Fresh install, list of programs

[titch]

Ok sorry if ive posted this in the wrong place, or has recently been mentioned but I have scoured the other forums for a few answers.

 

Basically we have a new server coming soon, so Im taking the oppurtunity for a fresh start on all the computers in school. We dont have ghost so its all from scratch. Ideally i would want to use msi s but I no for some stuff, being a small school I may as well manually install.

 

 

Im currently trying to create a list of free programs to get together for the install, ive asked the staff if there is any freeware they want installing on the staff laptops and if anyone constantly uses any opensource stuff they think maybe usefull.

 

My question is does anyone have a really good list of stuff that must be put onto a fresh install to make life in an everyday school environment more usable.

 

This is the beggining of my list (feel free to shoot me down:) just give me a reaon please)

 

MUSTS:

 

Flash

Java

quicktime (quictime alternative)

realplayer (realplayer alternative)

firefox

vlc media player

vnc

(gonna have a go at an openfire server for i.m)

audacity

 

Stuff staff have asked for:

 

itunes (yuck but they all want it)

hot potatoe

google picasso

skype

 

that was a quick list, im shore more stuff will pop into my head

 

also Im looking for a free alternative to Dazzle, any photo or painting software for juniors that is better than dazzle (cant be hard).

 

Thanks for any input guys

[apoth0r]

Adobe Reader is always handy mate.

 

Also the Smart Notebook/Promethean Pix software is a free download, often handy to have them availible for the teachers who forget laptops and need to make resources.

[FN-GM]

Do you have Microsoft Office? If not use OpenOffice. The primary school up the road uses Google Earth alot, maybe that?

[apoth0r]

Pivot Stickfigure Animator is also very handy if you are in a Primary School, if you have 5 minutes spare at the end of a lesson they can always play about with animation techniques - always use it in our school

[FN-GM]

The Edugeek Essential Software List

http://www.russdev.com/edugeek/doku.php?id=the_essential_software_list

[FN-GM]

Also try CamStudio - http://www.camstudio.org

 

Just found this as well - http://www.besttechie.net/forums/Commonly-Recommended-Software-Links-And-Tips-t4928.html

[titch]

adobe reader, thats the sort of silly thing i would forget probably use foxit reader but thanks for the reminder

 

yep google earth, another good one

 

would love to use open office (infact would love to use linux) but our school along with most others loves to throw money at microsoft. Cant blame em really, its just what there used to

 

also cheers for the headsup on the software list

 

Keep em cumming people

[OutToLunch]

also Im looking for a free alternative to Dazzle, any photo or painting software for juniors that is better than dazzle (cant be hard).

 

TuxPaint?

 

http://www.tuxpaint.org

[StewartKnight]

you need a site licence for adobe acrobat reader, it's free for personal use, but expensive for a licence!

[ICTNUT]

you need a site licence for adobe acrobat reader, it's free for personal use, but expensive for a licence!

 

Are you sure last time I checked it was still free but you need to be granted a site licence to install it from Adobe atleast when I installed version 7 that was the case.

 

If you are talking about the PRO version then I agree but that is not what is listed above.

[sLiDeR]

One important file for you will be the office 2007 compatibility pack.

 

It basically allows anyone using 2000 or 2003 to view & edit documents that were made in 2007.

 

Download it here: MS Office 2007 Compatibility Pack

[Ric_]

The Edugeek Essential Software List

http://www.russdev.com/edugeek/doku.php?id=the_essential_software_list

 

The link is actually http://edugeekwiki.rm-charlton.net/index.php/The_Essential_Software_List as it has now moved

[Guest Guest]

Adobe Reader is always handy mate.

 

Try FoxIt PDF Reader If i had the chance to start fresh id give that a go as it loads instantly

 

 

Paint.net and/or GIMP

WINK - for doing flash "How to's"

Cute PDF Printer

[titch]

cheers for the replys guys opened my eyes to some new bits and pieces.

 

tuxpaint looks really good, plus getting the kids onto paint.net tomorow for a tester

[FN-GM]

This might be good for you - http://www.edugeek.net/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=9832

[Heebeejeebee]

Adobe Reader is always handy mate.

 

Try FoxIt PDF Reader If i had the chance to start fresh id give that a go as it loads instantly

 

 

Paint.net and/or GIMP

WINK - for doing flash "How to's"

Cute PDF Printer

 

I had to revert to Acrobat since Foxit did not work with Catalyst properly.

 

I wouldn't entertain iTunes or Skype on our netwok though.

 

HBJB

[dinsyboy]

I have used Revleation Natural Art by Logotron for a few years now and it is a million times better than Dazzle, although there is a newer version of Dazzle out now too...

 

HTH