Lnx4All Project
Sept 20, 2001
Nature of the project:
This project is an attempt to assertain whether it is feasible to set up and
operate a computer center for anyone, especially young people, using readily
available computers running the Linux operating system in a rural area of
Costa Rica. The project would attempt to demonstrate and educate learning
and using computers using the Linux operating system as an alternative to
Windows.
Scope of the Project:
The project is a simple presentation of a few personally purchased and
readily available computers to the community of San Jose de la Montana. A
site would be determined that would be safe and available to Internet
access. Three or four computers would be purchased personally and donated to
the project. Internet access would be obtained and paid for personally, if
no other means could be found.
Help of the Linux community would be sought for technical support and
management. Volunteers would be enlisted to install and operate the
computers as well as to instruct and train interested individuals.
It is hoped that the center could become a training center for interested
individuals and a meeting place for people and their ideas on promoting and
furthering the Linux model in Costa Rica.
History of the Project:
The community of San Jose de la Montana has no public Internet access. The
newly dedicated High School has a "Computer Room" but no computers. The
school administration has no experience with computer hardware, software or
operating systems except for some teachers who have their own computers.
A meeting with the Directora of the high school finds that she is very in
favor of any such project that would contribute to the community learning
computer skills. She is amenable to working with others outside the school
system to create such a center. She likes the idea of a "free operating
system" and software. She will work with project people to assist in any way
that she can. Basically she has no money to offer but does have space and
good will.
An option for space is the new school computer room. There is a guard during
off school hours. Another option is the old high school rooms in the center
of town as they are not allocated for any use. This option may not be secure
and security may have to be negotiated. However this option may have the
best chance of Internet connection as it is under the existing power and
phone lines. A quick call to Cabletica found that they have a cable but may
not have Internet service in the town. They quoted a price of $250 for
installation and 40,000 colones per month for service.
I have investigated the purchase of used computers and have found used
Compaq, Pentium I, 1.2 gig hard drive, 32 megs RAM, fax modem, mouse,
keyboard and 15" monitors for approximately 85,000 colones. I could afford
4 of these. They come with no operating system installed.
The interest and support for the project among the Linux community is
unknown. The support of the local Comite' de Desarollo President is fully
enlisted.
The Directora of the high school is checking the true interest of the
students and what, if any, support she might enlist from the Ministerio de
Educacion. She contacted Racsa and, after 6 transfers between offices, found
someone who said Racsa offers no discount to schools.
mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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