Accomplishments at Village of Hope

We finished our report to the director of Village of Hope yesterday. We thot others might appreciate knowing what we managed to do as well, so listed below is a summary of what we accomplished while we were there.

• inventoried existing hardward and software
  
• added memory to all computers, on average doubled the RAM
  
• replaced many headphones
  
• replaced many broken CD-ROM drives
  
• created a file/print server from one of the computers
  
• added a harddrive to the server
  
• added a scanner to the server
  
• instituted a cleaning policy to increase the life of the computers
  
• instituted a cloning process to allow restoring computers to a known and working configuration
  
• installed anti-virus software
  
• performed updates to all software
  
• added firewall for additional security
  
• added NAT to allow many computers on the network
  
• added DHCP to allow laptops to be easily used
  
• added wireless access point to allow laptops to be used easily
  
• added DNS cache to slightly reduce network traffic
  
• installed Ethernet cabling to second floor for teachers and administrators
  
• installed switch upstairs to allow multiple computers to be used upstairs
  
• added a wireless access point allowing Fred and Tommy to use laptops from their homes and potentially access to the medical clinic
  
• installed approximately 19 educational programs
  
• installed various useful applications such as GoogleTalk and eSword
  
• optimized Windows' settings to improve performance for older computers
  
• sorted old equipment and disposed of equipment that will never be useful
  
• configured and optimized several laptops for various staff members
  
• trained local administrator to install networking and re-image computers
  
• trained Faculty, staff and college students in the use of computers, the Internet, chatting, GMail, Google, Wikipedia, etc.
  
• instituted a policy to "pair up" volunteers with Faculty and staff for individual tutoring and relationship building
  

So, we feel the visit was very successful and the local directors agree our time there was well spent. We, of course, have a long list of other things that could be done. We plan to remain in contact with Village of Hope and are considering a return visit.