Ubuntu is an open source operating system that is available for free download and installation on public library computers without additional licensing fees. It is easy to install and use, comes with pre-installed applications like a full office suite and web browser, and has built-in security features important for public access machines. Ubuntu also has a large user community and extensive documentation and software repositories to support libraries wanting to operate on a budget.

1. Operating on a budget:
Ubuntu for libraries
Nicole c. engard
http://web2learning.net
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

2. Operating on a budget
• Ubuntu is an open source operating system
• based on the linux framework
• available for download for free
• install on as many machines as you want
• no extra licensing fees
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

3. what is open source
• open source software is software that comes with
the freedom to use, modify, improve upon and
redistribute for any purpose
• open source is developed in a collaborative
manner, usually over the internet
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

4. why open source
• not just because of our shrinking budgets
• because libraries are about openness, why
isn’t our software?
• because libraries are about sharing and so is
open source
• because libraries are about communities and
so is open source
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

5. why ubuntu
• “I am what I am because of who we all are”
• easy to install
• Jessamyn installs ubuntu: vimeo.com/4169783
• easy to use
• well supported & documented
• available in many languages
• lots of additional software options
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

6. what’s in ubuntu
• Comes with a complete office suite
• openoffice.org
• web browser pre-installed
• firefox.com
• easy to find additional applications
• help.ubuntu.com/community/Applications
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

7. securing ubuntu
• we need to have a secure operating system
on our public machines
• ubuntu has a lot of security already built in
• learn how to set up your workstations for
the public from librarian Kevin Smith
• http://ashkev.weblogs.us/archives/478
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

8. find more applications
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

9. stay up-to-date
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10. pre-installed apps
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11. Office Suite
• Openoffice.org is over twenty years
• can handle all of your office operations
• word processing, spreadsheets, databases,
presentations
• cross platform support
• will open and save in one of many other
formats including Microsoft
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

12. Save formats
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

13. Let’s take a look
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

14. Thank you
Nicole C. engard
practical open source software for libraries
http://opensource.web2learning.net
director of open source education, bywater solutions
nengard@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 30, 2010