Our implementation plan was pretty basic…

• We made our first site visit with the entire class, met Kim Irwin, the site coordinator, toured the facilities and saw the two potential spaces that would accommodate the computer lab, and learned what RUM could provide and what we would need to provide.
• We determined based on space and Martin’s recommendations, that we would be able to provide six computers and monitors.
• We began by sanitizing the six computers and installing the Linux Mint v. 5 Operating System and OpenDNS to provide parental controls when needed.
• We created both general user and administrative user accounts such that only select individuals could make changes to the computers.
• Based on conversations with Ms. Irwin, we determined that it would not be appropriate for clients to be able to save documents to the computers, so we decided our best option was provide tutorials on using Google Docs such that clients could save their work somewhere other than the computer’s hard drive.
• We also created shortcuts on the general user’s home screen that would allow users access to the word processing and database programs, as well as tutorials on how to use them.  Other shortcuts included Firefox web browser and educational games for children.  Once on Firefox, we bookmarked a variety of websites that we thought might be useful to users, including career/job search sites, community resources such as city government, public schools and public library home pages, as well as educational websites for children.
• We had initially hoped to create a program that would wipe the computers clean at the end of each day such that the computers didn’t get overloaded with items saved by clients, but were unable to get the program to work properly.  Ms. Irwin didn’t seem to think this was a problem as she is computer savvy and would keep an eye on the computers so that people weren’t using them to save their work and so that they weren’t unintentionally introducing viruses, etc.
• The first snag in our plan was the uncertainty as to where the computer lab was going to go.  When the executive director at RUM finally decided where it was going, the room was being used for storage, so we had to wait for it to be cleared out before we could install the computers.  We also were informed at this point that this room would also be used for doctor visits, so we needed to leave enough room for the doctor to perform exams.  Needless to say, being that it was already a tight space, this compounded the issue.
• Once the room was cleared, we went over and set up the computer room, and though it is going to be a tight fit, it will work.
• During our next visit, we hooked up all six computers to two hubs and installed a router.  We were able to detect a wireless signal but couldn’t get online.  We also couldn’t get the router’s software program to install and the directions were useless since they were in Japanese.  At this point, we decided to consult Martin.  This is how it currently stands.