Re: [seul-edu] [Fwd: Computers in the classroom]

[gringey@sendit.sendit.nodak.edu]

I am having trouble in my new Linux lab with machines losing the 
signal to the monitor.  We are rebooting the machine to get the 
signal back, which takes 5-10 minutes.  In a 40 minute class this is 
some bad down time for students.  I don't know if the problem is 
Linux, our new computers, or our power supply is being stressed by 
the new machines.

Our machines:
AMD Athlon (tm) Processor
cpu MHz - 705

Using: Caldera2.4

Memory on Server:
Total - 124.9 MB
Free - 4.9 MB
Shared - 60 MB
Buffer 26 MB
SWAP - 252 MB
Free SWAP - 249 MB

Memory: workstations
Total - 62 MB
Free 5 MB
Shared - 37 MB
Buffer - 1 MB
SWAP - 128 MB
Free SWAP - 123 MB

We are currently changed from a 58K internet hook-up to 560K cable 
modem hookup.

  I have never heard of this type of processor before.  How does it 
compare to something like Intel?  Would the machines cause the loss 
of signal?
  We use Caldera2.4.  We have disabled the power management to 
prevent the machines from shutting down to conserve power.  Could we 
do something different to prevent the signal loss?
  We have reached the peak amps that we can use on the circuit 
breakers in our lab.  Could power fluctuations cause our loss of 
signal to the monitors?
  Is this a common problem for Linux in general?  I am new to the 
operating system.
  We are currently running our 30 machines as stand alone 
workstations with students logging in as a generic student and saving 
to disks.  Should the computers we have be difficult to set up in a 
server based network with students saving data to the server and 
accessing it by logging it at any computer in the lab?
  I am very new to Linux and we are the first school in North Dakota 
to set up a school lab.  I don't have a concept of where I can dream 
and where I have limitations in the lab.  
  I would welcome any advice.
  Gail

Also:  We are trying to use StarOffice5.2 with our students.  We are 
experiencing some frustration with the program locking-up and not 
displaying the graphics inserted into a new text document.  I would 
like to know if any of you are more familiar with StarOffice5.2 and 
would mentor me through the learning process or recommend some books 
that teach StarOffice5.2 to me so I can teach my students.
Thanks.