Ubuntu Pro for Education

Schools don’t need bigger budgets — they need smarter systems.

With the rising cost of proprietary software, increasing security threats, and a global push toward sustainability, the education sector is facing a tech crisis: too many devices, too little support, and too many forced upgrades.

Ubuntu Pro for Education changes the game.

It’s not just another operating system. It’s a high-performance, secure, and sustainable platform built on the world’s most trusted open-source software — designed to give schools and education systems complete control over their technology, reduce costs, and extend the life of existing hardware.

Whether you’re running a small regional school or managing thousands of devices across a government department, Ubuntu Pro delivers enterprise-grade power — without the enterprise price tag.

What Is Ubuntu Pro?

Ubuntu Pro is Canonical’s premium version of Ubuntu — the open-source operating system trusted by millions worldwide. It offers extended security maintenance (ESM), compliance features, patch automation, and enhanced support — all while staying lightweight, stable, and entirely free of bloat.

For schools, Ubuntu Pro provides:

• Up to 10 years of security updates
• Full support for education software and classroom tools
• Built-in integrations for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
• Seamless updates with no licensing drama
• Compatibility with older hardware that Windows 11 no longer supports

1. Extend the Life of Your Devices

Most schools already have the computers they need. The problem? Those devices are “too old” for new proprietary operating systems.

Ubuntu Pro turns those machines into fully functional, secure devices — capable of running everything from office productivity apps to coding environments, web platforms, learning tools, and even virtual classrooms.

2. No More Licensing Headaches

Ubuntu Pro doesn’t come with per-user restrictions, activation codes, or endless renewal notices. One low-cost subscription per device gets you everything you need — security, compliance, and peace of mind.

There are no vendor lock-ins and no hidden fees.

3. Built-In Security

Education systems are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Ubuntu Pro includes:

Kernel Livepatch (no reboots required)

Full Disk Encryption

AppArmor and sandboxing

FIPS 140-2 certified crypto modules (for compliance)

24/7 support from Canonical (if you choose)

This means fewer vulnerabilities, fewer patches missed, and fewer calls to your already overstretched IT team.

4. Ideal for Shared and Multi-User Environments

Ubuntu Pro works perfectly in classroom settings, where devices are often shared across users and sessions.

It supports:

• Secure multi-user login
• Role-based access controls
• Central user and permission management via Samba AD or LDAP
• Integration with network drives and cloud storage (including Google Drive and OneDrive)

5. Works Seamlessly with CReSED

Ubuntu Pro forms the foundation of CReSED — our custom-built, education-optimised system designed to replicate Active Directory, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365 workflows without the Microsoft license.

Together, Ubuntu Pro and CReSED offer a complete, secure, open-source replacement for Windows-based school infrastructure.

Key Features

• Extended Security Maintenance (ESM)
• Covers over 25,000 packages with up to 10 years of updates — including legacy packages no longer maintained in standard Ubuntu.
• Compliance-Ready
• Includes support for security and privacy standards like:
• ISO 27001
• SOC 2
• PCI-DSS
• HIPAA
• FedRAMP
• FIPS 140-2 crypto libraries
• Full OS Hardening
• Secure boot
• Minimal attack surface
• System-wide integrity checks
• Configurable firewall and network security
• Canonical Support (Optional)

Access to:

• 24/7 global support
• SLA-based response times
• Landscape – enterprise-level device management
• Kernel patching and vulnerability tracking
• Integrates with Google and Microsoft
• Access Google Classroom and Microsoft 365 through Firefox or Chromium
• Install Zoom, Teams, or Jitsi as apps
• Sync files with Google Drive or OneDrive
• Use LibreOffice or OnlyOffice for document compatibility

Classroom Use Cases

Everyday Productivity

Students and teachers can log in and access email, spreadsheets, presentations, and documents — all through free, open-source or cloud-based apps. Ubuntu Pro supports:

