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.