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Free Computing

Mr. Demeanour | 19.04.2004 09:07 | Indymedia | Technology | Oxford

Oxford Indymedia are building a network of computers assembled from scrap, as a community resource, to be deployed at the OCSET community centre (220 Cowley Road, Oxford).

So far we've built two systems, one running Win98 and one running Mandrake. The first is in the process of being deployed in the office at OCSET, the second needs a bit more configuration work - should be ready for deployment sometime next weekend. There's plenty more kit here to cannibalise; I'm pretty sure we will be able to assemble at least
another couple of decent systems. So far, everything has been achieved using scrap - we haven't spent any money at all. I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible, although an injection of (say) £150 would enable us to build a credible media-editing platform.

Both the systems we've built so far have network cards, and will be able to work together in a local network. So we might end up with a network comprising 3 (gnu-)linux desktop systems, one of which would double as a network server (file-storage, print-services, whatever); and a Win98 system. A wireless (Wi-Fi) router is also available - but it won't be much use until this local network can be connected to the internet.

If the decision to deploy a Win98 system seems puzzling, the rationalisation is that the hardware it's running on is probably under-configured for a decent Linux destop system; and that by providing a Windoze system, those new to Linux desktops have a gentle migration path (if you're into psychobabble, you can think of this machine as a "transitional object" :-)

There's apparently been no progress on getting a line installed at OCSET. It seems that the landlord may have started eviction proceedings already, so installation of a line may be difficult/costly. Even if OCSET turns out to be too short-lived or precarious to become a permanent home for the network, I think this project is still worthwhile - here's what I see as the benefits:

1. Demonstrator for completely free networked computing - free hardware, free software (both senses), free to use.

2. Could form the kernel of a free Media Centre. If the infrastructure is done "right", and the right services are available on the core machines, one could in principle just load the whole lot into a van, deploy it somewhere else (with an internet connection), and start plugging desktop systems into it -> instant meatspace Media Centre.

3. Helps stabilise OCSET. With the network deployed and being used, the argument that OCSET really is a valuable community resource is strengthened.

We could do with some input from on ways of using the network to best effect. We've already made several ad-hoc decisions of a technical nature that might have benefited from a clearer vision of what we're trying to achieve; this would be a good point in the process to "stick your oar in". Suggestions and observations don't need to be technically well-informed - on the contrary, I think the most valuable input would be of a non-technical nature, i.e. what people think would be useful.

Mr. Demeanour

Comments

Hide the following 4 comments

permanency

20.04.2004 08:03

Yes we do need a media centre, I have community multi-media resources waiting to go into one but there is an issue of security at OCSET if an eviction is imminent. I hope that the creation of OCSET has created a forum for, and the kernal of the idea about what Oxford needs and what is possible in terms of genuine community/social space, with an emphasis on permanency. It is entirely possible to get a mortgage through the Triodos bank & Ecology building society with a deposit provided by Radical Routes, and further assistance from the Ethical Property Company. The process would probably take about a year to obtain the building, possibly more depending on the amount of refurbishment needed as this would invariably have to be done by volunteers.
As for the techie side of the media centre, I envisage an accesible network ideally running on a full range of platforms, with a fat connection & server, full video and audio production facilities for output on all formats and kamikazee hi8 cams for people to go on actions with.
Again this needs a major fundraising mission...but its entirely possible, and plenty can be tatted along the way.
You know who I am give me a shout re: video editing suite, video mixers etc.

yip


Media Centre

20.04.2004 10:35

Thanks Yip for your comments and offers of help. Yes - permanency is the key, and we're willing to explore all ways of finding a secure space for the Oxford Social Centre, including paying for it. I should clarify that we've never seen OCSET as the space, but rather the people doing it. Eviction and shit happens, but the Social Centre carries on (and moves location if necessary).
Actually, by the way, I personally don't know who you are. Would you up for coming to a planning meeting and talking through some stuff? (Next one is Thurs at 6pm).

richarddirecttv


win98 vs thin clients

20.04.2004 11:20


"If the decision to deploy a Win98 system seems puzzling, the rationalisation is that the
hardware it's running on is probably under-configured for a decent Linux destop system;"

yep - this is a good reason - but have a look at a thin client system - you can have them all working nice and fast (faster than they could under win98) so long as you can blag a halfway decent server (1ghz would be nice - make sure there's lots of RAM).

have a look at  http://seedsforchange.org.uk/res/term.html
(although  http://thintux.sourceforge.net/ or  http://ltsp.org is easier to set up - and you could still dual boot to win98 if you really wanted to...)

:-)

penguin guerilla


wireless it up

20.04.2004 13:57

is there anyone in line of sight who has broadband they would be prepared to share?
www.bristolwireless.net are doing some good work on community wireless networking

is there anyone in line of sight?