There may be
> > linux users at the local university who might help.
> 

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