Mall School, Richmond
From Schoolforge-UK
The Mall School in Richmond has replaced its aging Windows PCs with a state of the art Linux computer suite, offering a wealth of educational software at a fraction of the cost of an upgraded Microsoft-based solution.
A preparatory school with 350 pupils aged from five to thirteen, the Mall has an excellent academic reputation and is keen to offer the very best IT facilities without blowing the budget.
The school was running a number of Windows-only applications, including its administration database, so the new system had to be compatible with a range of existing Microsoft software.
The solution, provided by the UK's leading Linux and open source systems consultancy – Sirius Corporation, offers an elegant answer to the needs of schools wishing to realise the enormous cost and flexibility advantages of open source software, whilst negotiating the real-world hurdles of lock in to proprietary applications.
Sirius Corporation installed a network of 28 computers for use by pupils and staff connected to a high-powered server running open source educational applications. 18 of the machines, used primarily for teaching, are “thin clients” - extremely simple, low-cost terminals accessing software running on the servers. The “thin client” machines are very small, use very little power (the Mall's electricity savings alone are likely to be in excess of £1,000 per year) and run completely silently. They also enable staff to control what software is available on the pupils' desktops from the central server, reducing administration costs and the chances of misuse. If a terminal breaks it can simply be swapped out, with no further maintenance required.
The software provided includes the OpenOffice office suite (offering full file compatibility with Microsoft), drawing, desktop publishing and web design applications along with a wide range of educational programs and games. All of the software is free of proprietary licensing and can therefore be used by pupils with no restrictions at home.
Ten of the machines installed are “fat clients” which can be booted up either into Windows XP to run the school's existing administration software or into Linux for classroom use.
The school and its pupils are very happy with the new system, which came fully installed for less than £15,000, an estimated 60% saving over an equivalent proprietary solution. Installation took less than a week and the system is proving very easy to use and administer.
Educational organisations, including BECTA, have recently been pointing out the enormous potential benefits to schools of open source software. The Mall School is starting to make these benefits a reality.
