Help spread ubuntu to our small school!

[Gcommer]

Hey, my technology class is helping my school switch over to ubuntu. We're a small school, and probably won't have any more than 20 computers. We already tried edubuntu on a few computers, and noticed a few problems that have made us decide to go with only ubuntu instead.

I'm seeking a way to quickly set ubuntu up on all of these computers with the same settings; including a background image, modified theme (changing colors and moving panels in Gnome around), some changed packages and a few other settings for printers and wireless networks.
The computer hardware is different enough that we can't simply image the drives, so I think creating a custom install CD would be best, but I'm not sure how to make one with all the settings that I want changed.

I'd also really appreciate any tips on how to configure an account that is automatically logged in, but can only run specified programs and can't make any changes without an administrative password.

Finally, is there a way we can change the install process to use default values for some screens so that the install is both easier and faster?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice, it is greatly appreciated.

[phillw]

Hi and welcome,

I'd have stuck with the edbuntu, as that is geared up for educational establishments, with blocks on IM's etc.

https://wiki.edubuntu.org/

Is a good place to start looking.

Regards,

Phill.

[unmole]

You could make a customized build of Edubuntu with remastersys. Check out this tutorial http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/remastersys

[Chesamo]

Have you ever heard of LDAP? It would enable your students to customize their layouts and have them stay constant througout the school.

http://doc.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/serverguide/C/openldap-server.html

Having themes stay constant is pretty nifty, especially to students who are used to having to reset all of their configuration every time they sit down.

EDIT: And, of course, it would give them shared storage so their files would follow them. Forgot the most important part xP