[DS-discuss]Experience setting up computers in college

[Saurabh Jain]

Hi Everyone

I've been on this list for quite some time now, silently observing what's
going on. I thought I'll mail after Fred mailed, and also I saw this
discussion about an orphanage.

I've worked with only two things for the past five years - social
organisations and Linux.

I'm about to graduate from IIT Madras. I've maintained a lab here with 64
diskless Linux clients. We've been able to convince many other departments
to switch over to Linux and thin clients, and also demonstrated Beowulfs.

Since I was already active with AID (http://www.aidindia.org), ASHA
(http://www.ashanet.org), CRY and other NGOs, I tried sneaking Linux into
their projects. I haven't met with much success yet - most of these guys
are Linux-wary :((. I will be installing Linux at "The School, KFI" in
Adyar once I'm done with my project. Though it's a far cry from an
orphanage, it's still a beginning.

My mother has run her own computer center ever since I've been around. So
I'm sort of a very early starter in computer administration, having
dirtied my hands with 8" floppy drives. My experience tells me that kids,
computers and learning are a great mix - even if the kid is illiterate.
I've been trying hard to make computers as low cost and reliable as
possible, so the good guys sponsoring comps for rural/slum schools can get
better value for their money.

Currently I've been able to integrate Tamilinux into the RedHat 9 PCs in 
my lab, and passed around Tamilinux Demolinux CDs to some interested NGOs.

I used the limited knowledge of Electrical Engineering that my department
has been able to force into me, to design a smaller power supply that
includes some power conditioning (spike buster, etc). Throw in a small
battery for the 5V suspend voltage pin built into an ATX supply socket,
and you can have a PC that is power-proof without having a full-blown UPS.

This is just one of the projects that we've been working on to scale down
PCs and make them more relevant to India. Sort of doing a Schumacher with
comps. I've also worked on 802.11b based connectivity for rural areas -
build a inter-village network that can carry educational videos, local
radio, etc.

I would have loved to work more with address@hidden but I'll be joining a
job in Bangalore this summer. In any case, I'm a no-gooder at Tamil, so
my field visits are always big bummers.

If any of you would like to see/copy working thin clients (LTSP style or 
better), please contact me any time (contact in signature). I can also 
give contacts of lots of NGOs that have installed and operate computers in 
Corporation schools in Chennai. Many of them are good friends - shall we 
start arm-twisting them into adopting Linux ;)

Regards,
Saurabh

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address@hidden                        +91-44-2255-3246
SF3/B, Vasanth Apts, 58 Velachery Main Rd, Velachery, Chennai 42
Office: Dept of Electrical Engg, IIT Madras, Chennai 600 036, IN