# UCS@school

> Univention Corporate Server for schools

**Wikidata**: [Q15852111](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15852111)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ucs-school

## Summary
UCS@school is a specialized Linux distribution designed for educational institutions, based on the Univention Corporate Server (UCS). It provides a free, open-source platform for school administration, integrating tools for managing users, classes, and IT infrastructure. As part of the broader UCS ecosystem, it leverages Linux and free software principles to offer scalable, customizable solutions for schools.

## Key Facts
- **Definition**: UCS@school is a Linux distribution tailored for school environments, derived from the Univention Corporate Server.
- **License**: Distributed as free software, allowing users to run, study, modify, and redistribute it under specific terms (as of 2021-01-27).
- **Versions**:
  - **4.4 v2** (released 2019-04-01)
  - **4.4 v3** (released 2019-07-25)
  - **4.4 v4** (released 2019-11-13)
  - **4.4 v5** (released 2020-03-25)
  - **4.4 v6** (released 2020-08-06)
  - **4.4 v7** (released 2020-10-12)
  - **4.4 v8** (released 2020-11-18)
  - **5.2** (preferred version, released 2025-03-12)
- **Classification**: Part of the Linux distribution family and classified as free software.
- **Website**: Official site available in German at [https://www.univention.de](https://www.univention.de) (last verified 2021-01-27).
- **Issue Tracking**: Bugs and feature requests are managed via [Univention’s Bugzilla](https://forge.univention.org/bugzilla/describecomponents.cgi?product=UCS%40school).
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted but distributed under free software licenses.
- **Wikidata Presence**: Linked to German Wikipedia and has a Google Knowledge Graph ID (/g/12gh2v4sc).

## FAQs
**What is UCS@school used for?**
UCS@school is designed to streamline school administration by providing a centralized platform for managing users, classes, and IT resources. It integrates with existing school systems to simplify tasks like user authentication, role assignments, and device management.

**Is UCS@school free to use?**
Yes, UCS@school is free software, meaning it can be used, modified, and distributed under terms that comply with its licensing (as outlined in Univention’s license agreements).

**What versions of UCS@school are available?**
Multiple versions have been released, including iterations of 4.4 (from 2019–2020) and the latest preferred version, 5.2 (released in March 2025). Each version includes updates and improvements documented in official changelogs.

**How is UCS@school related to Linux?**
UCS@school is a Linux distribution, meaning it is built on the Linux kernel and incorporates core GNU components. It inherits the stability, security, and flexibility of Linux while adding school-specific features.

**Where can I find support or report issues for UCS@school?**
Users can report bugs or request features through Univention’s Bugzilla tracker at [https://forge.univention.org/bugzilla](https://forge.univention.org/bugzilla/describecomponents.cgi?product=UCS%40school).

## Why It Matters
UCS@school addresses critical challenges in educational IT by providing a unified, open-source platform for school administration. It reduces reliance on proprietary software, offering schools greater control over their digital infrastructure while lowering costs. By leveraging Linux and free software principles, it promotes transparency, customization, and long-term sustainability—key factors for institutions with limited budgets and diverse technical needs. Its integration with the broader Univention Corporate Server ecosystem ensures scalability, making it suitable for small schools and large districts alike.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Focus**: One of the few school administration platforms built entirely on free software principles.
- **Version History**: Regular updates, with a documented release cycle spanning multiple years (2019–2025).
- **Linux Integration**: Directly tied to the Linux distribution family, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of open-source tools.
- **German Development**: Primarily documented and supported in German, reflecting its origins in the German education sector.
- **Bug Tracking System**: Dedicated issue tracker for community-driven development and support.

## Body
### Overview
UCS@school is a specialized variant of the Univention Corporate Server (UCS), optimized for educational environments. It combines the robustness of Linux with tools tailored for school administration, such as user management, class organization, and IT infrastructure control. As free software, it adheres to principles of openness, allowing schools to adapt the system to their specific needs without licensing restrictions.

