Free Computing

So far we've built two systems, one running Win98 and one running Mandrake. The first is in the process of being deployed in the office at OCSET, the second needs a bit more configuration work - should be ready for deployment sometime next weekend. There's plenty more kit here to cannibalise; I'm pretty sure we will be able to assemble at least
another couple of decent systems. So far, everything has been achieved using scrap - we haven't spent any money at all. I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible, although an injection of (say) £150 would enable us to build a credible media-editing platform.

Both the systems we've built so far have network cards, and will be able to work together in a local network. So we might end up with a network comprising 3 (gnu-)linux desktop systems, one of which would double as a network server (file-storage, print-services, whatever); and a Win98 system. A wireless (Wi-Fi) router is also available - but it won't be much use until this local network can be connected to the internet.

If the decision to deploy a Win98 system seems puzzling, the rationalisation is that the hardware it's running on is probably under-configured for a decent Linux destop system; and that by providing a Windoze system, those new to Linux desktops have a gentle migration path (if you're into psychobabble, you can think of this machine as a "transitional object" :-)

There's apparently been no progress on getting a line installed at OCSET. It seems that the landlord may have started eviction proceedings already, so installation of a line may be difficult/costly. Even if OCSET turns out to be too short-lived or precarious to become a permanent home for the network, I think this project is still worthwhile - here's what I see as the benefits:

1. Demonstrator for completely free networked computing - free hardware, free software (both senses), free to use.

2. Could form the kernel of a free Media Centre. If the infrastructure is done "right", and the right services are available on the core machines, one could in principle just load the whole lot into a van, deploy it somewhere else (with an internet connection), and start plugging desktop systems into it -> instant meatspace Media Centre.

3. Helps stabilise OCSET. With the network deployed and being used, the argument that OCSET really is a valuable community resource is strengthened.

We could do with some input from on ways of using the network to best effect. We've already made several ad-hoc decisions of a technical nature that might have benefited from a clearer vision of what we're trying to achieve; this would be a good point in the process to "stick your oar in". Suggestions and observations don't need to be technically well-informed - on the contrary, I think the most valuable input would be of a non-technical nature, i.e. what people think would be useful.