What's on the Computerbank Debian / KDE System

Author:Kylie Davies
Date Created: 06/08/2002 Last Revised on 14/03/2005
Minor Update: 17/06/2008 Barry Klein

This document is intended to provide an overview of the software used on the Computerbank Debian / Knoppix KDE customised distribution. This guide is not an exhaustive one and does not provide a list of all the software on the system. The software described in this guide are those that are considered very useful in the school environment. To give an idea of the compatibility of Linux with the Microsoft platform the comparable Microsoft product will be listed.

The KDE Desktop Environment

The KDE Desktop environment is a graphical user interface that is similar to Microsoft Windows. Users familiar with Microsoft Windows should have no problems navigating the KDE Desktop environment. We've even configured it to be similar to Microsoft Windows.

Advanced Word Processors

OpenOffice - an advanced word processor

OpenOffice is a Microsoft Office compatible Office suite for the Linux platform.

OpenOffice contains a word processor component called Open Office writer, a spreadsheet component called OpenOffice Calc, a Powerpoint equivalent presentation program called OpenOffice Impress.

OpenOffice has support for all the MS file formats including Office 2000, Office 97 and Office 95 as well as the Excel and Powerpoint format. Computerbank configures systems to save in these file formats by default.

It should be mentioned that OpenOffice may perform quite slow on low end systems, similarly if MS Office 2000 was installed it would run just as slow. The start up time is around 30 secs on a PIII 600MHz, 384MB RAM, this is the current minimum computer Computerbank distributes.

OpenOffice (all components) comes with a handy export to PDF utility, this feature ensures documents can be shared with others without any formatting loss.

Openoffice can be accessed from the K MENU -> OFFICE -> OPENOFFICE ... (choose the component you require)

Graphics Applications

The GIMP (The GNU Image Manipulation Program)

The GIMP is a fully featured comprehensive graphics suite that has support for a lot of image file formats including windows BMP. The Gimp also has support for the more common graphic file formats including GIF and JPEG.

The GIMP is similar in function to Corel Photoshop and Corel Draw. The GIMP is easy to use and is based on the same user principles as Corel Draw. The user documentation for the GIMP Program can be accessed by clicking on the HELP menu within the prorgam or by opening a web browser and loading up the system document located in /usr/doc/gimp-manual/html/

The Gimp is accessed from the K MENU -> GRAPHICS -> THE GIMP

Tux Paint
The Paint program is a fun and simple painting and stamping programfor children.

Tux paint is accessed from the K MENU -> KIDS GAMES -> TUX PAINT

OpenOffice Draw

OpenOffice Draw can be used to create graphics, it is also great for laying out documents.

Eductional Software

Gcompris
Gcompris is a children's (3-10) literacy, numeracy and computer skills program. Gcompris contains many components including computer skills practice (using the mouse), falling letters typing practice, counting and matching puzzles amongst other things.

Gcompris is a colorful and friendly game that children should have fun using.

Gcompris can be found from the K MENU -> EDUCATIONAL -> GCOMPRIS

Tuxtype
Tuxtype is a typing and spelling tutor for children aged 5 and up. The word list that tuxtype uses can be changed to reflect the reading list a child may be learning at any given time.

Tuxtype can be started by opening a terminal and typing the program name tuxtype to start it.

It can be found from the K MENU -> GAMES -> CHILRENS GAMES -> TUX TYPING

K Touch Typing Tutor
K Touch Typing tutor can be used to practice and increase typing skills.
It can be found from the K MENU -> EDUCATIONAL -> K TOUCH TYPINC TUTOR

Games on the System

Mahjongg
Just like the Windows Mahjongg. Mahjongg can be found from the K MENU -> GAMES -> BOARD GAMES -> KMAHJONGG

Patience
Just like the Windows Patience / Solitaire. Patience can be accessed from the K  MENU -> GAMES -> CARD GAMES -> PATIENCE

Sirtet (A Tetris clone)
Just like any old tetris - this is a version of the stacking bricks game. Sirtet can be accessed from the K MENU -> GAMES -> ARCADE GAMES -> KSirtet

MORE GAMES

Naturally there are more games on the system - these can be explored from the K MENU -> GAMES

Utilities on the System

Calculator
Just like the Windows calculator utility - this calculator can perform scientific functions and is easy to use.

The calculator can be accessed from the K MENU -> UTILITIES - KCALC