The Steps the Organization Needs to Accomplish Prior to Computer Delivery

Between now and December, the team at Greater Glory Christian Church, led by Pastor Malone, will be renovating the computer laboratory space. In order to be prepared for the arrival of the computers, the following measures should be accounted for:

1. Electrical Jacks: The room needs to be equipped with additional electrical outlets sufficient to provide the necessary 16-20 spaces for plugging in the computer hardware.

2. Internet Service Provider (ISP): Research must be done to locate an ISP so that the computers may be hooked up to the network. It is possible that no high speed Internet connections are available in the area. In this case, the dial-up option still exists but it will be necessary to purchase one modem (instead of a router) and only one computer will be able to access the Internet. Ideally, research into available ISPs will prove fruitful and will yield some high speed options so that six computers can be connected via a router. A couple of possible places for attaining high speed access include:

Charter Communications: provides access through a DSL connection. If Greater Glory decides to use this service, then they can purchase a router directly from Charter Communications.

Verizon Wireless Broadband Access: requires the purchase of a Top Global 3G Phoebus Wi-Fi Router. The best way to purchase this router is on the Internet.

Research into ISPs in the area will be able to illuminate the Internet connection possibilities. Please alert the GSLIS project team members on or before October 30, 2006 with Greater Glory’s choice regarding an ISP as this will affect the setup of the computers to be placed on the network (remember that any high speed choice will require the purchase of a router).

3. Hole: A hole drilled from the Office to the Lab for the cables to run through.

4. Lighting: Additional lights may be needed to provide enough light for computer work.

5. Fans: The provision of a fan will be helpful to keep the computers from overheating.

In addition, regarding software needs, Greater Glory and GSLIS Prairienet students should remain in communication. The GSLIS students will need to install all of the desired software prior to the delivery of the computers on December 1.

GSLIS students will search for freely available or low cost alternatives that are based on their understanding of Greater Glory’s needs. If all of the programs that Greater Glory needs are not available this way, then perhaps they might want to proceed in purchasing some of the Easy Child, Living Books, or Surplus CD software that seemed well-suited to their needs. By Oct 26, GSLIS will provide a list of software options to Greater Glory. Orders for any purchased software must be placed by Nov 6. Any software provided by Greater Glory needs to arrive at GSLIS by Nov 17 in order for GSLIS students to have time to install. All software orders should be mailed to : GSLIS, Attn: Martin Wolske, 501 E. Daniel, Champaign, IL 61820.

The Steps the Project Team Needs to Accomplish Prior to Computer Delivery

Between now and December, the GSLIS Prairienet team will be planning and mapping the network. The network plan will be utilized to create the most efficient network possible using the available resources. The basic steps involved are as follows:
1. Mapping the Greater Glory Christian Church computer network based on the information gathered in the site survey.

2. Provision of ten functional computers running with Windows 98 as their operating system (hardware and software settings will be checked for proper functioning).

3. Creation and provision of the cables necessary to connect these computers in a peer-to-peer network.

4. Setting each computers’ permissions such that four of the computers (and the two in the office) will have Internet access enabled and four of the computers will be dedicated solely to providing educational software.

5. Investigation into available freeware software that might be available for educational purposes

Potential Risks That Might Hinder Fully Accomplishing the Plan

Greater Glory Christian Church and the GSLIS Prairienet students will be working towards a common goal of installing a computer lab at Greater Glory Christian Church. In order for this common goal to be realized, both parts of the team are going to need to complete the steps listed in the execution plan prior to the December 1-2 installation of the computers. Omission of any of these steps will hinder the network’s end effectiveness.

Particularly crucial to the network’s success is the presence of the necessary electrical resources. This means that the 16-20 necessary electrical outlets in the lab will need to be in working order by December 1. The ISP must also be chosen and set up prior to that time.

Another possible hindrance would be if for some reason miscommunication occurs regarding what is desired in the network. The GSLIS Prairienet students have included in this document their understanding of the Greater Glory Christian Church goals and plans for its network. If anything in this document is confusing or does not match, please let us know so that we can discuss and do what we can to better serve your needs.
Again, we look forward to working with you on this project, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.