Why Ubuntu

WCE is always looking for ways to offer low cost, stable technologies for our Partners.  Here are the reasons why we chose the Ubuntu operating system

Ubuntu is the free, stable operating system of choice for World Computer Exchange and many of our Partners around the world.

• Ubuntu is free and does not require you to purchase an upgrade license. This means that you will always be using supported versions of Ubuntu
• OpenOffice is also free and is very similar to Microsoft Office
• All of the software you add is free and not proprietary
• There is an abundance of free educational, health and agricultural content available online that will work with Ubuntu
• Open Source software available to Ubuntu provides production-level alternative software for all major computer uses: accounting, scientific modeling, computer-aided
  drafting, graphic design, programming, etc.  If you have not made arrangements for WCE to preload these, most require an Internet connection to install

Ubuntu is easy to setup, stable and virtually free from viruses.

• Ubuntu almost never gets viruses
• The Ubuntu default setup is very stable
• These two important items make Ubuntu a stable and safe educational environment for student, teachers and parents
• Ubuntu has ready access to drivers for common printers and scanners built into its installation - this alleviates the need to download drivers from the internet
• Ubuntu stability means it does not require as frequent internet updates although it does require internet connection to set up to properly play video and music files and flash
• Ubuntu is a very efficient and responsive system lending to a strong user experience

Many Ubuntu users find simplicity to this system that makes it easier to use.

For students who are preparing to take the International Computer Drivers License (ICDL), their exam is vendor neutral and is available in both Microsoft Office and OpenOffice.  The ICDL curriculum translates easily translates to OpenOffice on Ubuntu.

We think that training in, using and building school, corporate and government infrastructure based on open source software like Ubuntu provides an environment with the freedom to create and build free of pressure from external corporate interests and financial demands. This approach provides more opportunity to build IT jobs for programmers and systems support and maintenance staff.