Slave Lake project update

[Ralph Pichie]

At long last hardware is on the way to a couple of agencies serving Slave Lake.

Alberta Distance Learning Centre now has some desktop computers
running Lubuntu, a huge HP inkjet printer and several small laptops
from Enbridge with basic Windows XP installed. The latter has, I
understand, some free software like LibreOffice and Firefox added.
Thanks to some fine folks at Enbridge, more computers will be heading
to Slave Lake by courier next week, to be followed by more a couple of
weeks later. I'll be sending a few more computers with free operating
systems from ENTS here in Edmonton at roughly the same time, assuming
I get some volunteer help.

Going forward with free software:

With many more computers to be provided during the next few months,
most having Windows XP installed, it would be a good time to generate
more awareness of and interest in Linux and free software as an
option. Here are some ideas:

1 Deliver free software on CD/DVD to agencies and individuals in the
town of Slave Lake (Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre, Victim
Services, etc.)
2 Connect with the municipal government and library administration
regarding the temporary and future town hall and library
3 Offer a standard package of computer equipment and software for the
library, probably a bundle of 10 or so small computers with Edubuntu
or a similar distribution.
4 Get up there to offer a bit of training and support, or identify
free software-friendly support that is already there or nearby and
engage them.

Helping

What I can't use: serial mice, really filthy keyboards (shudders...),
machines older/slower than a Pentium III (I know it works, but they
won't.)

What I will need: VGA cables, monitors (small LCD strongly preferred),
Ethernet cable, power cords for systems donated, reasonably clean
keyboards (PS2 or USB), mice (PS2 or USB, ball variety is fine), USB
cables and hubs (older machines have few/inconvenient ports), Ubuntu
live CDs (Edubuntu DVD, Lubuntu, Mepis, Xubuntu, etc.), Windows free
software on CD/DVD

Volunteers: If you are in Edmonton, I could use some help testing,
updating and moving computers at the ENTS workspace. With September
beginning to loom on the horizon I will have less time for this
project so assistance will be welcome.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Donations?

Ralph