This week Martin and Sallie share some pros and cons of using open source software and talk with Pastor Steve Daley about how he uses Linux and other open source software to carry out his pastoral duties.

Listen now or download Episode 031 (59:23)

The discussion:

• What is Open Source? - WELSTech listeners have no doubt heard us share open source software suggestions in past podcast episodes.  Today Martin and Sallie define exactly what is “open source” and look at the pros and cons of using open source solutions.
  • Open Source Alternatives - www.osalt.com

The interview:

• Linux in the church office (23:47) - Pastor Steve Daley from Petra in Sauk Rapids, MN has used the Linux operating system and a variety of Linux-based open source applications to carry out many of his pastoral responsibilities for the past four years.  Listen as Pastor Daley talks with Martin and Sallie about what prompted him to get started with Linux and how you too can make use of these tools to carry out your ministry.
• Evolution e-mail
• The Sword Project - Open source Bible software
• Run Windows software on Linux 
  • Wine
  • CrossOver Linux
• Virtualization
  • VMWare
  • Parallels
  • Virtual Box
• Distrowatch.com
  • Fedora

The tidbits:

• Picks of the week (46:14)
  • 37 Interesting Ways to use Your Interactive Whiteboard by Tom Barrett - link courtesy of José Picardo at boxoftricks.net
  • Password generator - www.supergenpass.com

The featured artist:

• We close with music of WELS musician, Michael Schroeder (wctc.net/~mas) - The Beatitudes from his CD titled A Witness (55:00)

Get involved:

• Add a comment below
• E-mail: welstech@wels.net
• Voice mail: 414-375-2334
• del.icio.us tag: welstech
• Join:
  • WELSTech listserve
  • WELSTech on facebook

This week Martin and Sallie share information on free Linux-based operating systems and software solutions which may be used in school computer labs.

Listen now or download Episode 015 (59:15)

The interview:

• “Thin” computing - Martin and Sallie spent some time with Mike Plocher, Technology Director of St. Paul’s Lutheran School, New Ulm, MN discussing the pros and cons of a Linux-based school computer lab configuration
  • Linux LTSP operating systems
    • Fedora
    • Edubuntu
  • Education-oriented software solutions - for Linux (and more)
    • Open Office
    • Tux4Kids - Typing, math and paint
    • GCompris
    • View Your Mind
  • Virtual office solutions
    • Google Apps
    • ThinkFree
    • Zoho
    • eDeskOnline
  • Learn more about GNU or General Public Licensing

The tidbits:

• This week’s picks
  • Dvorak keyboard - www.dvzine.org
  • Jott - www.jott.com
• WELS.net feature
  • What About Jesus - www.whataboutjesus.com
• Of interest
  • WELSTech Listener Contest
    • Submit your Top 3 Free Software Tools
    • Win a WELS Technology 1 GB thumb drive
    • Winner announced on May 7 podcast
• Community feedback
  • Pastor Ben Kratz, Our Savior in Birmingham, AL, wrote to share details of his use of Skype, Internet audio/video telephone, for teaching distance Bible Information Class - www.skype.com

The featured artist:

• This week we close with the music of Michael Schroeder (www.michaelschroeder.com) - John 3:16 from his CD titled A Witness

Get involved:

• Add a comment below
• E-mail: welstech@wels.net
• Voice mail: 414-375-2334
• del.icio.us tag: welstech
• Join:
  • WELSTech listserve
  • WELSTech on facebook