gnuLinEx facts for kids

gnuLinEx, often just called LinEx, is a special type of computer operating system. Think of it like Windows or macOS, but it's based on something called Linux. LinEx uses a friendly-looking desktop called GNOME, which is how you see and interact with your computer.

This operating system was created and supported by the local government of Extremadura, a region in Spain. Their goal was to have gnuLinEx used in all schools and government offices in Extremadura. They also hoped people would use it for their businesses and at home.

gnuLinEx is designed to work on computers that have a specific type of processor (the "brain" of the computer) known as i386 architecture.

Why gnuLinEx Was Great

LinEx had some cool advantages that made it popular:

• It was completely free to use and share.
• It was very safe from computer viruses, which can harm your computer.
• There were no costs involved, saving money for schools and families.

Things That Could Be Tricky

Even with its benefits, gnuLinEx had a small challenge:

• Some of the programs in LinEx had different names than their original versions. This could sometimes be confusing for users. However, a version released in 2004 let you choose to see the original names and icons. Many people actually liked the new names because they were easier to remember!

LinEx for Schools

There was a special version called School LinEx. This was made just for teachers and students.

• It had three different user profiles, one for each stage of primary school.
• Each profile was customized with lots of educational content and software, perfect for young learners.

Who Used gnuLinEx?

By May 2003, gnuLinEx was quite popular:

• About 200,000 LinEx CDs were given away for free with local newspapers.
• Another 70,000 copies were downloaded from the internet.
• It's estimated that around 10% of the people living in Extremadura might have used LinEx!

Awards gnuLinEx Won

gnuLinEx received several important awards for its work:

• In October 2002, it won a prize from the Telecommunications Users' Association (AUTEL) for developing advanced information and communication technologies.
• In November 2002, the Association of Spanish Linux Users (Hispalinux) gave an award to the Extremadura government for creating gnuLinEx.
• The "Computerworld 2003" award was given to the Council of Education, Science and Technology of Extremadura in March 2003 for making gnuLinEx.
• In June 2003, the "Vettonia, voice Castúa" award was given to the education counselor by an Extremaduran group for developing gnuLinEx.
• On April 22, 2004, gnuLinEx received a European award for Regional Innovation in the Information Society category. This was given by the European Commission in Brussels.

gnuLinEx in High Schools

Today, gnuLinEx is mainly used in public high schools in the Extremadura region. Many schools have a computer with gnuLinEx installed for every two students, or even one for every desk.