The workshops are run using donated desktop computers. The hard drives have been wiped, with all data removed but otherwise the computers are fully functional.

Because each brand and model desktop requires different methods and tools to take apart, there is a dedicated guide in the wiki.

The best way to troubleshoot and solve problems is fixing unexpected failures, so expect to break your computer, over and over again. Also you can expect some sabotage by your facilitators. You will spend two to three hours on each workshop, with five workshops in total.

On completion of the workshops (once your computer is working) you can take it home! We have a 100% success rate with all of our participants taking home a working, useful computer 1) Our secret is to have a couple of spares.. .

The Creative Community Computing series can be run as individual workshops, or in a two day intensive. Workshops one and two will take up day one. You can use Workshop three as homework, or complete Workshops three four and five on day two.

* An introduction to the hardware practice of Creative Community Computing.

* How to take apart a desktop computer and re-assemble, test for functionality, troubleshoot, repair and upgrade.

* The bootstrapping process and how to troubleshoot and fix boot failure.

* Customizing the BIOS

* Installing an Operating System from a USB stick.

* Operating Systems Compared

* What is Free and Open Source Software?

* Introducing Xubuntu

* Identifying, evaluating and installing FOSS alternatives to common software

* An introduction to the terminal

* Cross-platform compatibility. How to create a seamless workflow between Windows, OSX and Xubuntu.

* Customise your web browser.

* Make a custom USB distribution.

* Photo editing with Gimp

* Creating and editing audio in Audacity

* Editing a video in Kdenlive

* Installing an open source minecraft clone

* Design for 3D printing with tinkercad

Now its time to choose your workshop. For the pilot workshop series we will be using the HP8100 Desktop computers.

SLQ - HP8100 Workshops