how to / create centres / technology In fitting out the resource centre you will need to consider: Hardware - computers Software - the program running on the computers Communication connections - internal, and to the Internet Other equipment and furniture Computers How many computers make a Community Resource Centre, Learning Centre or Telecentre? This is one of the most common questions asked; and the answer is: "How many do you need and how many can you afford?" Which takes us back to the idea of researching a business or project plan. The second most frequently asked question is "What sort?" ... and by this time you can probably guess the answer! Just as there is no such thing as a "typical" community resource centre, there is no such thing as a "good" number of terminals - it all depends on demand, space and finance. The best sort depends on what you want to do and what you can afford. You may have to rely on donated equipment (see the Links page for ideas). Guidelines for a NOF/DfEE funded ICT Learning Centre Guidance on levels of ICT equipment needed is given in section 2 of the application guide, pages 15 - 20. For NOF funding you will need to ensure that your equipment meets the minimum technical standards and compatibility required under the National Grid for Learning (NGfL). For further information see DfEE guidance and NGfL Managed Services. Further details of technical standards are available from BECTa. You will also need to consider the sort of software required, including taster software to introduce people to the technology. You will need to bear in mind the interests and concerns of the people you want to serve. See page 20-21 of the application guide or visit IT for ALL or the BBC site for details of their Computers Don't Bite and Webwise programmes. There are more useful links on this site. Network or stand alone computers? The day of the standalone computer is over. Modern computers now come with the necessary networking software as standard and many even have the necessary hardware (network connector or card). If this is not the case then these can be bought very cheaply. Networking your computers means that: you can share expensive peripherals (eg printers) you can share and transfer data easily and quickly more easily backup your data you can share a connection to the Internet Understanding networks isn't as hard as you may think. To enquire about the courses called Build a Network in a Day, call WREN Telecottage on 024 7669 6986. Networked computers There are two ways in which these can function: a simple peer to peer network, where each computer on the network can see all the others and share printers, modems and other peripherals. A peer to peer network will be sufficient for a small network (eg up to 15 PCs) and as fairy easy to maintain. It is fairly straight forward to upgrade from a peer to peer network to server-based network as they operate using the same physical network cables and other equipment; a server network, where one, or more computers, are dedicated as servers and can perform a range of services such as enhanced network security, email and group working functions (eg shared diaries and databases). Servers will also support mixed PC and Apple Mac networks. Server networks are a lot more expensive and complicated to maintain than peer to peer systems and require a fairly high level of expertise to keep them running. Most of the functions performed on server networks, can also be implemented, in one way or another, on peer to peer networks. There are two principle ways of physically linking computers together on an Ethernet network: Computers can be linked by wires which go from one computer to the next like a daisy chain - this is called a BNC or thin Ethernet network. Computers can be individually connected to a central a hub. The cable used is called unshielded twisted pair (UTP) often referred to as CAT 5 cabling or a 10/100BaseT network. Pros and cons - BNC - thin Ethernet Pros: the network is "passive", that is, it requires no power supply cheap and easy to install Cons: the connections are delicate and can malfunction easily a single break in the network will normally bring the whole network down it is difficult to move computers around the maximum speed that data moves on these networks is at 10mbs (mega bits per second) although this is sufficient for small networks Conclusions: BNC networks are not recommended unless you are on a very tight budget If you do decide on a BNC network then make sure that the network cards you use are dual purpose (BNC and UTP) so that when you want to upgrade later (and you will want to!) you don't have to buy new cards for all your computers Pros and cons - UTP - 10/100BaseT Pros: each computer is connected individually to a hub, so any malfunction affects that computer only the connectors are like large BT phone connectors (RJ45s) and are very robust computers and peripherals can be easily unplugged and moved higher speed than daisy chain (up to 100 mbs) intelligent hubs (or switches) optimise the traffic on the network and speed it up further Cons: hubs need a power supply (the whole network goes down in a power cut) more expensive than daisy chain (allow £50 per computer for network card, cabling, wall sockets (optional) and hub) Conclusions: UTP - 10/100BaseT is the preferred network and the price of cabling, cards and hubs has fallen dramatically over recent years and there can be few circumstances where this type of network cannot be justified over a BNC configuration. To keep costs to minimum you can install cheap 10mps hubs initially and then upgrade to 100mps hubs at a later date with a minimum of disruption. Making your computers talk across the network There are various protocols (communications standards) that you can use over an Ethernet network to enable your computers to communicate with each other. If you are setting up from scratch you will probably choose TCP/IP protocol. This is the language of the Internet: it will enable you to run an internal web server (or an intranet) on your network, and will allow you to establish a seamless connection with the outside world. Linking your networked computers to the Internet In the jargon, you need a router to do this. Routers manage Internet connections for all users on the network with users able to share a single connection simultaneously. Routers can be bought as stand-alone boxes that attach to your network just like a computer. Alternatively, a computer on the network can be configured to act as a router. Windows 98, Special Edition can be configured to work as a router (as well as perform its normal functions). Routers can be bought to work with a normal phone line (PSTN), an ISDN line or leased line. PSTN routers will normally require a modem whereas ISDN routers plug straight into an ISDN phone socket. Where to buy? Consider carefully - cheapest is not always best. What good deal can you get locally? Think about support and maintenance. Is there a local supplier who would give you a good price, support the equipment reliably and cheaply - and perhaps even loan you a machine in return for promotion? Remember that technology is changing fast, so go for the latest you can afford and plan to upgrade within two years if possible. What questions to ask your computer supplier What happens if something goes wrong? What about upgrades and spare parts? What other equipment should we have? This will depend on what kind of services you are offering as well as what is available elsewhere. Think about the type of phone you'll need. Can it be combined with a fax machine or answering machine? Or are you planning to answer for several organisations? (This can be a good source of income if you charge for the service: a way to pay for your own reception staff). Do you need a switchboard? Think small as well as big; not everything has to be online and high tech - do people need a guillotine for cutting paper? a long-armed stapler? a laminator? a binder? an audio typing machine? What about furniture? There are now guidelines on workstations and chairs that you should adhere to; your local authority should be able to help you with this. See our page on Legalities. Or check with the Health and Safety Executive - 0742 892346. how to / create centres / technology