---
title: Episode 015 – Apr 16 2008
description: "This week Martin and Sallie share information on free Linux-based operating systems and software solutions which may be used in school computer labs. The interview: “Thin” computing – Martin and Sallie spent some time with Mike Plocher, Technology Director of St. Paul’s Lutheran School, New Ulm, MN discussing the pros and cons of a Linux-based […]"
---

[WELSTech ](https://welstech.wels.org)

# [Episode 015 – Apr 16 2008](https://welstech.wels.org/2008/04/16/episode-015-apr-16-2008)

 Written by [Sallie Draper](https://welstech.wels.org/author/sallie-draper) | Apr 16, 2008 5:00:34 AM

This week Martin and Sallie share information on free Linux-based operating systems and software solutions which may be used in school computer labs.

[https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/welstech/welstech-podcast-4-16-08.mp3](https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/welstech/welstech-podcast-4-16-08.mp3)

Podcast: [Download](https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/welstech/welstech-podcast-4-16-08.mp3) (54.3MB)

### The interview:

- “Thin” computing – Martin and Sallie spent some time with Mike Plocher, Technology Director of St. Paul’s Lutheran School, New Ulm, MN discussing the pros and cons of a Linux-based school computer lab configuration 
    - Linux LTSP operating systems 
          - [Fedora](http://fedoraproject.org/)
          - [Edubuntu](http://edubuntu.org)
    - Education-oriented software solutions – for Linux (and more) 
          - [Open Office](http://www.openoffice.org/)
          - Tux4Kids – Typing, math and paint
          - [GCompris](http://gcompris.net/)
          - [View Your Mind](http://www.insilmaril.de/vym/)
    - Virtual office solutions 
          - [Google Apps](http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/index.html)
          - ThinkFree
          - [Zoho](http://www.zoho.com/)
          - [eDeskOnline](http://www.edeskonline.com/)
    - Learn more about [GNU or General Public Licensing](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_General_Public_License)

### The tidbits:

- This week’s picks 
    - Dvorak keyboard – [www.dvzine.org](http://www.dvzine.org/)
    - Jott – [www.jott.com](http://www.jott.com/)
- WELS.net feature 
    - What About Jesus – [www.whataboutjesus.com](http://www.whataboutjesus.com/)
- <https://welstech.wels.net/wpmu/listener-contest-april-2008/>Of interest 
    - WELSTech Listener Contest 
          - Submit your [Top 3 Free Software Tools](https://welstech.wels.net/wpmu/listener-contest-april-2008/)
          - Win a WELS Technology 1 GB thumb drive
          - Winner announced on May 7 podcast
- Community feedback 
    - Pastor Ben Kratz, [Our Savior in Birmingham, AL](http://www.oursaviorbirmingham.com/), wrote to share details of his use of Skype, Internet audio/video telephone, for teaching distance Bible Information Class – [www.skype.com](http://www.skype.com/)

### The featured artist:

- This week we close with the music of Michael Schroeder ([www.michaelschroeder.com](http://www.michaelschroeder.com/)) – *John 3:16* from his CD titled A Witness

### Get involved:

- Add a comment below
- E-mail: [welstech@wels.net](mailto:welstechpodcast@wels.net)
- Voice mail: 414-375-2334
- [del.icio.us](http://del.icio.us/tag/welstech) tag: *welstech*
- Join: 
    - WELSTech listserve
    - WELSTech on [facebook](http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=28973145720)

[View full post](https://welstech.wels.org/2008/04/16/episode-015-apr-16-2008)

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