Linux4Afrika Integrates Sugar Desktop and WLAN
The Linux4Afrika development help project that is active in a number of east African countries has released the next verson of its software distribution. The donated used hardware will be expanded by new functionality.
The newest version of the Linux4Afrika terminal server solution will no longer require interested parties to buy from One Laptop per Child (OLPC) to test its Sugar learning interface. The GUI can be installed optionally and, after registration, started simply from the dropdown menu.
An extra built-in WLAN card expands the L4A server capability to a WLAN access point so that children with laptops or netbooks can have remote central access in the x2go network computing environment. The card costs about 20 Euros, provides Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) secure encryption and thereby reliable access to the server.
Linux4Afrika also provides numerous add-ons of diverse software packages and their configurations, including the X2gospyglass monitoring tool for teachers and the Squid proxy server. An individual host, such as the school principal's, can also access the x2go.org domain per WLAN.
Hans-Peter Merkel of the FreiOss.net initiative that is behind the project indicates, "The next to-dos are already set: we're working on an update from Lenny to Squeeze and want to make it possible for teachers to blank-screen individual students. Most interesting is the work on chipcard authentication for x2go, which might not so much interest students as larger organizations such as universities."
Linux4Afrika seeks donations and used computers in Europe to equip them with free software and provide African schools with Debian and x2go terminal server solutions. Only days ago a container left Germany for Kenya. More opportunities of bringing the project to schools may open up in Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi and other African countries.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.