ezgo is a customized Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that promotes free and open source software (FOSS) for education. It includes many FOSS programs and public domain resources suitable for education to introduce students to FOSS. Previously, the concept of promoting FOSS involved replacing proprietary software, but this was unsuccessful. ezgo now focuses on applications of FOSS that commercial companies do not address and educating about FOSS through free educational resources. Each new version of ezgo centers on a theme to further promote FOSS, such as diversity, commercial versus FOSS choices, and proving FOSS's value over time. The goal is to introduce students to FOSS and "seed" an appreciation of its values and spirit.

1. Why We Keep Promoting
FOSS in Taiwan's Schools
An Introduction to ezgo
Eric & Franklin
May 09, 2015

2. What is ezgo?

3. ezgo is...
● A derived (customized) Linux distribution
● A collection of
– many good free and open source software
– many good public domain resources suitable for
education
● A work aimed to promote FOSS to everyone,
especially those who have no idea about what
FOSS is

4. ezgo is NOT...
● An independent Linux distribution
– Currently depends on [LKX]ubuntu
– Has our own icons and logos, but there are still
many "ubuntu"s all over the system
● Aimed to unite the world
– ezgo is more like auxiliary wheels on bicycles
– People then can and should get rid of ezgo, and
explore the world of FOSS themselves

5. The Concept of Promoting FOSS
– 15 years ago
● Replacing
– You SHOULD use Linux, not Windows
– You SHOULD use Open Office, not Microsoft Office
● Moral issues
– Microsoft IS an evil empire
– You SHOULDN'T use pirate software
● The result
– Nobody cares

6. The Big Change of
Promoting Concepts
● We started to think about what FOSS can do
but commercial company don't want to do.
● We started to find out those free software which
are good to education
– e.g. GCompris
● Besides free software, we also find out many
public domain resources good to education
– e.g. PhET

7. It's show time...

8. 8
The Big Change ofThe Big Change of
Promoting ConceptsPromoting Concepts
FOSS
Commercial Commercial
FOSS
From Replacing New ApplicationTo

9. The main idea of ezgo
Application Menu

10. 10
Mandriva
Ubuntu
Fedora
Suse
Debian
...
X Window
Gnome
KDE
LXDE
...
The Concept of ezgo
Mandriva
Ubuntu
Fedora
Suse
Debian
...
Gnome
KDE
LXDE
...
M
enu
Diversity is a good feature of open source world, but it also confuses
newbies. So for the system/desktop level, we choose for them.

12. The Next Step
From ezgo 6,
We assigned a central subject
for each version

13. ezgo6 ： X Window Westart
We can't fly with only right wing.
We should also have left wing together,
So we can fly freely in the sky.

14. ezgo7 ： Free, Win-win.
Free software is NOT against commercial software.
They are both choices for users.
Actually, FOSS and commercial software can be a
win-win situation.

15. ezgo8: This is the right way
We can see and walker farther when we stand
on the shoulder of a giant.

17. ezgo X: No Cross, No Crown.
Only when we screw up our
courage to go across the barrier,
we can see new views and find out
new possibilities.

18. ezgo11: Choose one get one FREE.
People should know that they have
different choices.
Also, they need to have the ability
to choose.

19. ezgo12: Time Proves.
Many people question and challenge us.
However, we believe that time will prove
our insistence, about promoting FOSS,
especially in schools.

20. Why We Insist?
● The value of FOSS and public domain
resources.
● We believe that we should "seed" the value and
the spirit of FOSS into kids' mind.
● We're not alone.

21. Q & A