[Linux-aus] Linux support in schools & universities

[Tim Bowden]

On Tue, 2009-09-15 at 14:59 +0930, Barry Williams wrote:
> If there are any students or teachers/school IT support guys on these
> lists I was wondering if you have tried to get your linux laptops
> working on the school network and how helpful the IT information and
> or support have been.

<big snip>

> Anyway what have your experiences been.
> Regards,
> Barry

Largely the same in that there is rarely official support for linux
*anywhere*.  Having said that, if you strike the right person you may
well get quite helpful support (whether it be uni or isp hell desk etc).
In particular I'd like to call out westnet.com.au here for good
unofficial linux support; Often if the tech in question has no linux
idea, they'll call on one who does if possible (though in many years
dealing with them I don't think any of the problems have been 'linux'
problems as such; they just haven't run and hid behind a 'not supported
here' excuse).

One thing I have noticed over the last few years is a willingness to
accept and publish (with suitable disclaimer) user contributed docs.  If
you get something working, create a short howto, publish it publicly and
give an electronic copy to the relevant support people.  If you make it
easy for them they're much more likely to post it somewhere meaningful.
It might only be one snowflake, but one flake begets another and
eventually...

The only other advice I have is to learn the relevant protocols well (or
at least the tools working with them).  You never know what cool
'features' you'll find on a school network if you know how it's supposed
to work.

Regards,
Tim Bowden