This is already being done at the Tampa Bay Computer Society, but they are
usually stuck with whatever OS is already on board. But if the group helped
TBCS pick a distro, and offered support, then they might take care of the
heavy lifting. Most of those folks are Microsoft-centric, and will need
some hand-holding and support assistance.
They _are_ a non-profit and already have a program to refurbish computers.
They also had a Linux SIG, some of those members are/were on this list. I'd
start with those guys, since they are Linux-friendly.
Ken Elliott
=====================
-----Original Message-----
From: slug@nks.net [mailto:slug@nks.net] On Behalf Of Paul M Foster
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 11:29 PM
To: slug@nks.net
Subject: [SLUG] Idea for LUG
Folks:
David Meyer mentioned something to me a while back that seemed like a good
idea, but might not work too well because we're not incorporated as a
non-profit. However, it got me thinking, and I thought of a twist on it.
His original idea was to solicit area businesses for their old computers
(instead of them dumping them in dumpsters), put Linux on them, and then
donate them to schools, etc. The advantage to businesses would be a tax
write-off by donating them to a non-profit organization.
While we could still do something like that, it would take more convincing
for area businesses, and would not benefit them as much (I don't think they
could claim a deduction for donating them to us). Of course, for businesses
intending to *trash* their computers, this would be a better alternative for
them.
However, nothing would stop us doing something similar among our ranks.
The idea would be that if you have an old computer or computers just
gathering dust, you could put Linux on it and donate it to a local school or
nursing facility or something. This might require a more lightweight distro,
since older computers usually have less RAM, and many current distros
require a fair amount to install in. I'd say that the computer would need a
working (and tested) 10 or 100 Base T NIC card, a standard video card (at
least 800x600 resolution), and a smattering of GUI applications, like an
email client, office suite (SIAG Office is a lightweight alternative), some
games, etc. Some computers would only be suitable for servers or firewalls,
and could be loaded with IPCOP or Coyote firewalls.
There are probably logistics that would need to be worked out. You could
take this stuff to your nearest school when completed. But if not, who would
do it instead? Could these computers be brought to meetings? Could someone
there do the actual work if you were unwilling to?
There are probably many ways to do this. My main concern is that the
computers be *usable* for the intended users.
In any case, it's something to think about.
Paul
-- Paul M. Foster ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This list is provided as an unmoderated internet service by Networked Knowledge Systems (NKS). Views and opinions expressed in messages posted are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NKS or any of its employees.----------------------------------------------------------------------- This list is provided as an unmoderated internet service by Networked Knowledge Systems (NKS). Views and opinions expressed in messages posted are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NKS or any of its employees.
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