### Development and Releases
The project has undergone multiple iterations, with version 4.4 seeing several updates between 2019 and 2020. Key releases include:
- **4.4 v2** (April 2019)
- **4.4 v3** (July 2019)
- **4.4 v4** (November 2019)
- **4.4 v5** (March 2020)
- **4.4 v6** (August 2020)
- **4.4 v7** (October 2020)
- **4.4 v8** (November 2020)

The latest preferred version, **5.2**, was released in March 2025, introducing enhanced features and compatibility with UCS 5.2. Each version’s changelog is publicly available, detailing improvements and fixes.

### Licensing and Distribution
UCS@school is distributed under free software licenses, as confirmed by Univention’s official documentation (last updated 2021-01-27). This ensures users can freely run, study, modify, and redistribute the software, though it remains copyrighted. The licensing terms are detailed on Univention’s website, covering both the core edition and enterprise subscriptions.

### Technical Foundation
As a Linux distribution, UCS@school inherits the stability and security of the Linux kernel and GNU components. It is part of the broader UCS ecosystem, which provides enterprise-grade identity and infrastructure management. This foundation allows schools to integrate UCS@school with existing IT systems, including directory services, cloud applications, and device management tools.

### Community and Support
The project maintains an active issue tracker via Univention’s Bugzilla, where users can report bugs or request features. The primary documentation and support are available in German, reflecting its origins in the German education sector. The official website ([https://www.univention.de](https://www.univention.de)) serves as the central hub for downloads, documentation, and community engagement.

### Related Projects and Ecosystem
UCS@school is closely tied to the Univention Corporate Server, which provides the underlying infrastructure for identity management, directory services, and application integration. It is also connected to the broader free software movement, aligning with projects that prioritize open-source solutions in education.

### Visual Identity
The project’s logo and promotional images are available via Wikimedia Commons:
- **Logo**: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/UCS@school.png](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/UCS@school.png)
- **Image**: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/UCS@school_für_Schuladministration.jpeg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/UCS@school_für_Schuladministration.jpeg)

### Documentation and Resources
Changelogs for each version are hosted on Univention’s documentation portal, providing detailed insights into updates and fixes. For example:
- **4.4 v2**: [https://docs.software-univention.de/changelog-ucsschool-4.4v2-de.html](https://docs.software-univention.de/changelog-ucsschool-4.4v2-de.html)
- **5.2**: Announced via Univention’s blog ([https://www.univention.de/blog-de/2025/03/ucsschool-5-2/](https://www.univention.de/blog-de/2025/03/ucsschool-5-2/)), highlighting its enhanced capabilities.

### Wikipedia and External Recognition
UCS@school is referenced in German Wikipedia and has a Google Knowledge Graph ID (/g/12gh2v4sc), indicating its recognition as a notable software solution in the education sector. However, its Wikidata presence is limited, with only one sitelink (German Wikipedia) as of the latest data.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.univention.de/download/lizenzmodelle/lizenzbedingungen-ucs-core-edition/)
2. [Source](https://docs.software-univention.de/changelog-ucsschool-4.4v2-de.html)
3. [Source](https://docs.software-univention.de/changelog-ucsschool-4.4v3-de.html)
4. [Source](https://docs.software-univention.de/changelog-ucsschool-4.4v8-de.html)
5. [Source](https://docs.software-univention.de/changelog-ucsschool-4.4v7-de.html)
6. [Source](https://docs.software-univention.de/changelog-ucsschool-4.4v6-de.html)
7. [Source](https://docs.software-univention.de/changelog-ucsschool-4.4v5-de.html)
8. [Source](https://docs.software-univention.de/changelog-ucsschool-4.4v4-de.html)
9. [UCS@school 5.2 – Noch leistungsfähiger mit UCS 5.2. 2025](https://www.univention.de/blog-de/2025/03/ucsschool-5-2/)