CNR-ITD

A Linux Live distribution of OpenSource software for Italian schools 

Ongoing initiative

So.Di.Linux is an open source distribution derived from Knoppix* (a Linux distribution live CD) and more specifically from a special version of Knoppix called eduKnoppix designed for Italian schools. The So.Di.Linux live CDs contain educational open source software developed by hundreds of programmers around the world. It differs from similar distributions of educational software on live CDs in that it allows users (teachers, educators, parents) to consult a database with useful product-related information like school subject and level, learning strategies, teaching modules, screenshots, and where to find documentation and manuals. The database entries are identical in structure and appearance to those within ESSEDIQUADRO (http://sd2.itd.cnr.it ), the Institute's educational software information and support service developed over the years in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

(*) Knoppix is a live, autoboot version of the GNU/Linux operating system. It bypasses the system already installed on the hard disk (usually Windows) and boots straight into a graphical environment where the user can access a range of open source programs for office automation, email, authoring, game playing, etc.