[rtpnet-tact] Status: Time for Linux, perhaps Lindows or Mandrake ?

[Mark W4CHL]

Dear Youth of Today,

A couple of things, as mentioned earlier do you have any familiarity with Linux ? 

There are at least two versions (distributions) of Linux that are very well documented, easy to install, and have good support. Each includes Star Office as mentioned earlier and one needs only have one full version (or lots of patience in downloading and installing !) in order to be able to load all your donated machines with a very up to date, and Windows-like operating environment. 

If you are mainly going to offer: 
- Internet access
- Interaction with PCs via web based programs and sites
- web based e-mail 
- ability to download and print 
- and don't want to deal with as many of the virus and worm issues as Microsoft users do

Then Linux may be for you. There are also wonderful regional Linux support groups that can help you with specific questions. The biggest in the area is the Triangle Linux group, see:
http://www.trilug.org/

Even though you can go the Microsoft route by possibly getting older licenses donated (that haven't been part of upgrades), I think you should contact Triangle Linux User's group (they have a mailing list from the web site before purusing "donations" of Microsoft software.

Cheers de Mark Smith, W4CHL 
OC ARES liaison to PARC  rtpnet.org/parc

Mark R. Smith  W4CHL at arrl.net
Chapel Hill, NC http://www.qsl.net/w4chl