Category: CRESeD

  • Can we dual boot or run CReSED alongside Windows for transition?

    Absolutely. If you’re not ready to switch everything at once, we support dual-boot configurations or virtual environments where needed. That way, you can run CReSED on the same machine as Windows during your transition phase — no pressure, no downtime.

    You can even deploy it in a few classrooms first, get feedback from staff and students, and expand as confidence grows. We’re here to support your rollout at your pace.

  • Does CReSED include office tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint?

    Yes — and better than that, they’re included for free. CReSED comes preloaded with LibreOffice, a professional-grade office suite with full compatibility for Microsoft formats. You can open, edit, and save Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations without breaking a sweat.

    There’s no need to retrain your staff or buy extra licenses. It’s familiar, fast, and fully featured — and it doesn’t come with the cloud lock-in or nagware.

  • What educational software comes pre-installed for students and teachers?

    CReSED includes a wide range of software tailored to the modern classroom. For younger students, you get tools like Tux Paint, GCompris, and Scratch. For secondary, you’ll find Python, Geogebra, LibreCAD, Inkscape, and full multimedia editing tools like Audacity and Kdenlive for podcasting or video assignments.

    It’s a rich, creative toolbox — not just a replacement for Microsoft Office, but a launchpad for STEM, the arts, and digital literacy. And if you need something specific, we’ll install it for you.

  • Can we teach coding, robotics, and media using your system?

    Absolutely — CReSED was built with modern classrooms in mind. It includes pre-installed tools for teaching coding (like Scratch, Python, and Visual Studio Code), robotics (with support for Arduino and Raspberry Pi environments), and full creative media software for audio editing, podcasting, digital art, animation, and video production.

    You won’t need to go searching or pay extra for third-party tools. We give students everything they need to build games, design apps, edit films, or automate projects — straight out of the box. Whether you’re teaching ICT, STEM, or digital media, CReSED is ready on day one.

  • What happens if we want to scale from 10 devices to 500?

    Scaling up is what CReSED does best. Whether you’re adding one extra lab or rolling out to an entire district, we’ll help you clone your setup, deploy across your network, and maintain consistency — without doubling your workload.

    You don’t need enterprise-level infrastructure to scale. Our tools let you grow on your terms, with automated provisioning, central management, and optional cloud integration that’s built to handle hundreds of devices with ease.

  • Do we need to purchase third-party antivirus or Microsoft Office licenses?

    Not at all. Ubuntu Pro (which CReSED runs on) is virtually immune to viruses, ransomware, and the common malware that plagues Windows networks. No antivirus bloatware needed. And for office software, we include LibreOffice — a full-featured suite that opens and edits Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with ease.

    You get everything you need to write, calculate, present, and collaborate — without paying for Microsoft’s monthly subscriptions or fighting constant compatibility issues.

  • Can we access government funding or subsidies to cover this?

    Yes — and we’ll help you do it. Many Australian schools are eligible for digital technology and infrastructure grants that cover open-source solutions. Because CReSED is low-cost, Australian-based, and aligned with digital inclusion goals, it ticks all the right boxes for funding applications.

    We’ll provide you with a tailored quote and supporting documents to submit with your funding application. In many cases, schools have been able to fully cover their rollout using local, state, or federal education grants. You’re not alone in this — we’ll guide you through it.

  • Will this run on our existing computers, even old ones?

    That’s exactly what it’s designed for. CReSED brings new life to laptops and desktops that can’t handle Windows 11 or the latest macOS. We’ve run it successfully on devices over 10 years old. It’s lean, efficient, and optimized for low-resource machines — meaning no more sending usable computers to e-waste just because the software can’t keep up.

    In fact, many schools report faster performance on CReSED than they ever got from Windows. You’ll save money and reduce landfill — a win for your budget and the planet.

  • Is CReSED STEM-ready?

    Yes. CReSED is not just STEM-ready—it is purpose-built to empower science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in schools that need reliable, affordable, and accessible solutions. Whether you’re teaching basic coding or advanced scientific simulations, CReSED provides the tools, platforms, and stability required to support a world-class STEM curriculum.

