More stories

  • in

    The 5 best Linux distributions for students – from middle school to college

    The Endless OS desktop Jack Wallen/ZDNETLinux used to be a tool for programmers, hackers, and elite (remember, l33t?) users. Over time, that shifted, and now Linux is a viable OS for any type of user — even students.Linux is right at home in an educational environment. I would go so far as to say it’s even better suited than either MacOS or Windows because of cost, reliability, security, and flexibility. There’s just so much you can do with Linux that you can’t do with the competition.Also: The Linux file system structure explainedBut what distributions are best suited for students? I’ve created a list covering several age ranges (from middle school to university) to help students and teachers decide on which Linux distros to try.With that said, let’s get to the list.1. EdubuntuEdubuntu is an official Ubuntu spin that is geared toward education. The goal of Edubuntu is to bring the freedom of the Linux desktop and the vast library of software to the classroom. The desktop environment is pretty standard Ubuntu but the included software emphasizes that this OS is all about students. Also: Edubuntu: The Ubuntu-based OS that brings Linux to the classroom (and home)Edubuntu includes software covering a wide range of subjects, such as math, science, programming, language, creativity, CAD design, geography, chemistry, genealogy, typing, and more. There’s also GCompris, which is geared toward learning and entertainment for ages 2 through 10. On top of that, Edubuntu also includes the standard list of applications, such as the Firefox web browser, LibreOffice, and all the utilities you’ll need, making it a great option for students of all ages and skills.Edubuntu is free to download and install.2. DebianEduDebianEdu (aka Skolelinux — Norwegian for “school linux”) is based on Debian and is great for students and teachers. DebianEdu began its life as two different projects but eventually merged in 2003 and the developers have been producing new releases ever since. You’ll find hundreds of educational tools in DebianEdu, covering subjects such as astronomy, chemistry, programming, geography, language, mathematics, and more. Also: 10 Linux apps I can’t do without – and whyOf course, like Edubuntu, DebianEdu also includes all of the traditional desktop apps required for daily usage. One thing that sets DebianEdu apart is that it includes a pre-configured terminal server which simplifies installing the OS over an entire network of computers. DebianEdu also features user centralization (for centralized user management), proxy caching (for internet supervision), resource sharing (to share things like printers), and the ability to use older computers without compromise.DebianEdu can be downloaded and installed for free.3. SugarSugar is geared toward younger students, as is obvious from its icon-based environment (the desktop is comprised of nothing but icons for ease of use). The idea behind Sugar is “cognitive and social constructivism.” The developers believe children are not office workers, so they require a special desktop interface that encourages active engagement and creativity. Also: 7 things I never do after I install Linux (and why you shouldn’t either)The activities found on Sugar are geared toward reading, writing, counting, and other fundamental skills. Sugar can be installed on an existing Linux environment or you can use it via a special distribution, called Sugar On a Stick. You can download SOAS with a Fedora, Ubuntu,  or Debian base, so whichever you’re familiar with is the one to choose.Sugar can be downloaded and installed for free.4. Endless OSEndless OS is another distribution that goes a different route for the UI. Instead of the traditional panel and menu, you’ll find what looks like the GNOME application overview as the default interface, along with a dock to include any apps added to the Favorites.Also: Endless OS vastly simplifies the Linux desktop so anyone can enjoy itEndless OS is immutable, which means it’s considerably more secure than the traditional OS. On top of that, you can use the pre-installed applications without an active internet connection. One important piece of software is called Endless Key, which allows you to learn from hundreds of different topics, even without an internet connection. Although you do have to have a connection to download the different “packs,” once downloaded, they function fully when the system is unplugged from the network, thus making it a great option for those who want to keep their students focused on the work at hand and not the myriad distractions found on the internet.Endless OS can be downloaded and installed for free.5. Linux MintLinux Mint is not education-centric but it’s still a great choice for students, especially those in high school or college. I placed this distribution on the list because it is so easy to use. Linux Mint sticks with a very traditional desktop interface, meaning almost any student will instantly be familiar with the UI. Also: How to replace Windows with Linux Mint on your PCAlthough Linux Mint doesn’t ship with a bevy of education-focused applications, most high school students should have everything they need to hit the ground running. Couple that with the usual Linux reliability and security, and Linux Mint is a great option for those in high school, college, and beyond.You can download and install Linux Mint for free.Open Source More

  • in

    Apple is finally adding RCS texting to the iPhone with iOS 18 – here’s why it’s a big deal for me

    Jason Hiner/ZDNETApple’s iOS 18 is shaping up to be one of the most significant upgrades in the software’s history. Between all the AI features and tweaked UI to the broad customization options, it’s almost like Apple is revamping the iOS experience as we know it, which will shake things up for iPhone owners for years to come.Also: 6 AI features iPhone users can expect first on iOS 18 (and what’s coming later)One of the best features of iOS 18 has nothing to do with the latest innovations out of Cupertino. In fact, it has roots in another part of California: Mountain View.I’m talking about RCS. More

  • in

    Buy a Microsoft Project Pro or Microsoft Visio Pro license for $20 right now

    Get Microsoft Project 2021 Pro or Visio 2021 on sale right now.  Stack Social Project management is the bread and butter of the professional world, but actually getting things done can be a challenge. Professional software can optimize many operations to maximize efficiency and productivity when you need it most. You might want to consider […] More

  • in

    Slack’s new AI-powered assistant aims to streamline your busy work week

    Photo Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Mondays aren’t always just about the start of the work week. They can also introduce new updates that shape the week ahead. Case in point: Slack will receive multiple features that collectively aim to help collect information and streamline workflow. There are five in total, but […] More

  • in

    Amazon Alexa can now be controlled by thought alone – thanks to this brain implant

    Synchron Amazon designed Alexa with voice control in mind, but thanks to a recent innovation, people can also control it with their minds. Synchron, the same company that recently worked to let a man control an Apple Vision Pro with his thoughts, has announced another innovation in accessibility. Using a brain implant, an ALS patient was […] More

  • in

    iOS 17.7 rolls out this week – here’s why it might be a safer bet than iOS 18

    The iOS 18 beta running on iPhone 15 Pro. Jason Hiner/ZDNETiOS 18 officially rolls out today, September 16, to many different iPhone models from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 16 Pro. Users will receive multiple new features, from a more personalized home screen to Apple Intelligence on certain models. When a new iOS version rolls out, Apple begins to slow down its support for the previous generation to get more people to adopt the updated software. But this time, the company is doing things differently. Alongside iOS 18 RC (Release Candidate), Apple is also launching iOS 17.7, according to 9To5Mac.Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to Apple’s iOS 18 (and which ones can’t)iOS 17.7 isn’t adding any extra features, although it is introducing “security patches and bug fixes.” Release notes are unavailable on the company’s website at the time of this writing, so we don’t yet know exactly what the patch consists of.iPhone owners can download iOS 17.7 with the assurance that their device’s security won’t be outdated or exposed to potential threats. You can move towards iOS 18 at any time. However, you may be better off installing iOS 17.7 instead. Here’s why. More