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    Computer Lab Checklist

    Uploaded by

    Raiyan Rahman

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Computer Lab Checklist

    Uploaded by

    Raiyan Rahman
    74 views3 pages

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    74 views3 pages

    Computer Lab Checklist

    Uploaded by

    Raiyan Rahman

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
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    COMPUTER LAB INSTALLATION CHECKLIST

    This checklist presumes that you’ve done a Needs Assessment and know that a
    computer lab or technology program is needed. You should also understand what the
    purpose of lab, who your audience is and what type of programming you’ll offer. You
    should only invest in the hardware and software that is applicable to your audience and
    be confident that it will be utilized.

    WHEN BUILDING A NEW COMPUTER ROOM THINK ABOUT:


    • Counter top space: If you’re building out counters make sure there’s enough room
    for your monitors and key boards. If you are using folding tables don’t use ones made
    of plastic. They will bow after time.
    • Layout: Map the layout of the lab. Don’t place two computers in the corner, it will be
    difficult for people and chairs to fit. Consider setting it up so the monitors face the
    inside of the room, as opposed to classroom style to make it easier for the instructor
    or volunteers to move around and answer questions. Plus, classroom style may be
    intimidating for those who have bad memories of school.
    • Lighting: If you intend to use a projector you may want the ability to dim the lights. If
    you have big windows, be sure to install blinds.
    • Network: Do you want to wire the lab or create a wireless network?
    • Bandwidth: The more computers (and people) on your network the slower your
    internet will be, especially if people are watching videos or downloading files.
    • Power: Make sure that you have enough outlets and watts to power the computers,
    monitors and other electrical devices.
    • Temperature/ventilation: Computers may malfunction if they overheat. Make sure
    you have good ventilation and preferably air conditioning if you’re in a warm climate.
    • Locks: Consider investing in locks and cables to lock the equipment down. You may
    want to install brackets that can connect the cable lock from the computer/monitor to
    the wall.
    • Installation: Setting up and configuring the computers is a perfect opportunity to use
    a group of technical volunteers.

    Community Technology Network | 390 Valencia Street | San Francisco, CA 94103


    www.ctnbayarea.org
    THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN BUYING NEW EQUIPMENT
    What will the computers be used for: Senior basic computing? Youth multi-media? This
    will greatly influence the type of computers you will buy. Below are specs for basic, mid-
    range and high-end Windows configuration. The prices were collected in May 2009.

    If you are considering taking a donation, make sure that you have the necessary admin
    password to login and reconfigure. It will be easier for you to maintain the lab if the
    computers are all the same make/model. You shouldn’t take equipment that is in
    disrepair, unless you can resell or repair. Consider only taking computers that are
    Pentium 3 or higher.

    Specs: Basic Standard audio/video


    Intel® Celeron® 440 (2.00GHz, Standard mouse/keyboard
    800FSB) 256MB ATI RADEON HD 3450 (Dual
    1 GB RAM DVI/ VGA /1 TV-out), low profile
    1 yr basic warranty 19" inch Flat Panel, VGA/DVI
    If you qualify for TechSoup Stock, $817 + tax/shipping ($1165 w/ retail
    Don't purchase OS with computer (or Vista Business & Office)
    get lowest cost OS)
    Windows Vista Business ($10) Specs: High-end
    Office 2007 Pro Plus ($20) Intel® Core™2 Quad Q6600
    If you do not qualify for TechSoup Stock (2.40GHz/1066MHz/2X4MB L2/375W)
    Vista Business +$99 4GB RAM
    Office 2007 Small Business +$279 3 yr warranty
    DVD/CD-RW If you qualify for TechSoup Stock,
    160 GB hard drive Don't purchase OS with computer (or
    Standard audio/video get lowest cost OS)
    Standard mouse/keyboard Windows Vista Business $10
    19" inch Flat Panel, VGA Office 2007 Pro Plus $20
    $484 + tax/shipping ($837 w/ retail Vista If you do not qualify for TechSoup Stock
    Business & Office) Vista Business +$99
    Office 2007 Small Business +$279
    Specs: Mid-range Dual 256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro
    Intel® Pentium® Dual Core Processor FX570, Dual Monitor DVI Capable
    E5200 (2.50GHz, 2M, 800MHz FSB) DVD+/-RW
    2 GB RAM 500GB hard drive
    3 yr warranty Standard audio/video
    If you qualify for TechSoup Stock, Standard mouse/keyboard
    Don't purchase OS with computer (or 22 inch Widescreen, VGA/DVI
    get lowest cost OS) $2,000 + tax/shipping ($2,358 w/ retail
    Windows Vista Business $10 Vista Business & Office)
    Office 2007 Pro Plus $20
    If you do not qualify for TechSoup Stock Additional Software
    Vista Business +$99 Adobe Design Premium cs4.0
    Office 2007 Small Business +$279 Retail: $1,799
    DVD/CD-RW Non-profit: $599
    250 GB hard drive TechSoup: $160

    Community Technology Network | 390 Valencia Street | San Francisco, CA 94103


    www.ctnbayarea.org
    THINGS TO THINK ABOUT SECURITY FREE SOFTWARE YOU SHOULD THINK
    ABOUT INSTALLING
    • Locks: may lower insurance if you
    (Presuming it is a Windows machine)
    secure the CPU
    • Zip-ties can be used to secure MS SteadyState (disk protection)
    mouse/keyboard/headphone cords Firefox/Internet Explorer
    together. This will also help keep Skype
    them tidy. Google Earth
    • Drill a hole in the hardware casing to Google Sketch-up
    secure with a cable lock. Acrobat Reader
    • Tie a knot in a cable and place lock Gimp (photo editing)
    through it. Scribus (desktop publishing)
    • Separate the internet connection and Open Office
    network between your staff Tux Paint
    computers and the lab computers. Tux Type
    AVG Antivirus
    OTHER EQUIPMENT YOU SHOULD
    THINK ABOUT Players & Plug-ins
    Windows Media Player
    • Projector with cart and lock Real Player
    • Card readers for different memory QuickTime
    cards Flash
    • Scanner Java
    • Printers Shockwave
    • Headphones MS Silverlight
    • Speakers
    • CD burner THINKS TO THINK ABOUT TO MAKE
    • Digital cameras ONGOING TECH SUPPORT EASIER
    • Extra USB drives • Get all same hardware
    • Accessibility: alternative mouse such • Budget for maintenance
    as track ball, larger monitors, • Try to replace the computers every 3-5
    keyboard with larger printed letters years
    • Video • Collect spare parts like keyboards and
    o External hard drive mice
    o Cameras
    o Firewire

    RESOURCES
    TechSoup: www.techsoup.org & www.techsoupforlibraries.org
    Communities Connect Network: communitiesconnect.org
    NTEN: www.nten.org
    Idealware: idealware.org
    NPower: www.npower.org

    Community Technology Network | 390 Valencia Street | San Francisco, CA 94103


    www.ctnbayarea.org

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