Gcompris and Open Source Software

Blog #2

Gcompris is an award winning sweet of open source software for kids between the ages of 2 and 10 years old.  The software was developed for Linux but is available for Windows and Mac.  One of the nice things about Gcompris is that it will teach the kids to use the keyboard and mouse, as well as a tool to help them learn the numbers and alphabet.  Advanced games teach math, spelling and other skills.  There are also puzzles, and strategy games in the mix.  My twin Grand daughters seemed to enjoy a number of the games in the suite.  I think it may have been developed in France which is where they live, but they played the games in English.  As I said in my first blog, I set up two computers with Linux for the girls to play with when they visit.  After a little instruction I basically turned them loose to play what ever they wanted on the computers.  When they found out that one was a little slower, each wanted the fast one, but they were content to share.  

I suggest that you check out their web sight for a download.  Their download page is     

 “ http://gcompris.net/-Download-"      They have a limited edition for Windows and Mac or if you want to try Linux, they have a cd for the Linux distribution for Knoppix which contains the whole version of Gconpris.  As they explain, you set your computer up to boot from the cd you download and make from their website.  The cd contains the whole operating system and a number of other Linux programs, including word processing, other educational games, Internet browsers, and many other programs that you may enjoy.  They all run off the "live cd" and do not disturb your hard drive or Windows or Mac based operating system.  Be careful, you might get hooked.  All the programs that you might have to pay big dollars for in Windows or Mac have free counter parts in Linux.  Generally you can do most anything you want to with Linux.  In fact a lot of programs are developed in Linux and transported to Windows and Mac.  Many Linux distributions are now available as downloads for a "live cd".  The one I use is Ubuntu which is supported by Conical, and has a large community of volunteers that work on bugs in the software.  I'm actually writing this blog in "Open Office", a multifaceted word processor.  Open Office is available for Windows as well for free at      “http://www.openoffice.org/"   If you try any of the programs I recommend,  I'd like to hear from you.  If you have anything to suggest to help educate the kids, let me know and I'll pass it on to everyone. 

In future blogs I hope to add sound and maybe even video to the blog.  My three sisters have all worked with kids, and I hope to hear from them in the weeks ahead.Gcompris and Open Source Software