QLS Computer Project

Ubuntu Linux running on an old PC.

Computers and software are expensive things. It is possible to get a bit more life out of an old Windows computer by, well, not running Windows. Windows 7 is the latest PC operating system, Windows Vista was a bit troublesome and Windows XP is downright ancient and insecure.

The answer is simple: switch the old computers over to the free Ubuntu Linux. Ubuntu is a very easy to learn and use system. It even comes loaded with free software and pretty much every driver you'll ever need. It's ready to go the moment you restart the computer. There also hundreds, if not thousands, of free software titles, including education software. Of course, it's not Windows, so it won't run Windows software. But there are equivalents. It's also very secure and infection proof.

Ubuntu desktop - on the web with Firefox.

Much of what we use a computer for is all on the internet. The internet does not need a specific operating system but it does require a current web browser. Ubuntu comes with the very secure Firefox web browser.

If you decide to try Ubuntu you'll have several options: run it from a CD/DVD so it won't touch anything on your Windows machine, add it along side Windows on the PC so you have a choice, or convert the PC completely. If you can burn a CD/DVD you can safely try Ubuntu. If not, you can request a disk be sent to you by mail - free.

You can also consider donating the computer to the school.

We recently completed a Windows to Ubuntu conversion. A parent generously donated a complete, but old, Windows Vista computer system - but not the Windows disk or the password. It was not usable that way. In under an hour it was perfectly converted to Ubuntu without a single problem. Everything works and now the school has a "new computer" for the students complete with a scanner. The cost to convert a Windows PC to Ubuntu was zero.

If you have an old, unused - but working, PC at home or the office that you would like to donate please contact the school office using this link: info@queenslutheranschool.com. If you have an old, working, PPC/G4 or G5 series Mac we can use that as well (they don't need to be converted to Ubuntu). These must be working computers. All laptops must have a power supply. All desktops must have an LCD monitor, keyboard and mouse. They must have at least 512mb of memory and a working CD/DVD drive. You will need to bring the computer to the school office.

These donated computers will be used to create a new media/resource/library room for the students.

If you would don't have an old PC or Mac to donate but would like to contribute to the QLS Computer Project please contact the school office using this link: info@queenslutheranschool.com