How to build a no/low cost minilab

By Sam ColemanBy Sam Coleman

Who is this guy?Sam ColemanSam Coleman

Assistant Principal at Eastlake High School, SUHSD (San Diego, California)

Former SpecialEd/Math Teacher, and School Site Technology Coordinator

Self-proclaimed Open Source Advocate Doctoral Candidate – Dissertation on OSS Experienced in building computer labs for non

profit organizations

Overview

Things to Consider Planning Phase Gathering the hardware Pitfalls Selecting the right OS Software resources for the classroom Odds and Ends Q and A

Things to Consider

NEED: what do you want/need a computer lab for? Internet, wordprocessing, multimedia?

WHO WILL USE IT: elementary or secondary? How many users?

SPACE: position of power outlets, cat 5 drops, ventilation, tables: standalone or linked

ROOM MODFICATIONS: Can you/do you need to? Monitoring? - (Websense, Netnanny, iTalc) Will the minilab have access to the schools' network? Who will be responsible for the MRO's?

(Maintenance, Repair, and Operating expenses)

Planning Phase

Use graph paper to sketch out the location of:Use graph paper to sketch out the location of: Computers Power Outlets – check the circuit breaker Network drops – Note on Wireless access Printers and other peripherial devices Routing of wires and cables Check walkways for safety & clear access

Where to find free hardware

Craigslist Freecycle Community Outreach Friends and Family Affinity Groups – Clubs, churches Businesses School/District equipment storages LUG's – Linux User Groups

Where to find cheap hardware

Electronic Retailers – Frys' or local shops The Web – Egghead, Ebay, Craigslist Newspaper and local computer magazines Thrift stores Leasing companies

Real Craigslist Ad found 2/13/09

This laptop was used very gently and performs very well and surprisingly fast. It has Windows Me and Microsoft office, internal modem and CD drive. Good for cable internet connection with Ethernet cable and word processing projects.

Included:Thinkpad and ac adapter/charger,Troubleshooting guide,Separate 3.5 floppy drive,Nice travel case with several compartments,Ethernet cable.

Please email with times to check it outThanks for looking!

Cost $100

Real Craigslist Ad found 2/13/09

Dell Dimension 4100 computer.

Intel Pentium III processor

863 MHz, 256 MB of RAM

2 DVD/CD-ROM drives, one of which is a 48x burner

3.5" floppy drive just in case you still use those.

2 USB ports in back

Linksys Wireless-G PCI card

ViewSonic View Panel VE170 - 17" flat screen monitor.

Please note, I'll be removing the hard drive before selling this computer.

Also comes with a mouse, keyboard and speakers.

Cost $50.00

Real Craigslist Ad found 2/13/09

gateway solo laptop

Model No. Solo 2500

Working, Has internet capabilities, I think it needs another power cord and the battery will not hold a charge without the power cord. Other than that it does all of the basic functions a computer does.

$70.00 or make me an offer

Pitfalls

Test computer equipment with a Live CD Test computer equipment with a Live CD

to avoid the following:to avoid the following: Costly repairs Unnessary transportion costs Disposal fees Storage costs and hassle

Beware of anyone who doesn't allow you to test Beware of anyone who doesn't allow you to test equipment first. Watchout for ”MUST TAKE ALL or equipment first. Watchout for ”MUST TAKE ALL or

NOTHING” offersNOTHING” offers

PLEASE NOTE

MRO's

MaintanceMaintance

RepairsRepairs

Operating ExpensesOperating Expenses

Many school districts will not support homegrown computer labs

MRO's continued

PRO: You have complete controlPRO: You have complete control

CON: You have complete controlCON: You have complete control

How to select the right software

Match your hardware with software that meets your needs.

Stick with an OS that provides easy package management (installing/removing software).

Consider an OS that provides periodic updates. Consider your upgrade path: how long will your

software make your hardware viable.

Selecting the right Operating System - Proprietary

Macrohard That Fruit Company

If you have these OS es installed and they work, use If you have these OS es installed and they work, use them, however . . .them, however . . .

I don't advise purchasing the OSes listed above for I don't advise purchasing the OSes listed above for older hardware for the following reasons:older hardware for the following reasons:

Limited performance Limited or no driver support for old hardware Better value and performance with FOSS OSes

Selecting the right Operating System – Open Source

UNIX – The Granddaddy of them All PCBSD – a viable option (PBI)

Linux – The Big Three Slackware - Austrumi*, Zenwalk, NimbleX* Redhat - Fedora, CentOs Debian – Ubuntu family*, Mepis*, Knoppix*, DSL*

For more info visit: Distrowatch.comDistrowatch.com

* Live CD* Live CD

Software resources for the classroom

Distrowatch.com – Free OS software SourceForge.net – FLOSS software SchoolForge.net – FLOSS for education Flossmanuals.net – free manuals for FLOSS