MEMORANDUM PROPOSAL
TO : Dr Anna Christina Abdullah ,
Dean, Circa College Of Multimedia
FROM : Mohd Zahid Bin Maikol Jamek
Sales Executive, Sharpshooter Computer and Networking Services Sdn Bhd
SUBJECT : Proposal to installed Linux based Operating System on the college’s
Computer Lab.
DATE : Monday, 24 August 2009
Circa College Of Multimedia is one of the leading private college that is emphasize on producing graduates, who are kept abreast on the latest developments in the IT and Multimedia industry, and adept with the ability to innovate, contribute and lead in the new millennium. Recently it had opened the third branch campus in Malaysia which is in Johor after Kuala Lumpur and Sabah branch campus. The college partners with local universities to offer wide range of degree and diplomas. Circa College is working with Adobe Certified Experts, Adobe Certified Instructors, and product specialist in 3D, Action Script, and Apple Authorized Training. Currently, Circa College has an enrolment of 400 students.
Circa College has 15 specialized computer labs. Every computer lab has fully air-conditioned, equipped with PC’s installed with latest operating system, software and hardware devices. The current operating system that is widely being use is Microsoft Windows XP SP3. However, most of the computer especially the system is not in a good condition. The computer is full of viruses, spyware and Trojan. Sometime the system might slow down, or crash in a sudden while students using the computer. As students always share their file and folders using pendrive and external hard disk, this might increase the risk of computer viruses to spread throughout the whole computer systems. The system also not well maintained or monitor by the technician. The lack of technician also becomes the cause of this problem as they need to maintain a lot of computer lab. Students were not able to do the assignment using the computers provided because of this problem. During classes, sometime the students need to share the computer due to some of the computer on their desk is not function properly. This might distract their interest and concentration to study the subject.
Using the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System has proven given a lot of problem. So the solution is to use the Open Source Operating System, Ubuntu Studio 9.0.4. Ubuntu is a Linux based operating system. Much of its software comes with the GNU General Public License which is free to use and can be distribute without any license. Usually a computer which is being installed with Microsoft Windows XP will cost RM 499.00 each because it uses Genuine License software provided by the Microsoft. But, by using the Ubuntu Studio, the cost to install this operating system is zero. The college can benefit these features to save the budget and can concentrate on the maintenance cost. On the networking and system security part, Ubuntu Studio is proven much safer and free from viruses. Ubuntu is deriving from Linux, so it’s not only free from viruses; spyware and malware, but file access permission systems prevent access by unwanted visitors or viruses. Due to this factor, it didn’t require any anti-virus to be installed on the computer. So it is immune to any viruses or spyware. This is because most of the viruses created are made to attack the computer running Microsoft Windows operating system, so the security risk problem for computers running Ubuntu Studio is low.
Ubuntu Studio is quite stable because it uses small resources. It can be installed on new or old computer. It didn’t required big memory or large hard disk space or required any hardware upgrade as it can run smoothly on a basic computer running Intel Dual Core Processor, with the minimum 512 MB RAM, and 5 GB hard disk space. It also didn’t need to defrag the hard disk periodically like Windows operating system.
The Ubuntu Studio comes with a huge Multimedia Based application. It is already pre-installed with the package. The college can pick which software is the best as the core functionalities are the same with Windows based software. It is fast and easy to install. Among the graphic design and modeling applications included is The Gimp, Inkspace and Blender. While the Ardour 2 is a multi track recorder, suitable for professional sound editing and recording. Pitivi, Kino, and Cinepaint are included for video creation. The Cinepaint is the same level with Apple’s Final Cut Pro. These huge applications will help to provide a creative environment to students as well as giving a spotlight to some amazing open-source applications.
Ubuntu Studio 9.0.4 will use four phase of methodology to be installed. Firstly, our technicians will check the computer system, setup the networking installation and electrical wiring for each computer lab. Then, we will start the Ubuntu Studio installation for each computer lab. This will include all the software and application that is required by each computer lab. The installation for the whole computer lab will take about three weeks. Once we have finished that, our trainers will guide your lecturer on how to use these new systems. Trial lessons will be organized and a full simulation will be held. At this initial stage, we are prepared to send our experienced trainers to the computer lab to help lecturers with their lessons. We will also provide technical team assistance if problems crop up at the initial period.
Preliminary estimates show that the project can be finished in two months. The first two weeks will be used for networking and operating system installation. Implementation activities could begin as early as September 2009.
The table below shows the budget for implementing the Ubuntu Studio 9.0.4 throughout the college’s computer lab.
| Items | Cost per computer lab ( RM ) | Total for 15 computer lab ( RM ) |
| Networking Setup | 500 | 7500 |
| Cable and wiring | 300 | 4500 |
| Operating System Installation | 500 | 7500 |
| Fee for trainers ( 6 trainers ) | 1000 | 6000 |
| On-site technical support ( 1 Year ) | 600 | 600 |
| Total | 2900 | 29100 |
We hope that you will consider our proposal favorably and we look forward to discussing it with you in greater detail.
