Following is a brief overview of the lessons we learned in creating the Mount Joy Computer Lab.

1. D-banning a computer and installing an operating system (Windows XP).

In order to start with clean computers, we needed to d-ban the computers, or wipe their entire memory. Our only experience in doing this was in class and at Teen Tech in East St. Louis. After that we installed the operating system on the computer, which many of us were unfamiliar with doing (we installed Linux operating systems in class).

2. Installing drivers.

We had some difficulties with some of the computers because some were missing drivers. Drivers were installed. None of us were really familiar with doing this.

3. Running wire through a building.

We were able to learn how to run cable through a building. We had to learn how to plan where the cable would run, estimate the length of cable needed, and figure out the easiest way to actually accomplish the task. Running cable through the ceiling was difficult because there were many barriers (lights, duct work, firewalls) in the drop ceiling, therefore, establishing a plan of action was necessary.

4. Making wires.

We had to learn how to make proper CAT5 cords out of the cables that we ran through the building. This included making both male and female ends. Some of this could have been done before arriving on site.

5. Installing cable tracks and outlet boxes and using drills.

We installed cable tracking and outlet boxes to hide the cables running through the building. This involved using cordless drills, which a few of us had never done before.

6. Jumping a truck.

We got an extra lesson because our truck broke down. The negative clamp on the battery was worn down, so our truck had to be jumped every time we started it.

7. Go with the flow. Be patient.

We did not realize that Mount Joy had to go through a board to get approval for anything when we were having communication issues before arriving on site. The lesson is to be patient and go with the flow because things did change from what we were expecting when we got on site. For example, the wiring plan that Jill developed was altered significantly when we got on site.