Making with Arduino

I'm developing a website for teaching kids to problem solve and make with the Arduino development system.

It's at https://sites.google.com/a/rswsu.org/making-with-arduino/

Finally we have a development system that is easy enough to use with students and affordable for classrooms.


Shhh - don't tell - It's Fun - like Lego for adults.

 

Turn  old netbook into Chromebook wannabe
Non - 1:1

model tested = Dell mini

install Elementary Linux

setup user:
user = student
password = password
autologin on - do not ask for password

remove:
empathy

add:
Google Chrome

Set Chrome to autostart

chrome - settings - privacy - content settings - keep local data until you quit your browser
     Does not save student login.

install printers

do not ask for password on startup, sleep, or hibernate

If the computer asks a student for the password other than Google, restart the computer.

Power button to Google login = 16 seconds!!

Clone for distribution with Clonezilla

After cloning:
connect to wifi 

Windows 10 preview

I had a chance to install Windows 10 preview and work with it today.  I was running it on an old laptop (core duo, 2 gibi ram) and it ran ok, a little slow but not bad, very usable.  Of course the preview version hasn't been cluttered up with junk and updates yet.  I like the way it works.  It's a good mix of the best parts of Windows 7 and 8. 

The big new thing is the way it tries to compete with Google apps.  They want you to login with a Microsoft online account, tied to the Microsoft store, and outlook, and calendar, and office 365, and etc, etc.  

The design is clean and usable and so far it runs better than Windows 7 or 8.

Of course the first thing I did was install Google Chrome, Google Drive, LibraOffice, and GIMP.  All running well.

Arranging the tiles to my liking took a few moments to figure out, but not bad.

I love the new task manager.  It gives much better info.  (maybe this was in Windows 8, I don't know. I use it so rarely)

It boots faster than I am used to for Windows.  I'm hoping it stays that way.

So far the wifi is being more reliable also.

Fun Fun