Need Advice: Building basic systems to aid local church/community

[jazzisjazz]

Hi Folks,

I need some advice. I am trying to get some computers into the church that I attend. I need to do this as 'cheap" as possible since there really is no budget outside of donations ( which are beginning to come in from local businesses ) and what little I can spend myself.

These machines will be available to the members as a means of getting their feet wet in computing for seniors and families without net acess. Also for tutoring/homework sessions for ages K5 - 12. Light word processing, email, web surfing, light graphics etc.

4 pc's are working at the moment 2 full size at, 2 small at, 1 -25mhz, 2 -33 mhz, 1 -100mhz, small hd's @ 200-500mb. 2 have cd roms, sound cards etc. I have monitors, keybds, mouses and 2 printers
I am considering putting a s7/ss7 mb and k6-2/400-550 in the full size at cases for @ 110.00 ea and reusing any avail. isa sound and video cards. An atx case/duron/mb would be a better long term solution but for @ 180.00 without onboard sound and video and working out of pocket it would be a real stretch.

Any good ideas on how to get the most for no money ?

I also need a good place to learn the basics of networking these systems ( assuming that is a good idea ).

I have been told that the local bell south might donate equipment, nstallation, anda discount aceess rate for net acess as a community service. Anybody have any experience with this?

Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks,

jazzisjazz

 

[Stark]

Get the church to spend some real money on new computers. Using buggy old machines will only show people that the church is cheap, not that they really care about their members or the community. Even emachines would be better than crappy k6 upgrades.

What kind of internet connection will the computers be using (modem, t1, or dsl), and will there be any need for netwoking them (there is substantial additional cost involved in doing so)?

 

[kranky]

If you have used computer stores in your area, they may have some older systems to sell cheap. Or you could ask them to refer people to your church if someone wants to sell them a system that's too old for them to want to resell. At least that way the person could get a small tax writeoff for a donation instead of nothing.

I don't see anything wrong with using old systems for word processing, email and surfing. They'll be fine.

[edit] Where in SC are you located? [/edit]