Ubuntu being used in Computer Lending Library project in Winnipeg

[Corey Burger]

On 2/4/07, Shaleem Hosein <Triniman at shaw.ca> wrote:
>
>
> Hello, list members.
>
> I'm new on the list and wanted to tell you about a project that I'm involved
> in.
>
> It's the Computer Lending Library Project in Winnipeg.  Essentially, we work
> on and then hand out surplus computers to poor people.  The computers are
> donated by Computers For Schools & Libraries, who receive computers from the
> Feds, Manitoba Hydro and other organizations.
>
> The project originated in Selkirk by the Smart Partners group.  About a year
> ago, the projected began to operate in Winnipeg, out of the Aboriginal
> Centre building and with the cooperation of their tennant, CAHRD, the Centre
> for Aboriginal Human Resources Development.
>
> The computers were handed out with the default installation of Windows 2000,
> but no service packs, anti-virus or spyware detection software.  Not
> surprisingly, many of the computers ended up being returned due to malware
> and spyware problems.
>
> In the fall of 2006, Smart Partners asked the CIPS Winnipeg President if
> CIPS could help out.  CIPS decided to ask their student members if they
> wanted to get involved.  At the same time, I, as both a member of CIPS and
> The Manitoba Open Source Group (an advocacy group), thought that the project
> could benefit from installing open source software and also Ubuntu Linux.
>
> The participants from the TMOSG came up with a software load for the Windows
> computers comprised of open source programs.  We are currently working on an
> image for Ubuntu Linux, which will speed up the production of the computers.
> We are hoping to see how many recipients actually return Ubuntu computers
> due to problems with malware and viruses.  The students are excited to work
> with Linux and many of them have installed it already.  They realize that
> they stand to learn new skills that others who hope to enter the IT sector
> do not necessarily have.
>
> The recipients of the free computers have to attend a 40-hour course on
> software, which has been sponsored by Microsoft.  We're hoping to have a few
> hours of Ubuntu training thrown in.  Also, when the users show up to pick up
> their computers, we hope to demonstrate Ubuntu to them.  We're going to put
> the PDF Desktop User Guide for Ubuntu 6.06 on the desktop.  Having some
> Ubuntu training added will not be a problem, as it turns out.  They will
> also be taught about saving documents with MS extentions, in the event that
> they have to or wish to do so.
>
> Should the Computer Lending Library program become successful, it may be
> looked at as a pilot project for the rest of Canada.  That potentially means
> that there could be a lot more Ubuntu computers out there and this has me
> encouraged.  I've sent some self-addressed, pre-paid envelopes for free
> Ubuntu stickers to afix to each Ubuntu computer.
>
> The CLL Project website is
> http://www.computerlendinglibrary.ca/, if anyone is
> interested.  We are currently operating without a budget.  Expenses for
> supplies have been paid for by CIPS but some of the folks on the board will
> be looking around for funding and donations of supplies.  The Aboriginal
> Centre is providing us with a DSL line and work space.  Since December,
> every Saturday about 8 students (the group fluctuates) show up along with
> members of the steering committee to lend technical leadership.  Our goal is
> to pump out 20-30 computers a week.  We have a mix of P2 and P3s, most with
> 128 MB of RAM, which is barely enough.  Eventually, we will have far more
> P3s and will hopefully be able to find more RAM.  So far, the project has
> been in a ramp-up phase.  Every week, we break some new ground.  Soon, when
> we have our images in place, we will be able to focus more on production.
>
> The Manitoba Open Source Group is a collection of guys (just guys at the
> moment) who hang out about once a month to chat about technology, sports and
> anything else that comes to mind.  Some of the guys are open source
> consultants, some are IT professionals (like myself) and some have a
> background in IT but are mostly Linux and computer hobbyists who believe in
> the concept of open source.  On occaision, we write letters to educate
> political candidates about open source.  One of  guys has taught Linux to
> high school teachers who then incorporate Linux  in their computer labs.
> The students are loving it.  We are hoping to convince more organizations in
> the public and private sector in Winnipeg to investigate open source as an
> option and to encourage them to switch over or integrate open source into
> their systems.  I personally am a true Linux and Ubuntu newbie.  I run Win
> 2000 on my P2 and Ubuntu 6.06 on my P4, with a KVM switch to share the
> monitor and keyboard.
>
> I am supposed to create a how-to document for the recipients of the free
> computers and that is my next little project.  This document has to written
> to take into account that many of these recipients have never used a
> computer before, which is why including the Desktop Guide by itself may not
> be enough.
>
> If anyone has any feedback with ideas about anything I've written, I'd love
> to hear them.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Shaleem Hosein

Shaleem,

Very cool story. Welcome to Ubuntu Canada. I cannot help you with
funding, but I might know somebody who could. You should talk with
Scott Balneaves. He works on LTSP at Legal Aid Manitoba. I have cc'ed
him (if he isnt on the mailing list).

As for the suggestion of ubuntu.com/mystory - go for it. Your kind of
story is exactly the kind that they need.

Cheers,

Corey
Leader, Ubuntu Canada