    In today’s fast-changing education environment, schools are expected to deliver complex STEM learning without always having the infrastructure or funding to match. That’s where CReSED stands apart. Built on the Ubuntu Pro platform, CReSED delivers an open-source, cost-effective operating system that supports a wide array of STEM software applications—all while running smoothly on older or refurbished hardware.

    Designed for Modern Classrooms, Powered by Open-Source

    CReSED integrates a powerful selection of pre-installed STEM applications and programming environments. These include:

    • LibreOffice Math & Calc: For teaching equations, formulas, graphing, and data science basics.
    • GeoGebra: Interactive geometry, algebra, and calculus tools.
    • GCompris: A suite of educational software for younger students, including logic, science, and mathematics games.
    • Scratch: Visual block-based coding for introducing students to computational thinking.
    • Python & Thonny IDE: A user-friendly environment to teach and run Python code, one of the most widely used languages in the world.
    • Arduino IDE: For schools running robotics and engineering programs with microcontrollers.
    • Tinkercad (browser-based): A simple, online 3D design and electronics simulation tool.
    • Blender: For 3D modelling, animation, and simulation tasks.
    • LibreCAD: 2D CAD for engineering and design education.
    • KTechLab & CircuitSim: Tools for simulating electronic circuits.
    • Jupyter Notebooks: For interactive STEM notebooks combining code, equations, and visuals.
    • R Studio & Octave: Open-source equivalents to MATLAB and SPSS for data science and statistical analysis.

    All of these programs run without requiring high-end graphics cards or new processors, making them ideal for rural, underfunded, or developing school environments. They are updated and maintained through Ubuntu’s trusted package ecosystem, giving schools long-term stability with minimal maintenance.

    Aligned with Curriculum Needs

    CReSED is compatible with the Australian Curriculum (and most international equivalents) in Digital Technologies, Science, and Mathematics. With a wide range of pre-installed tools, teachers can:

    • Run simulations for physics, biology, and chemistry.
    • Teach code from beginner (Scratch) to advanced (Python, HTML, JavaScript).
    • Guide students through projects involving robotics, 3D printing, and electronics.
    • Use spreadsheet and graphing tools to conduct experiments and analyse data.
    • Support students in maths enrichment or remedial work through interactive programs.

    Teachers can also access custom dashboards and guides built into CReSED to help them get started with lesson plans, curriculum alignment, and software tutorials—even if they aren’t tech experts.

    Inclusive and Accessible by Design

    One of the greatest barriers to STEM participation is accessibility. CReSED overcomes this by offering:

    • Low hardware requirements, meaning schools can use refurbished or donated equipment.
    • Dyslexic-friendly fonts and screen-reader compatibility for inclusive learning.
    • Offline functionality, ideal for areas with limited or no internet access.
    • Support for multiple languages and right-to-left scripts.
    • Touchscreen and keyboard navigation options, adaptable to different learning styles and physical abilities.

    With CReSED, STEM learning is no longer limited to elite institutions or high-income districts. Every school, regardless of budget or location, can give students real access to future-ready skills.

    Real-World Integration

    CReSED encourages project-based learning and real-world problem solving. Students can build and program robots using Arduino or Raspberry Pi. They can analyse climate data with Python. They can even design and 3D print prototypes for engineering classes.

    More importantly, everything students learn in CReSED is relevant beyond the classroom. Python, Linux, HTML, and data science are real-world job skills used by professionals worldwide. CReSED bridges the gap between education and employment.

    And for schools who want to push the envelope, CReSED can be extended to include:

    • AI & Machine Learning tools (e.g., TensorFlow Lite)
    • Game development kits (e.g., Godot Engine)
    • Cybersecurity labs (e.g., Wireshark, Nmap)
    • Ethical hacking environments (in sandboxed configurations)

    Support and Scalability

    CReSED is scalable, meaning it can be deployed in a single-classroom pilot or across an entire school network. System administrators can centrally manage users, software updates, permissions, and backup settings via the built-in admin portal. Need to deploy 50 devices? 500? No problem.

