Netbooks
District 123 currently utilizes HP 1103 netbooks for our primary 1:1 device. The devices run a custom version of the Linux operating system based on Ubuntu Netbook Edition. The custom version is called “Ubermix” and was created and shared with us by Jim Klein at no cost. The operating system is entirely free, as are all of the applications installed. This allows us to maximize on our learning opportunities as well as keep costs extremely low. Full details about Ubermix and the applications running on our netbooks are listed below.
Ubermix is a lightweight operating system that allows us to maximize on the performance of the netbooks. The system has a combination of efficiency and performance to allow a variety of educational applications to run well on the devices. The requirements we established for the system include:
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Create an ideal mix of applications for student learning and creativity while keeping the install as small as possible to fit on a netbook.
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Create an efficient system to extend the life of storage and reduce power usage
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Create a way for students to self-recover files quickly in the event of a system problem
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Create a rapid installation process for quickly deploying a multitude of netbooks
Applications
Accessories
|
Description
|
|
Calculator |
a four-mode calculator; basic, advanced, financial and programming |
|
Character Map |
find various special characters for pasting into the body of an email or word processing document |
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ScreenShot |
click the ‘prt sc’ key on the keyboard to take a screenshot |
|
Text Editor |
a lightweight text editor |
|
Tomboy Notes |
desktop note-taking application |
Education
|
Description
|
|
Celestia |
free space simulation that lets you explore our universe in three dimensions |
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GeoGebra |
mathematics software that joins geometry, algebra, tables, graphing, statistics and calculus |
|
Kanagram |
solve and create your own anagrams |
|
KBruch |
practice calculating with fractions |
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Kig |
explore geometric constructions |
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KTouch |
practice and master keyboarding skills |
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KWordQuiz |
create and practice your own flashcard deck |
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Phun Physics Sandbox |
draw and play with physics concepts |
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Scratch Visual Programming |
game programming platform |
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Stellarium |
a virtual planetarium of the solar system |
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Virtual Microscope |
part of NASA’s Virtual Laboratory Initiative; over 90 microscopic samples to view |
Games
|
Description
|
|
Frozen Bubble |
multi-level color sort game |
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GBrainy |
brain teaser/trainer game |
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Kanagram |
create and solve anagrams |
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Lincity |
similar to SimCity; build and manage a virtual city |
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Mahjongg |
ancient Solitaire game |
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Mines |
classic Mindsweeper game |
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Multiplication Puzzle |
multiplication game in which numbers are represented by letters; user must decode puzzle to solve |
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Naval Battle |
similar to Battleship; sink your opponent’s ships; play over WiFi or with the computer |
|
Numpty Physics |
solve simulated physics problems by using your track pad to draw solutions |
|
Potato Guy |
build avatars in various backgrounds, save and print |
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Sudoku |
Japanese number-placement puzzle |
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Tux Math |
arcade-style math practice |
|
Tux Typing |
keyboarding skills practice |
Office
|
Description
|
|
Dictionary |
comprehensive database of vocabulary |
|
Labrynth Mind-mapping |
mind-mapping tool |
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LibreOffice Calc |
create spreadsheets and charts |
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LibreOffice Impress |
create presentation slide shows |
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LibreOffice Math |
create mathematical formulae |
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LibreOffice Writer |
create word processing documents |
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Project Management |
plan and manage project time lines with this management platform |
|
VYM-View Your Mind |
create graphic organizers for note taking or presentations |
Sound and Video
|
Description
|
|
Audacity |
records audio files; save and upload to a blog or other website |
|
Banshee |
plays various forms of sound and video files |
|
Cheese |
take a picture using a built-in webcam |
|
Movie Player |
video file player |
|
OpenShot Video Editor |
edit video and create a movie to upload |
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PulseAudio Volume Control |
control the volume of input and output devices, as well as recording and playback modes |
|
SMILE Slideshow Creator |
presentation software; create slides to use during a presentation |
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Sound Recorder |
record sounds using either the internal or external mix that can then be inserted into presentations or uploaded to a website |
|
Webcam Capture |
capture video using a built-in camera; video can be inserted in a presentation or uploaded to a website |
