[SWLUG] Event organisation meeting/ ? fun

[swlug at paulconnell.fastmail.fm]

As far as support, as it is more for using by the children in the
classroom support 'shouldn't' be much of an issue, if it is old hardware
you just write it off, otherwise support could be volunteered.

If a model could be made to work, what is stopping a competitor for IT
services from being formed as a nonprofit for this kind of scenario?  I
know it's a a broad overview but if it's a free or nearly free PC with
free software and minimal support for noncritical purposes, that is a
valid niche?

Just my thoughts, I want to evangelise, have the free time currently and
my kids go there so it makes sense to help.  I'll relay feedback as I
get it.

Paul Connell

On Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:31:49 +0000, "Peter Bradley"
<p.bradley at dsl.pipex.com> said:
> Ysgrifennodd swlug at paulconnell.fastmail.fm:
> > I currently have an old laptop in a Cardiff Primary school with Edubuntu
> > installed (last week),  I'm letting the staff evaluate it to see if they
> > like it (issue came up in a governor's meeting of lack of computers for
> > the children). I Am waiting to see if they think it's something they
> > could see themselves using in which case we may ask parents for old
> > computers etc. which I'll go over and refurb. cheaply for the school -
> > but I'm not sure how it impacts with Cardiff IT Services which the
> > school currently sources its IT from (Secondary schools are apparently a
> > lot more independent than primaries).
> >
> > This is the kind of project I think we could pursue, given current
> > finance squeezes in schools etc.  Thoughts?
> >
> > Paul Connell
> >
> >   
> 
> Well done, Paul.  It's exactly the right thing to do IMHO.
> 
> Cardiff IT Services will almost certainly say that they can't/won't
> support Linux boxes.  Might be worth asking the school how much support
> they've needed, or have used in the past and making sure that that's
> covered.  Could mean keeping a Windows box or two for support call
> purposes.  I'm only guessing here though.  I've no first hand experience.
> 
> Cheers
> 
> 
> Peter
>