zbryne
join:2005-04-11
Ardmore, PA | reply to zbryne
Re: Senior Project Ideas
Well, I've decided that I want to build a small network for an underprivileged family. I'm pretty sure i will not have any troubles doing this but it will cost me a bit of money. |
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jpg366
join:2004-04-09
Humble, TX | I suggest you use ebay to acquire equipment and see if sellers might give you a break on pricing. Some may even donate if you can provide some validation of your project. |
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Link Logger
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-29
Calgary, AB
 ·Shaw
| Also look into any local computer recyclers or perhaps some of the larger companies in your area as they might have a couple of obsoleted systems etc they could give you for this worthy cause.
Blake
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Vendor: Firewall Logging Software »www.SonicLogger.com - SonicWall and 3Com »www.LinkLogger.com - Linksys, Netgear and Zyxel |
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jpg366
join:2004-04-09
Humble, TX
·RoadRunner Cable
·Mediacom
 ·AT&T Southeast
| said by Link Logger  :Also look into any local computer recyclers ... Excellent point. Even older hardware can perform well using smaller (and free) Linux systems, and there is a huge list of free open systems software for it. Getting a live-CD set can get you up and running very quickly.
Think about how low you might go in total system price, say for a box that can find and connect to a free wifi access point for Internet browsing. |
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Link Logger
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-29
Calgary, AB
·Shaw
| said by jpg366 :Even older hardware can perform well using smaller (and free) Linux systems Wasn't quite what I was thinking of as most recycled computers come complete with Windows license (ie one of our local recycle computer dealers »www.vfxweb.com includes the license), as they get the license from the company they 'salvage' the computers from (or at least that is their story), so you should be able to get the same deal (ie the license sticker is stuck to the case) directly from the company if you ask nicely as they might have some old systems running for example Windows 2000 where they had upgraded their minimum hardware and OS to XP.
You might even consider calling your local Microsoft rep and describe your project to them and see what happens as you have two good points to your story, first your a student doing a school project (involving computers) and second your doing some charity work. You never know how far that can get you with some companies in terms of soliciting help from them. I know if you try the 'cheap lazy bastard' story, any sane company will rightly tell you to oiss pff, but you have some valid reasons, so try them, the worst they can do is say no.
Blake
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Vendor: Firewall Logging Software »www.SonicLogger.com - SonicWall and 3Com »www.LinkLogger.com - Linksys, Netgear and Zyxel |
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jpg366
join:2004-04-09
Humble, TX
·RoadRunner Cable
·Mediacom
·AT&T Southeast
| said by Link Logger :...Wasn't quite what I was thinking .... No doubt we're coming from different directions on this. I personally know only a bit about Linux, but was thinking that if the objective is to deliver some kind of PC performance at the lowest possible price, then open systems might be a reasonable way. That is, not what one student can obtain through grants and gifts, but what an average "Joe" could do with cheap, older hardware. So, zbryne, what is your objective (besides a good grade)? What would your "customer" want to learn? What if the "customer" were a Katrina survivor with almost nothing for assets? |
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