In late 2002, I set up and customized conferencing[1] software on
Debian GNU/Linux 3, an old PPC 7600 and with much help from folks on
the list, both directly and via the archive. I would like to say a
proper thank you.
It allowed several classes of students to make and participate in
web-based conferences.
It has also led to other departments exploring the use of Debian on
other platforms as a possible replacement for legacy systems.
During the summer I used a G4 + Debian for development and then moved
it over to the 7600. From Dec 2002 to Jun 2003, the 7600 ran Woody
with no downtime, either schedule or unscheduled, and required only
about 15 minutes of preventive system maintenance. The users have
been so pleased that it's been brought into use again this autumn
while a budget for new hardware is sought. The way faculty approach
online teaching/learning has also changed in a positive way.
-Lars
[1] A modification of COW chosen for its functionality, small
footprint and low hardware requirements.
http://thecity.sfsu.edu/COW2/
http://cow.itd.umich.edu/