We are often asked how to source computers for a workshop. If you have participated in the 2015 TTT series, then most likely your own Library has computers to spare that may even be the same model.
Local governments and schools also have large volumes of computers turned over on a depreciation cycle, which means that about every three years all computers are replaced.
By offering to take the old computers off an organisation's hands you are making their job a little easier. Another way to ease the donation process is to offer to wipe donated computers' hard drives, or supply the tools and information needed.
We need between ten (10) and fifteen (15) computers to run a whole workshop. It is vital that the computers are the same make and model.
When looking at computers to run an workshop series here is our recommended minimum you should look at:
- Made 2009 or later
- Minimum processor - Intel i3 or AMD Phenom II
- 2 gig RAM
- 80 gig Hard drive.
- Mouse, keyboard and power cables.
Once you have an example computer, open up a couple to check out the general state. Dust and dirt is fine, but make sure you check for the capacitors on the motherboard. If they are bulging like the ones shown, then they are unsuitable and possibly unsafe to use.
Once you've determined the computers are safe to use its time to do your research into the manufacturers support documentation.
As with the HP8100s - there will be resources you can use to work out how to run your workshops.
Remember that the documentation will be under copyright. This is why we make our own guides in the CCC wiki.