• LibreOffice / OnlyOffice
• Google Docs / Sheets / Slides
• Microsoft Office 365 (online)
• Coding and Robotics
• Ubuntu is the preferred OS for teaching programming. You can install:
• Python, Java, HTML/CSS, JavaScript
• Scratch for younger students
• Arduino and Raspberry Pi IDEs
• Robotics simulators (ROS, Gazebo)
• Design and Creativity
• Great support for tools like:
• GIMP (image editing)
• Inkscape (vector graphics)
• Audacity (audio editing)
• OpenShot (video editing)
• Special Education and Accessibility
• Built-in screen readers
• Dyslexia-friendly fonts and themes
• Magnifier, high contrast modes, and on-screen keyboard
• Multilingual keyboard and speech-to-text support

Tech Teams Love It

IT leads and administrators don’t need to be Linux experts. Ubuntu Pro comes with:

• A graphical software manager
• Automatic security updates
• Active Directory (Samba) integration
• Remote access tools and diagnostics
• Full documentation and community support
• If you want to go deeper, you can access Landscape for full fleet management — including patch status, asset tagging, and configuration.
• Ubuntu also supports tools like:
• PXE boot / imaging solutions
• Remote desktop (RDP and VNC)
• Monitoring with Nagios/Zabbix/Prometheus

Pricing

Ubuntu Pro for Education
(through Digital Education Systems)

$40 AUD per device per year

Includes:

10 years of ESM (Extended Security Maintenance)

Kernel livepatching

Compliance tools

Full package support via email

Access to Canonical support (via DigEd)

Optional: CReSED Integration
+$10 AUD per year per device

Includes:

• Custom Ubuntu build with Active Directory-style logins
• Google Drive integration
• Network permissions and cloud sync
• Local Samba server + web admin tools
• Bulk pricing available for 100+ devices.

We accept government purchase orders and can assist with grant applications or rollout plans.

Sustainable by Design

Every device you don’t replace saves:

• 800+ kg of CO₂
• Over 100,000 litres of water
• Dozens of hours of e-waste processing

Ubuntu Pro is a sustainability solution as much as a tech solution. It allows schools to upcycle thousands of “end-of-life” machines into fast, secure, student-ready devices.

In 2024 alone, Digital Education Systems helped divert over 2,500 devices from landfill, deploying them into classrooms in Australia and rural schools in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana.

Real-World Case Study: The $2,000 Classroom

A small Australian college needed a computer lab on a $2,000 budget. Instead of buying new laptops, we sourced 20 older models, added SSDs, and installed Ubuntu Pro + CReSED.

Students used Firefox to access Office 365, created websites, and even designed and sold merchandise through a digital business class. The money raised bought a robot kit for their STEM program.

All of this was built on free, open-source software — running on hardware Microsoft no longer supports.

That’s the power of Ubuntu Pro for Education.

Trusted Worldwide

Ubuntu powers:

• 90% of public cloud workloads
• 100% of the top 500 supercomputers
• NASA missions, global banks, and Formula 1 teams

Ubuntu Pro is used by:

• Government departments
• Defence and aerospace firms
• Research universities
• Medical institutions

And now, through Digital Education Systems, it’s optimized and distributed for education.

Getting Started

We offer full deployment support:

• Imaging and rollout planning
• Staff training and documentation
• Remote management tools
• Integration with your existing systems

We can also work with your IT team or contracted tech provider to ensure a seamless transition.

Need Help with a Grant?

We’ve helped schools and NGOs access sustainability and digital equity funding. Ask us about:

• NSW Sustainable Schools grants
• Commonwealth Digital Capability funds
• International NGO tech access grants

You don’t need to throw away your hardware.
You don’t need to wait for another bloated OS upgrade.
You don’t need to spend thousands on proprietary licenses.

Ubuntu Pro for Education is your path to sustainable, secure, future-ready IT infrastructure.

Secure your systems.
Extend your devices.
Empower your classrooms.