    We also offer training materials for educators, support documentation for IT staff, and can even customise a deployment to match your unique curriculum or STEM focus area.

    Budget-Friendly, Future-Proof

    Schools shouldn’t have to choose between powerful learning and affordable tools. With CReSED, you don’t need a $2,000 device to run a robotics lab. You can do it with a recycled laptop, free open-source software, and some imagination. All while keeping full control of your data, privacy, and system integrity.

    Every part of the CReSED platform is built with sustainability in mind—financially, environmentally, and educationally.

    Conclusion: STEM-Ready and More

    STEM education is no longer optional—it’s essential. But too often, access depends on postcode or privilege. CReSED changes that.

    If you’re a teacher, principal, or IT manager looking to give your students a head start in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, CReSED is your all-in-one solution. It works on the hardware you already have, meets international standards, and opens doors to real-world careers.

    Don’t wait for the next funding round. Start your STEM journey today—with tools that empower, not exclude. CReSED is ready when you are.

    https://cresed.com

  • What happens when Windows 12 comes out? Will CReSED still be relevant?

    CReSED will not only remain relevant—it will become even more essential.

    Unlike Windows, which often forces users to upgrade their hardware just to stay supported, CReSED is built to extend the life of your existing computers—not replace them. In fact, many schools and organisations are already finding that their current devices won’t be compatible with Windows 12 due to increased hardware requirements like TPM 2.0, secure boot, or advanced chipsets. Before you invest in upgrades, ask yourself: Will your current machines even run Windows 12?

    That’s where CReSED stands out.

    CReSED runs smoothly on older hardware—even laptops and desktops that are 5, 10, or sometimes 15 years old. It’s based on Ubuntu Pro, which receives up to 10 years of security updates, keeping your systems protected without constantly chasing the latest tech or software licenses.

    Schools shouldn’t have to replace an entire fleet of computers just to keep getting updates. CReSED lets you skip the expensive upgrade cycle, while still getting access to modern tools like office software, cloud integration, secure user logins, multimedia creation tools, and STEM programs.

    When Windows 12 arrives, it’s likely to come with the usual headaches: costly licensing, high system requirements, and complex rollout processes. CReSED offers a future-proof alternative—stable, secure, supported, and ready to keep your school moving forward without breaking the budget.

    Cresed.com

  • Does CReSED meet international security standards?

    Yes, absolutely. CReSED is designed with international cybersecurity standards in mind, ensuring that your school’s data and systems are protected at a level trusted by governments, financial institutions, and top-tier enterprises.

    At the core of CReSED is Linux, a secure, enterprise-grade operating system that includes:

    • 10 years of security patching and updates, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities.
    • FIPS 140-2 certified cryptography, the same encryption standard used by the U.S. government, military, and Australian defence suppliers.
    • Compliance with CIS (Centre for Internet Security) benchmarks, which provide hardened configuration guidelines for securing Linux systems against real-world threats.

    We also follow security principles that align with ISO/IEC 27001, the global gold standard for information security management systems (ISMS). This includes risk assessment, access control, incident response planning, and continuous monitoring—everything needed to meet and exceed the requirements of schools, not-for-profits, and government departments.

    Additionally, CReSED incorporates tools and design practices compatible with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, widely adopted internationally. This framework ensures your systems are prepared to identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover from cybersecurity incidents—key elements in modern digital safety.

    If you integrate with third-party services like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, it’s worth noting that while they meet high security standards, they often store data across multiple global locations. For schools concerned about data sovereignty, we strongly recommend keeping your data stored locally on secure, in-school servers. This reduces legal risk and keeps you fully compliant with Australian privacy regulations.

    CReSED was built for the real world—where school budgets are tight, threats are real, and IT staff are often stretched. That’s why we’ve created a system that is secure by design, scalable for growth, and aligned with global best practices in education technology.

    Cresed.com