[kde-edu]: KEPA: kde4 Edu Portable Apps (for Windows)?

[RalfGesellensetter]

Dear list,

my school is one out of hundred using KDE Edu on top of a 
Skolelinux/Debian Edu installation. As a matter of fact, like many 
other schools, we have still a lab with windows clients - and most 
teachers use Redmond's OS on their home computers.

For this reason, I also have to provide complement software for the KDE 
Edu apps we use to be used with windows. I try to be this free 
software - but there is not always a 1-1 complement available.

Approaching the release of KDE 4.0, and following this list, I realised 
that there are first successfull compilations of KDE4 Edu apps. And 
this rings a bell: Why should I distribute 2nd class freeware if I 
could provide genuine Kalzium & Co. even for non-free operation system!

Being able to install the same software in any lab, will increase both, 
the usage of KDE Edu apps and the use of Linux clients, I hope!

I know that this is argued by some - e.g. GCompris' Windows version is 
distributed as reduced demo version. I also understand the 
argument: "If they don't mind to pay for the operation system, they 
should be able to pay for their applications as well."

The policy of KDE  towards Windows is (apparently) different. 
Nevertheless I'd like to suggest that KDE should remember its original 
base and its dedication to FOSS by adding corresponding information to 
their info ("about") dialogues [1]. 
(My impression is that this is a turning point, and that it was wise to 
add such a marketing policy right now, just in time before releasing 
KDE 4 for Windows.)

Until then, I would be glad if anybody who can provide working binaries 
of Kalzium, KVoctrain, KSimon, KBruch etc. for Windows clients, could 
contact me. There is several Media Centers in Germany who spread USB 
sticks with portable applications to their schools ("digital 
schoolbag"). It would be nice to have KDE Edu apps in the bag!

Thank you very much for reading -
Kind regards
Ralf.

[1] First draft: "This software was originally developed for the KDE 
desktop. KDE Desktop is a window manager designed for GNU/Linux and 
similar Unices. This software, KDE, and GNU/Linux are distributed under 
the free GPL license...."