Using a LIVE DVD of Linux without installing!

Let's go for it! So you have decided to use an operating system which is both free in cost and also has its source code open? Well done. Let's now get down to work. I'm of the opinion it is better if you test Linux operating system (operating system = OS) first, WITHOUT changing anything on your pc.

This allows you to have some practice with it before any changes take place on your pc! Most linux distros, which is both an OS plus a selection of programmes, will give you the opportunity of trying out your new OS without changing any settings in your pc. So actually you will not be running into any trouble.

Let me explain: as Linux is open source, unlike MS Windows which has closed proprietor source code, there isn't just one distro, there are so many to choose from. If you want to have a look, just go to the distrowatch website.

I am personally in favour of the Linux Mint 17.1 distro (called Rebecca). You can use this version for the next 5 years and it is fully supported with updates. After this period there will be a new Linux Mint version issued (But don't worry...it will still be 100% compatible with this one).

Here comes the guide (other people have already asked for such help!) on how to burn a DVD to use it as a LIVE DVD e.g. using the live disk OS without changing anything from your pc!

Guide 1 This is a step by step guide. It's useful because it tells people what to do if they are using Windows 8. Please read carefully about the BIOS setup as otherwise your PC might never boot (starts again) on linux!! In the BIOS you have to make sure that your PC boots up on the DVD first and not on the harddisk.

Guide 2 This is a video about Ubuntu live DVD (it's another Linux distro, which is very popular).

Have fun!

Hello Educators, Students and Parents!

We wish to be of help to Educators, Students and Parents. Why? Because we firmly believe that education has a very long and lasting effect on society. It's like investing in the future.

We know that most parents are working very hard for their money. They are looking for less expensive tools in education. Educators too face a difficult time to ask the administration of their school to buy new sources.

Students themselves wish to have a say not only in buying but also in managing such sources. Most of the time when it comes to ICT, most students simply use the tools just for a few purposes. How about changing that philosophy and start experimenting with the tools used in order to maximise their effect on their learning? Teaching is not just listening but experimenting and taking risks. 

Their are a lot of offers of what to use in Education. We simply try to offer something different: free and open source. Open source where the program is open to all. The whole community builds it up. Anybody can see what's inside in order to hack it. Hacking is not something evil but rather manipulating the source for the benefits of education. 

Our pages are not for those who are technophobic but rather for those who wish to teach and learn by experimenting, making mistakes, reflecting and starting all over again. We firmly believe that the mentality where the teacher knows it all or where all the information is printed on a piece of paper and passed on to students, is simply part of our past history. 

This is like buying ready made food and trying to cook something yourself. Whilst the former is a very fast answer, the latter makes one grow and learn skills. We are going to follow the second itinerary although ample help will be provided so as to make everybody feel comfortable and be at home. 

Relax....enjoy your holidays....in a few days there will be a new posting. Just keep in touch!