Technology
Overview
The team was given responsibility of building a computer lab based on 60, one-year-old HP desktop computers that were donated to the Lincoln’s Challenge Academy (LC). LC’s goal was to have as many computers as possible ready by the first week of November, based on students’ requirement to complete a computer-based training program, “Meet the Challenge,” before graduating in December 2007. LC officials also stressed that the arrangement of the workstations and network architecture would have to assure physical and network security in the lab.
Secondary goals would be to improve the physical space of the lab, including cabling and wiring issues. Setup of a printer stated as a potential extra project.
Resources Available to Implement Technology at the Organization
• LC provides all hardware, software and electronic equipment. This includes, but is not limited to: computers, routers, switches, printer, server(s), Ethernet connection, and software.
• Software planned to include Windows XP, ghosting software, “Meet the Challenge,” ReadOn, and GED 21st Century. LC will coordinate and assure proper licensing of software.
• LC provides cables, although project team must confirm adequate quantity and suitability for project needs.
• LC provides assistance with conduits as needed. LC may assist in cabling.
Organization’s Responsibilities Prior to Realization of Project
• Confirm software licensing/logistics
• Install primary server and router
• Provide basic equipment
• Provide assistance with configuration, troubleshooting, and testing of the image.
• Provide instructions on role of security needs in network setup
| Task as initially conceptualizedÊ | Task as implemented/comments |
|---|---|
| Unpack and assess functionality of provided computers | completed first week.Ê Early action allowed four troublesome units to be replaced.Ê |
| Room setupÊ | Two-aisle configuration of workstations was already in place and could not be modified due to concerns about maintaining discipline and order among the groups using the lab.Ê Structural issues handled mostly by LC permanent staffÊ |
| Determine cabling assets and needs | TeamÊ |
| Determine suitability of current of current electrical infrastructure (test circuits) | Team assessed circuits during first week by calculating how many workstations would be linked to each box (2 total).Ê There were some concerns as team proceeded to turn on and test powered units, but these were resolved.Ê |
| Address wiring and cabling issues (cable measuring to suit network diagram plan) | Team produced >45 cables and trimmed existing cablesÊ |
| Configure switches/hubs | This was accomplishedÊ |
| Work with LC to set up initial computer for imaging | |
| Work with LC to troubleshoot image | This did not go as planned.Ê LC administration, which had sole determination of software, experienced difficulties with finding appropriate software keys, etc.Ê Team instead "duped" a hard drive that was provided by Art, resulting in successful partition andÊ installation of Windows XPÊ |
| Ghost image on as many computers as possible. | Team duped all sixty machines.Ê |