I'm a teacher with basic Linux experience—I can install Linux Mint, follow command-line instructions, and handle simple hardware upgrades. I'm trying to get away from Chromebooks, constant internet access, browser games, tab switching, and AI tools during writing assignments.
Years ago, I ran a small lab using donated computers with Linux and LibreOffice. The machines weren't connected to the internet, so students could focus on writing, but maintaining all the old hardware became difficult. An IT technician later set up small boxes that allowed multiple keyboard, mouse, and monitor stations to share one computer. I believe they were thin clients, although I don't remember the model.
Now I'd like to create something similar using donated or inexpensive hardware. Ideally, students would have access to LibreOffice and a few basic local applications, but no games or unnecessary online services. I'm open to standalone computers, a local network, thin clients, bootable USB drives, or another practical setup. What would be the cheapest and simplest approach, and are there any detailed guides or recommended software packages?
5 Answers
Debian Edu is worth investigating instead of assembling every component yourself. It provides a Debian-based school environment with tools for managing users, workstations, services, and network access. It can support a central-server or thin-client setup and has installation images and documentation specifically aimed at educational labs.
Another inexpensive option is a customized persistent live USB. Put a small Linux installation and LibreOffice on each USB drive, configure it with the applications and restrictions you want, and boot the computers from USB without using their internal storage. Each student could have a separate drive, and replacing a damaged or misconfigured one would be straightforward. This works best if the donated computers can boot reliably from USB.
The boxes you remember were probably thin clients. For a modern Linux-based version, take a look at the Linux Terminal Server Project. A central server runs the software while the student stations connect to it, which can reduce the amount of hardware you need to maintain. You may also be able to repurpose compatible x86 Chromebooks, but check each model carefully before buying or modifying anything.
If you do build a network, keep it wired and isolate it from the wider internet unless access is truly needed. A local server can provide shared files and applications, while allowlisting specific sites is another option if some online research is required. However, for writing assignments where internet access is unnecessary, disconnected standalone machines are likely cheaper and simpler than managing a full school network.
You may not need a network at all. If you can find enough working older PCs, install Linux and LibreOffice locally, leave the machines disconnected from the internet, and create restricted student accounts. A regular distribution such as Mint or Kubuntu would be easier to maintain than something experimental. You can also configure the accounts so students cannot install software or change system settings.
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