Organization’s Priorities for Implementation of Technology

Pastor Kaitroy would like to see the following applications on the computers: educational software, web browsers, word processing, multimedia software (video editing, sound recording, etc), and educational games.

Potential uses for the lab:

• GED classes
• A+ certification
• training of seniors and adults new to computers
• kids doing homework
• Sunday School Classes
• sound and media editing
• web development (Adobe Dreamweaver equivalent)
• open source CMS systems on a server
• Development tools (support for python, perl, java, and other programming languages)
• word processing
• job training
• bookstore: ordering materials
• tutoring
• Samba shares (share files with sound and video computer (running XP) upstairs in the sanctuary)
• printer server
• “cyberministry”
• tax/financial management software

We provided an inventory of the programs on the computers for the church newsletter as well as a list of Linux equivalents to common Windows programs and instructions for installing new software (via both the add/remove GUI and the command line) should the need arise.

Intially, Pastory Kaitroy and Martin had discussed implementing a Linux Terminal Server (LTS) for the following reasons:

• Ease of Internet access for the entire lab.
• More cost-effective implementation.
• Friendliness of Linux as an OS
• Ability to expose users to all aspects of computers (what is going on behind the scenes in terms of hardware and using the CLI, as well as how to fix computers themselves).
• Increased teaching ability:
  • A computer available for each student in class to decrease crowding and sharing of machines.
  • Tutorials specifically aimed at older users either in the form of a binder or manual of some sort on the desktop that would increase comfort level with the computers.
• Web development capability:
  • The current website was developed in PERL by Pastor Terry, but is currently not up because of problems with maintenance and administration.  MSMBC has not hosted media on their site in the past, but would like to do so.

Ultimately, we consulted with Pastor Kaitroy and Martin and decided that an LTS was not an ideal network setup with the hardware we had available.  We instead have a hybrid system somewhere between a traditional client-server and a P2P network. Each machine is imaged with our own remix of Ubuntu and are connected via ethernet to a wireless WET54G bridge.

Resources Available to Implement Technology at the Organization

Resources Organization Provided for Technology Implementation

Morning Star provided peripherals, speakers, some networking equipment, some monitors, and a printer for the lab.

Resources GSLIS Will Need to Provide

GSLIS provided the computers, switch, cables (ethernet, etc.), some peripherals, tutorials (maintenance, re-installation, security, etc.), and training for those who will be in charge of maintaining the lab.