Indiana testing out Linspire Linux computers for desktops in schools

Indiana testing out Linspire Linux computers for desktops in schools

Linspire Inc. and Wintergreen Systems Inc. have announced that Indiana education officials have been testing their desktop Linspire Linux computers in their state schools. The tests are part of their Indiana Access Program, which aim to provide all the students individual workstations as part of their curriculum. This program is expected to be cheaper than the normal one-to-one classroom computing initiatives and would be using desktop Linux operating systems and standard hardware configurations.

John Levy, CEO of Wintergreen Systems said in a statement: “Many schools across the state have already had the chance to try out desktop Linux, and everyone seems excited to get this program going. This groundbreaking initiative makes it possible for schools to afford computers for every student, something that makes a huge impact on their overall educations.”

If this test program is successful, it would result in implementation of 300,000 Linux machines in the near future in the state. Heather MacKenzie, public relations manager for Linspire said about this initiative: “Indiana school officials have evaluated their options and chose to go with a Linux-based system because it’s at a lower cost to them.”

While Wintergreen Systems manufacture and distribute the computer products, Linspire provide the software applications to run on them. They offer its Linux-based OS to schools for an annual licensing fee of $500 through their program for educational institutions. These computing products come with support for Wi-Fi networking technology, instant messaging, digital music management, digital photo management and Web publishing tools.