"UoSLinux – A Linux LiveCD distribution for use in higher education"

It is commonplace within most University computing schools to find different computer platforms coexisting peacefully with each other. UNIX as well as Linux workstations, PC’s and Apple Macs all have their place within an educational curriculum. Students generally find themselves using at least two major platforms at different times during a typical undergraduate programme. In distance learning, however, such practice would be considered extravagant with most students only having access to one platform, more often than not a PC running a version of the Windows Operating System. Lack of access to required hardware can lead to compatibility issues between courses run on-campus and their equivalent courses run offcampus. There are also issues relating to illegal use of software. While every effort is made to ensure the legality of software used on-campus, even a simple request that students submit their work in Word format can be interpreted as condoning software piracy in countries where legal software is expensive and where ‘bootleg’ copies are easily available. This paper describes a project to help address these issues. We look in detail at a project concerned with the building of UoSLinux for use within certain programmes at the University, both on-Campus as well as off-Campus. This so-called LiveCD is based on the Knoppix/Debbian distribution. Keywords: Linux, LiveCD, distance learning, software piracy