Edubuntu Operating System

In this article, you will learn about the Edubuntu operating system with its history, features, and applications.

What is Edubuntu Operating System?

Ubuntu Education version was originally known as Edubuntu. It was an official version of the Ubuntu OS that was mainly designed for use in schools, households, and communities. It was developed in collaboration with teachers and technologists from all around the world. Edubuntu is based on Ubuntu and includes the LTSP thin client architecture and various education-specific applications. It was created with ease of installation and continuous system maintenance in mind.

Edubuntu allows anybody to recover an outdated computer system and make a computer lab in about an hour. Edubuntu was designed with one purpose in mind, and even users with low technical knowledge and abilities should be able to control the education learning environment. "Our goal is to put together a system that integrates all of the top free software available in education and makes it easy to install and maintain", according to the official Edubuntu Website. Edubuntu operating system is all about education.

History of Edubuntu Operating System

Edubuntu Operating System was firstly released in 2005, codenamed Breezy Badger. After the initial release, with the 8.04 Hardy Heron version of Edubuntu, it was renamed Ubuntu Education Edition. It became an add-on to a conventional Ubuntu installation rather than an installable LiveCD. Everything changed with the introduction of version 9.10, and Edubuntu became available as a complete system DVD and remained one. Edubuntu includes translations for many languages and focuses on the educational requirements of children worldwide.

Features of Edubuntu Operating System

There are various features of the Edubuntu Operating System. Some features of the Edubuntu operating system are as follows:

1. It is integrated with the existing OS on systems and nicely coexists with and shares data with them.
2. Edubuntu is free; therefore, it does not strain educational organizations' budgets while delivering all of the technology.
3. The key benefit is that communities and specialists, including the Edubuntu developers, may be reached directly via mailing lists and IRC channels.
4. Because of the use of LTSP, a single server may handle several computer systems running Edubuntu, making it easier to administer. Edubuntu frequently assists in minimizing the amount of time you spend managing your machines.
5. Edubuntu OS is supported by both the Edubuntu and wider Ubuntu communities. Many software developers may reach directly in Edubuntu via IRC channels and mailing lists. In addition to mailing lists, wiki pages, IRC channels, and bug trackers, there are more avenues to seek assistance. There is also a distinct support group for educators who utilize Edubuntu OS.
6. Due to a shortage of specialized IT staff, educational institutions prefer Edubuntu because it provides Unix-like security against malware and viruses.
7. The Edubuntu team recognizes that security has become a significant concern for educators. Schools sometimes lack qualified IT workers or the time to secure and clean machines. Edubuntu, as a Linux-based operating system, benefits from the security benefits of its Unix-like and open source roots. It leads to better code, minor adware, and viruses afflicting other operating systems. Furthermore, Edubuntu has a tight, proactive security strategy, which means that many typical issues, such as open ports or misconfigured applications, are far more minor of a concern.

Project goals of Edubuntu Operating System

The main goal of the Edubuntu operating system was to allow an educator with minimum technical expertise to properly set up a computer lab or an online learning environment in an hour or less. Edubuntu's primary design goals were centralized administration of configuration, users, processes, and collaborative working facilities in a classroom context. Equally essential was the collection of the most excellent free software and digital educational resources accessible.

Versions of Edubuntu Operating System

The initial release of Edubuntu occurred on October 13, 2005, the same day that Ubuntu 5.10, also known as Breezy Badger, was made available. With the release of Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron, Edubuntu was renamed as Ubuntu Education version and transitioned from an installable LiveCD to an add-on to a conventional Ubuntu installation. Edubuntu switched from being offered as an Add-on CD to a complete system DVD starting with version 9.10. Edubuntu may be installed as well.

Edubuntu declared they would forgo the 16.04 LTS release and wanted to stick with 14.04 owing to a lack of contributors after becoming an LTS-only distribution with 14.04.

Applications of the Edubuntu Operating System

There are various applications of the Edubuntu Operating System. Some applications of the Edubuntu OS are as follows:

1. You have the choice to utilize a word processor together with a spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, database, and mathematical formula apps with Open Office Suite.
2. Dia provides you with software that is simple to use for processing flowcharts and diagrams. Xsane offers a simple scanning interface. For various graphic needs, there are further applications like GIMP, Blender, and Scribus.
3. KStars is a desktop planetarium that provides a detailed graphic representation of the night sky with information on all the planets, 130000 stars, and 13000 deep-sky objects. Kalzium is a software program for finding and studying data on the elements and the periodic table. There is additional software available for scientific investigations.
4. Evolution offers you the choice of managing mail, while Ekiga provides video conferencing services. Gaim may be used to manage chat and instant messaging programs.
5. It contains software like Rhythmbox, Totem, and Kino to manage audio and visual requirements. You may record audio snippets to your PC using Sound Recorder.
6. The Logo programming language may be used in one's native tongue with the aid of the KTurtle interpreter. Many sets of tools enable the teachers and students to enjoy freedom for mathematical apps.
7. You may use a tool to improve your Spanish language skills.
8. Children may practise their sketching abilities with simple tools in Tux Paint, a free painting application made for young children.

Educational Merits of Edubuntu Operating System

Edubuntu is a free educational OS. It has removed all unneeded software from Ubuntu and replaced it with useful applications by default. It is a good starting point for any school and contains adequate math, language, and science tools. Its main advantage is the amount of open content-free software for sound recording, graphic editing, video editing, etc. Edubuntu's interface is similar to the Windows GUI for students but provides an alternate navigation method. It's excellent for their problem-solving abilities.

However, Microsoft Windows offers the same educational benefits to children as Edubuntu OS. Its key benefits include cost savings because the same Open Source software is typically accessible for various OS, including Windows and Apple.

Edubuntu OS does not include any software that is not available for the Windows or Apple operating systems. Additionally, the Edubuntu operating system alternative software can have some more features with various educational capabilities.

Conclusion

Edubuntu OS is a reliable, stable, and free OS. It offers several educational benefits, and it may be installed on low-resource systems and run seamlessly on existing networks. Edubuntu's most important selling feature is that it is entirely free, and whether it can offer more than that in the future will decide its overall success.