GNU/Linux for education

Malaz YI9 appsUpdated Nov 23, 2019

A list of Linux distributions that have a focus on utilizing Linux as an educational tool (for kids and students).

Ubermix
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The ubermix is an all-free, specially built, Linux-based operating system designed from the ground up with the needs of education in mind.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application type
Operating System
Platforms
Linux
Malaz YI’s note
The ubermix is an all-free, specially built, Linux-based operating system designed from the ground up with the needs of education in mind. Built by educators with an eye towards student and teacher empowerment, ubermix takes all the complexity out of student devices by making them as reliable and easy-to-use as a cell phone, without sacrificing the power and capabilities of a full operating system.
DebianEdu / Skolelinux
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Skolelinux is a complete tailored software solution for the needs of any educational institution or school.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Platforms
Linux
Malaz YI’s note
Also known as: Debian Edu. Debian Edu/Skolelinux is the Debian-edu project's Custom Debian Distribution in development. It is aiming to provide an out-of-the-box localised environment tailored for schools and universities. The out-of-the-box environment comes with 75 applications aimed at schools, as well as 15 network services pre-configured for a school environment.
Fedora
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Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Platforms
Linux
+9
Malaz YI’s note
The great well-known Fedora foundation offers loads of various spins and editions with different desktop environments, and they didn't forget to make one that targets kids. They have got a release called "Sugar on a Stick" which is an over-simplified operating system featuring the award-winning Sugar Learning Platform and designed to fit on an ordinary USB thumbdrive ("stick"). See more: https://spins.fedoraproject.org/soas/
Kano OS
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An open-source OS for exploration, creation, and play. Kano OS is based on the Raspbian OS which itself is based on Debian, a Linux based operating system.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application type
Operating System
Platforms
Linux
Raspberry Pi
+1
Malaz YI’s note
Specifically built to run on Raspberry Pi Kano OS is an operating system that is based on Raspberry Pi OS and aims to produce an entire eco-system, simple, easy-to-use and fun for children.

Discontinued /!\

These options below are either indeed discontinued or seemingly are, because of slow or outdated releases.

Qimo For Kids
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Qimo 4 Kids is a child-friendly desktop environment built entirely with free software. Qimo comes pre-installed with educational games for kids and themed with large colorful icons to help young users navigate easily.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Platforms
Linux
Malaz YI’s note
Qimo is a desktop operating system designed for kids. Based on the open source Ubuntu Linux desktop, Qimo comes pre-installed with educational games for children aged 3 and up. be warned though, this project is not developed anymore!
Doudou Linux
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DoudouLinux is a Debian-based distribution targeting young children. Its goals are to make computer use as simple and pleasant as possible while also making information technology more accessible to all children on earth, without discrimination.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application type
Linux Distro
Platforms
Linux
Malaz YI’s note
DoudouLinux is a Debian-based distribution targeting young children. Its goals are to make computer use as simple and pleasant as possible while also making information technology more accessible to all children on earth, without discrimination. DoudouLinux uses a heavily customised LXDE desktop. The project is discontinued unfortunately!
openSUSE
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openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Platforms
Linux
Malaz YI’s note
Just like Fedora, OpenSUSE didn't leave learners without an option, they presented users a release called OpenSUSE-Edu Li-f-e (Linux for Education) "This release includes carefully selected software for students, educators as well as parents. The software selection encompasses everything required to make computers productive for either home or educational use without having to install anything additional. " See more here: https://en.opensuse.org/openSUSE:Education-Li-f-e But despite all its awesomeness, I can't recommend using it today, as the latest version was published on 2016-07-02.
UberStudent Linux
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UberStudent is a free, full-featured, user-friendly Linux operating system for learning, doing, and teaching the essential skills of academic success at the higher education and advanced secondary levels. It is supported by a free virtual learning environment.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Platforms
Linux
Malaz YI’s note
UberStudent is an Ubuntu-based distribution designed for learning and teaching academic computing at the higher education and advanced secondary levels. UberStudent comes with software for everyday computing tasks, plus a core set of programs and features designed to teach and make easier the tasks and habits common to high-performing students of all academic disciplines. Lifelong learners, as well as any sort of knowledge worker, will equally benefit. be warned, however, this project seensno longer developed!
Edubuntu
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Edubuntu is an Ubuntu-based operating system that's designed for educational use in schools and other educational institutions.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application type
Operating System
Platforms
Linux
Malaz YI’s note
Edubuntu is an educational operating system that is a part of the Small Ubuntu iconUbuntu family. It aims to make Ubuntu, the popular Linux-based operating system, a great choice for the computing needs of children, students, parents, teachers, and schools.