Things I have noticed

Implementing Security Logging feature to keep track of users ONLINE. In Progress . . .

The current working printer needs both colored with blank and white ink for it to work properly.

People tend to bunch up on the newer machines so I need to spread them out more evenly.

Add two tables to the side walls to help protect dthe cat 5 wiring. Move a computer to them if the wiring permits.

Find a way to repair the laser jet printer for the computer lab. I am sure there are shops to charge a fee for repairing them.

Cleaning screens, mouse, keyboard, desk, carpets are a must.

Setting static IPs for other PCs.

Set up schedule maintainence times at least once a week

Create also a task list

Review pc lab notebook you are compiling.

Also, make a list of passwords for the BOSS's needs if I had to hand control over to someone else.

Schedule lab hours to reflect my work and study hours?

Use the computer lab to do all your internet studying?

From 8am to 12pm, I should set aside time to work on it, but the people that want to use it only come out during the evening times.

Post these ideas on my network project blog

Proxy server used to filter websites visited

The problem with this is the machine running the proxy server software is old and tends to crash alot. The solution would be to update the hardware and place the proxy server software on a newer machine.

A Small Room with A Big Project

Ok, I must document every equipment, serial number, and steps to get a computer lab built. Who can help me do so? Do I need to look into any type of 'legal matter?' Wait, google is my friend and time to use it.

Here are some links that I found that might be of help to me in the future if I need to organize and document this project.

Grant-writing tools for non-profit organizations
http://www.npguides.org/guide/grant2.htm

COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:
http://fdncenter.org/learn/topical/software.html

Site Renovation

I haven't posted in a while, but here it goes. The temporary lab I set up was dismantled because the room that housed it was being painted. New carpeting is coming in as well so all the PCs that were gather have to be moved from one room to the next. The only time I have set aside for it is probably all day Friday, but with finals around the corner, I will not be starting on it until March 20, 2005.

Status of Network Project

The new building at my church is near completion. We are now waiting on Edison to get the power into the building. The CAT-5 wiring is in place We still need to run about 150 feet of cat-5 to connect the new building and where the lab will be. That will be taken care oftoday.

I thought they were going with a Dynamic address, but we had another consultant working with us and suggested we go with 5 static IPs with SBC.

I am avoiding the cost of purchasing Windows 2003 Server and wanted to use FreeBSD 5.2.1 instead. I know everyone is busy, but just let me know if you would like to just learn.

Searching for Simple HOW TO via Google

I did a Google search "setting up networks" and found lots of useful links on setting up networks. There is alot of thought going into this idea. While I am waiting for the wiring to go into place, I need to anticipate what problems will come up configuring each computer to connect to a network.

Most of the older machines are running Windows 95 or Windows 98. The newer machines are running Windows XP. I will try to get a Linux operating system onto the network as well to see how it will work out.

So, in the mean time, I just need to read about it some more and be prepared soon.

Network Building Test Cart

There is a "test cart" set aside to play with network configurations. I am still trying to get Windows 2003 Server through Microsoft Academic Alliance. Not sure about the legalities about using an Academic Alliance software for public use. I will need to contact or research Microsoft about it. The other route is to use a Linux Server. See other post regarding this.

I did managed to play with the current network installed in the office and configured it to share printers. They only have one printer in use now. I left a note for them and hope they will find it in great use in the future.

Creating a Linux Server

I am gathering parts to create a Pentium II Linux Server. I was looking into getting http://www.freeBSD.org once I get the hardware stable. It was going to be an AMD 500Mhz, but the board keyboard and mouse do not respond anymore. So, I will keep you folks up to date.