Rubus

Latest News
Crouthamela 12:38, 31 May 2012 (UTC)

The first Raspberry Pi has arrived and is now being configured. It is booting, and having the software added to it.

Introduction
Rubus is a project to create a low-cost "classroom-in-a-box" by combining the Raspberry Pi with a lightweight Linux distribution, useful software, educational materials, peripherals and necessary storage. The intent is to eventually produce and distribute them as a charity via donations, as well as release Documentation on creating the image and providing it for download.

Language localization is a secondary objective, very much based on what storage restrictions arise. It is understood that not everyone speaks English, but most educational material slated for inclusion has the most work completed in English, and even large areas of Africa speak it as a secondary language.

The name Rubus comes from the genus name of the common raspberry; we feel it's fitting for a project based on the Raspberry Pi.

The project lead is Andrew Crouthamel.

Hardware
All hardware is as low-cost as possible while not sacrificing quality or durability. Another goal of the hardware choices are to keep the setup and maintenance as simple as possible. Below are example hardware items that may be used, if you know of a cheaper/better alternative please let us know!


 * Raspberry Pi Model B - $35.00
 * Raspberry Pi Case - $?
 * Keyboard with built-in USB hub - $16.99
 * USB mouse - $4.99
 * RCA Composite video cable (6ft) - $1.28
 * 32GB SDHC card - $28.99 (For OS, core applications, file storage)
 * 64GB USB Flash drive - $56.99 (File storage, need more storage than this)
 * Micro USB power adapter - $3.99 (need to ensure it can accept 120-240v)
 * Power plug adapter - $?
 * TOTAL = $148.23 + Case ($?)

Operating System
All core Operating System components are as lightweight as possible while still providing a pleasing and easy-to-use interface.


 * Arch Linux ARM - Lightweight distribution, only install what we need
 * LXDE Desktop Environment - Lightweight Desktop Environment
 * Openbox - Window Manager
 * LXDM Display Manager - Lightweight Display Manager for ease-of-use and possibly auto-login
 * GRUB - Standard boot loader

Software
All software is as lightweight as possible while still providing a pleasing and easy-to-use interface. The software chosen is focused around basic office needs and for educational use only.

Internet

 * Midori - WebKit-based web browser
 * Pidgin Light - Instant Messaging client
 * XChat - Internet Relay Chat client
 * Claws Mail - Email client
 * Wireshark - Network protocol analyzer
 * Nmap - Security scanner
 * OpenSSH - Secure virtual terminal

Office

 * AbiWord Light - Word processor.
 * Gnumeric - Spreadsheet program.
 * Leafpad - Basic text editor
 * Tomboy - Simple note taking

Reading

 * Calibre - eBook reader for EPUB
 * ePDFView - PDF viewer

Mathematics

 * Galculator - Scientific calculator
 * TuxMath - Math tutor for kids
 * Maxima - Computer algebra system
 * Octave - Numerical calculations system
 * Gonvert - Graphical unit conversion
 * Units - CLI unit conversion

Science

 * gElemental - Periodic Table software
 * Ghemical - 3D molecule editing/viewing
 * BKChem - Skeletal molecule drawing program
 * Stellarium - Beautiful planetarium software
 * Celestia - 3D planetarium software

Programming

 * Geany - Integrated Development Environment
 * Python - Python Programming Language Interpreter
 * GCC - C Programming Language Compiler
 * Git - Version control system

Other Educational

 * GCompris - Children's educational software bundle
 * TuxTyping - Typing tutor for kids

Graphics

 * GPicView - Image viewer
 * GIMP - Image manipulation program
 * Inkscape - Vector graphics program
 * Dia - Diagram creation program
 * MyPaint - Minimalist painting program
 * Blender - 3D modeling program
 * Tux Paint - Children's drawing program

Other

 * PCMan File Manager - File manager
 * LXTerminal - Terminal emulator
 * XArchive - Archive tools GUI
 * ObConf - Openbox configuration tool

Educational Material
Materials chosen are intended to be as useful as possible to a classroom or training environment in a small village or impoverished area.


 * Wikipedia - ~31GB - Offline copy running on local web server.
 * Wikibooks - ~464MB - Offline copy running on local web server.
 * Wikiversity - ~240MB - Offline copy running on local web server.
 * Khan Academy - ~44GB - Directory of videos and example files.
 * Global Village Construction Set - ~?GB - Unknown format.
 * Project Gutenberg Top 100 (or more) books - ~30MB - Directory of files in EPUB format.

Documentation
In order to be fully transparent, there is a full set of Documentation available, including installation instructions from scratch.

Download
A complete set of images will eventually be available for the SD card and USB flash drives.

Volunteers
Volunteers are welcome, lots of work is needed on files collection, database and web server setup, performance optimization, desktop cleanup and simplification, documentation, advertising, fundraising, etc. Please contact Andrew Crouthamel to get involved.