I recently recycled an old desktop PC into a kid's computer for my 3 year old son. After installing a current version of Ubuntu, the next task was to find some software for him. Luckily, there are some great packages out there for youngsters. Here's what I have installed so far:
1. Tux Paint - An easy-to-use drawing and painting program for kids ages 3 to 12. Released under the GNU license.
2. GCompris - An educational software suite for ages 2 -10. This suite is loaded with activiies based on color, games, math science, computer skills and more. Released under a GNU license.
3. Childsplay - A software suite for young children released under a GNU license. My son really likes the memory game.
4. Tuxmath - An arcade game to help kids develop math skills.
For more information about kids software available on GNU Linux, check out this presentation by Bill Kendrick - the creator of Tux Paint.
