Thanks Scott. I would love some real-world examples too from the list ... what works for _YOU_ and why?
>> This summer I will finally get to refurbish a dozen or so >> old Macs (mostly '030s) that I've been collecting for a >> charitable cause. These will be loaned to junior-high school >> students who would not otherwise have access to a computer >> at home. >> >> I would love to get your insights on a few aspects of this >> project: >> >> - What is the best way to handle such a large refurb >> operation as I've normally only done one or two computers >> at a time. (Very few of the machines are identical.) > About all you can do is just set them up in a row and set to work. > Alternatively, you could get the junior high kids together and step them > through it. Would make it take more time, but might be kind of neat. Of > course, they'll then know how to break them... Looking for a number of strategies here: test for boot-up before cleaning ... prep hardware before software ... copy non-standard extensions before wiping the HD ... perhaps network them all with LocalTalk and install 7.5.5 off a server over night? What about keeping track of inventory? Good idea about the kids helping, I'll look into that. >> - What policies or safeguards would be a good idea to use >> to make sure the computers are not damaged, stolen, etc. >> and also avoid spending all of my time doing software >> tech support? > Short of finding a copy of Foolproof or something, you could try hiding the > System Folder with Resedit... There's always good old At Ease. The problem > with having them in the kids' homes is there's no real way to prevent > damage or theft. Even if you put padlocks on the things, it wouldn't be > hard to get into them. I was thinking more on the personal-responsibility level. How can I appeal to 12-14 year olds to take care of the machines? Anyone develop a FAQ for potential '030 users? Something like "This computer is great for word processing, crunching numbers, and drawing pictures. But it's too darn old to play DOOM or MP3's ..." >> - What license-free software can I include on the HD? > Hmm... MacOS 7.5.5 should be fine. Other than that... there are various web > browsers... not sure what else. You could go to download.com and find some > good freeware/demos of things. I don't think I'll have any modems for them to use the Web (unless someone on the list has a bunch of 28.8's they can send me) although it would be great. I remember that web browsing with an '030 felt very slow. I want the machines to sing at what they do best, not force them into the Internet age. What applications are most useful to this crowd? Thinking of a word processor, math, and drawing programs. Your thoughts? -- Vintage Macs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> Vintage Macs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/vintagemacs.shtml> The FAQ: <http://macfaq.org/> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/vintage.macs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
