Computer Lab Installation, Supplies, and Trip
April 12, 2010 Mrs Matory called at 8:55 pm. Mrs. Matory does application support at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She is most familiar with Windows 2007 and XP. She says that she does not know it all , but has a knowledgeable friend to consult as needed. She feels that she can teach the basics of word processing, using the mouse and keyboard, and navigating the Internet. Keeping up with the passwords will not be a problem, as that is what she does at work.
Mrs. Matory has a daughter who is a teacher and she will consult the daughter as to software that the children might use. She feels that Spanish may be a lesser priority right now, and would like to see some software that does cards and flyers. She asked if there would be a printer and said that if not, that might be something that a church member donates.
She is enthusiastic to be the administrator and has felt for a long time that Parks Chapel should round up all of the teachers of the congregation to do some tutoring as outreach to the children. Most of the children can’t afford to go to Syllvan Learning Center.
April 14, 2010: E-mail to Mrs. Matory
Mrs. Matory,
Thank you so much for returning my call this week. It was nice to touch base with you.
Just an update: We have 5 computers to bring to Parks Chapel. Windows XP has been installed, and today we are installing the anti-virus software. Have you had a chance to talk to your daughter about that educational software she might suggest? We have a very limited budget, so open-source (free) software if the best.
We are so glad that you are willing to be the computer lab administrator! We look forward to working with you.
Your University of Illinois – Parks Chapel Computer Lab team,
April 14, 2010: E-mail to Mrs. Tolson
Hi Mrs. Tolson:
It was wonderful speaking with you yesterday about the computer lab. We’re very excited about returning to Parks Chapel and helping to set-up the computers. Hopefully everything will go smoothly. As promised is a list of needed to set up the Internet for the computer lab. Please note: the items listed below are things that you will need to purchase/set-up prior to our arrival:
1. Order Internet installation:
We had a chance to search for various Internet service providers in the area, and the only one available to Parks Chapel is Charter. There are a number of options available. We will leave the option up to Parks Chapel as to which service you feel comfortable purchasing, although we believe that the “Lite” ($19.99/months for the first 6 months) or “Express” ($29.99/month for the first 6 months) options would be suitable. *In order to ensure that the Internet is set up during our time at Parks Chapel on May 4-5, we believe that the Internet needs to be installed by May 1 (at the latest). *https://connect.charter.com/BundleBuilder4/builder.aspx#/internet1 (link no longer active)
2. Purchase a Modem:
The modem we highly suggest purchasing is $79.99. The modem is available at Best Buy. See link below. You could either purchase this modem online, or go to a local Best Buy retailer. If you decide to purchase the modem from a local Best Buy, it would be best to call ahead to check that they have this particular model. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Motorola+-+SURFboard+Cable+Modem/8229044.p?id=1168043113583&skuId=8229044&st=cable%20modem&contract_desc=null
3. Purchase a Router:
The modem we highly suggest purchasing is $49.99. The router is available at Best Buy. See link below. As with the modem, you could either purchase this router online, or go to a local Best Buy retailer. If you decide to purchase the router from a local Best Buy, it would be best to call ahead to check that they have this particular model. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/D-Link+-+4-Port+Ethernet+Broadband+Router/7650473.p?id=1134699413401&skuId=7650473&st=ired%20router&cp=1&lp=4
4. Tables for the computers:
We currently plan on using a few of your tables from the fellowship hall for the computer lab. At this time, due to budgetary restraints, mobile tables are unfortunately not feasible. It may be a good idea to invest in tables with wheels in the future, so that Parks Chapel can move the computers when the space is needed.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments.
April 15, 2010: E-mail from Mrs. Matory re: free software is best at this point in the Parks Chapel budget.
April 17, 2010: Called Mrs. Tolson to discuss Internet hardware and installation. Mrs. Tolson was in a meeting and could not discuss Internet.
April 19, 2010: Called Mrs. Tolson to discuss Internet hardware and installation. Mrs. Tolson said that Internet hardware will be purchased by Mrs. Matory. Mrs. Matory is also setting up Internet installation date with Charter. Mrs. Tolson is going to Memphis to visit her grandson. She will be out of contact for a week.
April 21, 2010: E-mailed Mrs. Matory to discuss 1. Open Office and 2. Internet hardware and installation.
Second e-mail to Mrs. Matory regarding the purchase of power strips.
April 26, 2010:
1. Phone call from Mrs. Matory:
- Charter has their own modem that they want the church to use. Mr. Matory will pick up that modem today (4/27).
- They already have the power strips.
- She was not sure about the router, but thought from previous communication with Mrs. Tolsen that one of our group members told her that the router is taken care of.
- She wanted me to say thanks to all of my group members because she is excited about all that we are doing!
2. Phone call from Peter to Mrs. Tolsen:
- The Internet will be installed Friday from 1 – 3.
- 5 computer desks will arrive today (4/28)
- Mrs. Tolsen will speak to Mr. Matory about the router today (4/28).
May 3 – 4: In person conversations with Mr. Matory, Mrs. Tolson, Reverend Howlett, and other church members. (Also, phone conversation with Charter about ISP connection).
May 10: Mrs. Tolson called group about computer problem. Problem was resolved.