 |
 |
Hi Folks -- Nicolaie Constantinescu recommended that I contact this list with my questions after posting a query to the "Linux in Libraries" group. I will be presenting an introduction to Desktop Linux at the New Hampshire Library Association next year, and would like some help on answering a question that is sure to arise from my prospective audience. Many librarians are intrigued by the possibility of lowering IT costs and maintenance time, especially for their public-use computers. Right now however, there doesn't seem to be any open source versions of a reservation / ticket system (such as the excellent WinXP "Time Limit Manager" from Fortres) and a desktop security application such as Deep Freeze. There are commercial options from Groovix or Userful, but that pretty much defeats the practical goal of lowering IT costs, or the ideological goal of moving to free and open-source applications. All the 'bits and pieces' for a good reservation and security system seem to be out there. Edubuntu gives us a LTSP solution with a central server and the ability to see 'screenshots' of individual PCs if necessary. CUPS gives a very fine-grained control over printing, and perhaps can be modified to function as a print-upon-payment release station. A MySQL / PhP module could handle generating and storing random passwords / logins, while a small program to set folder permissions may be able to lock down a Gnome or KDE desktop to prevent users from changing icons, menus, or wallpaper. Web content filtering is available from several sources if necessary. A browser-based central server module might help to make the project "distro agnostic". I think many small and medium-sized libraries would be much more likely to consider the advantages of choosing Linux for their public-use computers if a polished open-source reservation and printing control system was available. In the world of commercial software, an entrepreneur or company sees an opportunity, programs a solution, and sells the product. On that model we have the afore mentioned "Time Limit Manager" for XP (which we use here at the Lane Library and highly recommend) at a one-time cost of only $20 per PC. In the world of Linux and open-source software, how does one go about getting a programmer or group of programmers to provide a free solution (with regular maintenance and updates) to a pressing need? Would Canonical (for example) be interested in creating the program as a way to popularize Ubuntu with the thousands who use library computers every day? Would anyone on this list be interested in spearheading such a project? Is there a place to float such a project before a group of up-and-coming programmers (Google Summer of Code??) that would give them bragging rights on a resume? Any ideas (including ideas on a basic programming framework or project "how to") would be more than welcome ... Cheers, -- ------------------------------------- Darrell Eifert Head of Adult Services Lane Memorial Library, Hampton NH "Beware the man of only one book" Old Latin proverb