[hblug] Computer refurbishment Ideas

[Michael Adams]

On Sat, 27 Jan 2007 11:17:57 +1300
Daniel Faulknor wrote:

> On 1/27/07, chris morris <racepics at paradise.net.nz> wrote:
> >
> > Michael Adams wrote:
> > > No particular order.
> > >
> > > 1. Toss out the idea of exchanging parts. It conflicts with a
> > > recycling/collection day, and adds to the complexity.
> > >
> > I would like to collect certain bits as mentioned in my previous
> > emails. Even a few for my own use.
> >
> > 2. Perhaps two collection days, one in Hastings, one in Napier a
> > week
> > > apart. Yes people are that parochial in the Hawkes Bay that we are
> > > guaranteed more boxen that way. More advertising too.
> > >
> > Good idea if we can get a venue for both.
> 
> 
> Very Good Idea, maybe means coordination with both councils? or is it
> the hb regional council we are deailng with (i cant remember)

Hastings District Council. I'm looking at having Chris along to the
meeting as I can be a bit of a waste of space on a bad day. You are
young Daniel(and even though we know your value, they may not take you
as seriously, so no offence meant). Chris works in the industry as well.

> 
> > 3. Broadband instead of winmodems, it just works. (More on this
> > soon, I
> > > am working on it, and must of necessity, keep details close).
> > >
> > As long as the customer is in an area than can get it
> > > 4. Consider it as a total non-profit event > Period! The taxes
> > > would be too much hassle, we would need to become an employer. All
> > > income needs to be reinvested back into the service. It is far too
> > > public to try to do under the table. Of course the odd box going
> > > home may be ok... for, ah, testing purposes.
> > >
> > Advertise it as non profit
> 
> 
> Will make life 100 times easier, and means we will be able to have
> full control of the money (and keep/use all of it)

Unfortunately we still need good bookkeeping. To prove we are not
sciving off with any grant or sales money. If anyone feels this is their
real strength - step forward. If not, i can crank up a spreadsheet at a
pinch though i detest the task.

> > 5. New HDD's in all boxes older than 3 yrs. This would reduce
> > repairs
> > > and  hassles, and increase storage space. A bulk deal is easy to
> > > arrange.
> > >
> > I can get drives at dealer cost - other may be able to do better
> > tho?

We could explore corporate sponsorship here too.

> > > 6. OpenOffice.org is a must for schooling, it's MSOffice support
> > > is second to none. Xubuntu doesn't have it, and isn't considering
> > > it. Is it downloadable for Xubuntu.
> > >
> > Xbuntu is only ubuntu with lighter apps - should be able to install
> > OO.org
> 
> 
> apt-get install openoffice should do the trick.
>

The only worry then is how slow is it on old boxes. See the following
post about K12LTSP.
 
> > 7. On the recycling day if we check monitors only. Linux practically
> > > needs 1024 X 768 pixels minimum. This excludes text mode for IPCop
> > > if we do them. Things just do not work smoothly on less. Monitors
> > > will be half the physical space requirement and they are
> > > relatively easy to test. 15 inchers and up for desktops, 14
> > > inchers for IPCop's, anything less binned straightaway.
> > >
> > If we could get the NCC to provide a dumper bin at the venue?
> 
> 
> If not, we could just set them aside, and take them away, i believe we
> have free use of the landfill.

That was discussed but not set in concrete. Nothing is a given yet.
 
> > 8. It is not an ongoing business, it is an event. We stop all
> > support
> > > after three months unless someone wants to follow it through
> > > privately. Either it is repairable within three months, they biff
> > > it, or they upgrade. Some support would be required under the
> > > consumer guarantees act. What is our obligation
> > >
> > Give all customers access to this mailing list to ask for help.
> 
> 
> Definately a good idea, would also expose them a bit more to linux
> with the discussions that go on.

WE REALLY NEED A FLYER WITH SUPPORT DETAILS to hand out to the take home
owners.

> > 8a. Someone privately may want to look at building modern linux
> > boxes
> > > for those wanting an upgrade. We could give a name out with each
> > > box.
> > >
> > I'm already doing that.

On ya, we can use these skills.

> > > 9. Now we are getting to a level within the group where people are
> > > thinking seriously, I will ring Daniel, then the council bloke to
> > > arrange a meeting. Chris, would you like to be in on that as well?
> > > will
> > need to step aside and let someone else liase due to my
> > > unreliability.
> > >
> > Daniel has already expressed an interest in "leading" the project.
> > I will assist where I can. I will also make it to that meeting if I
> > can.
> 
> 
> Ring anytime michael, you may have already rung, but i have only just
> got back from otago
> 
> Daniel
>