“Speaking to a full house last Thursday, Trask hosted a full-day
seminar for area educational technologists and principals anxious
to learn how to move their computer systems from proprietary
technologies to open source Linux, on servers and the desktop. High
costs and licensing restrictions are key reasons educators are
considering a switch. But Trask notes that is not the only reason.
‘Stability, ease of use, and ease of management all drove me to
Linux,’ he adds. His school saved $5,000 this year alone in
licensing fees to Microsoft with a move to open source.“David Trask’s Linux seminar was coordinated by Sharon Betts,
the Technology Director for the Kennebunk School Dept. as well as
the secretary for the Association of Computer Technology Educators
of Maine (ACTEM). Betts approached Trask to host the event and
share his experience and expert advice to demonstrate to state
educators that Linux is a full featured and less expensive
proposition than Microsoft.“‘In Kennebunk / Kennebunkport schools we have great community
support for technology. And yet, the high tax base and influx of
students has made the Microsoft solution too expensive. We are
planning a migration to the Linux platform over the next few years.
Next year we plan to go to OpenOffice.org and switch the servers to
the new platform. We are studying use of Linux Terminal Project in
our new K-3 school which will open in the Fall of 2004,’ reports
Sharon Betts. ‘By making these changes, we can continue to offer
our students an exemplary foundation in technology without the
expensive licensing fees. David Trask and many other technology
educators in Maine have established a ring of support. It is
fantastic to work with people willing to look to the future
together…'”
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