computer/internet questions
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computer/internet questions
Do you need all 4 systems working independently of each other? If that's the case, you'll probably need 4 seperate systems. Hook them together with a 5 port switch, and you're ready to go.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/4...se_Refurbished
They're slow, but they're robust.
Microcenter has some of the refurbished business machines. Usually compact dell towers. Cheap
Ridge beat me to it. They're not the BEST out there, but they do the job just fine. It's what we have at work for the most part.
Here's a Bing search for cheap laptops under $100. I don't know anything about these, but it's a start. (A very quick glance says that their screens are smaller than 20", but again, it's just a starting point for research).
http://www.bing.com/search?q=Cheap+L...+100&FORM=R5FD
You wouldn't really need an additional keyboard for them. Wireless mice are OK I suppose, but A) you have to worry about changing the batteries (not "frequently," but still "eventually")(and I'm a cheap bastard about them! lol), and B) they cost more than a wired mouse (which can be dirt cheap for the most basic ones).
Oh, and for having them all on the internet at the same time, you'll also need a router (for 4-5 computers at once, you might need both the computers and the router to support wireless, since in my experience there are usually only 4 wired ports).
I would think a wireless router that could support all of your computers would be fine. Ours supported my wife's laptop, my laptop, my daughters computer (connections academy), and each of our bluray players using Netflix.... I would think that it could easily support four computers for just school stuff (which doesn't really use up that much bandwidth).
Indeed, just making sure (I always wire my computers since wireless is poor for gaming, but I don't even know if you CAN find a router anymore that doesn't have wireless support heh).
I have a 5 port 10/100 switch, if that is what you need.
Any idea what your internet speed is? Might want to take that into consideration. Multiple people streaming video might make you run into some quality issues.
Another idea could be tablets. For instance, here's one from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Blackberry-Pla...=cheap+tablets
New it's $160 from Amazon (or at least their primary vendor, they list other new offers at $139 and used at $88). I know Blackberry used to have almost a corner on the market on smartphones, so even though they're not as popular now I'm sure you'd get a good tablet (it has good ratings too). It has a front-facing camera for that web chat you were talking about. As for keyboard and mouse, it wouldn't have that (tablets have a built-in "screen keyboard" and touch screen, so they don't particularly use them), but I know that'd make typing papers and the like more difficult. I'm trying to see if there are any keyboards with a "micro usb" connector (since that's what that tablet has). I also haven't checked if it has bluetooth-capabilities, since a bluetooth keyboard'd also work.
http://www.bing.com/shopping/moonar-...M=ENCA&lppc=16 is an example of one that'd work I suppose. You could also do other searches to find a keyboard with a micro USB connector (NOT "mini usb," or even regular usb, the three are separate).
Skip the wireless parts, not worth the hassle if you're trying to save money. Standard USB mouse and USB keyboard will do just fine.Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
Probably cheaper to drive to the Microcenter and pick it up. They're in DTC, at I-225 and I-25Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
Does it need to be windows? If not you can get a $35 raspberry pi chip, just to get on the new. get some free CRT monitors, USB keyboards are you are set.
Lots of advice here, not much useful. Be sure to budget for Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/etc) if the kids will need it for school. $200-$400 per machine... I would contact their teachers/school to see if it is needed, and if they have student discounts available for software and/or hardware.
It might not be cheap to get them all up and running. But hey, kids ain't cheap. Feel free to PM if you need some specific advice.
NitroxBoss here on the forum owns Action Computers http://actionpc.com
OpenOffice.org has free software that emulates MS Office, and supports their file formats.
+1. No charge, and is 99% compatible. MORE than capable enough for any school projects.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ridge
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ridge
This. Haven't had office on a personal machine for years. Even in college.
I may be able to help you out if you want to look at laptops. I can check what I have today and let you know. I have several - was going to post on eBay but I hate dealing with eBay.
Gotcha, I assume you've checked craigslist?Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
If you want to put it in will call ill be going down there the 22ndQuote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
You should check craigslist, and the local facebook swap and shop pages. There seems to be tons of computer stuff here in the taint.
Another thing, if you don't mind changing online schools, check out Connections Academy, they give you computers for evey kid that is enrolled. The computers come with every bit of software they will need also of course (including Microsoft office).
There's a lot more to the Raspberry Pi than just connecting stuff to it. I doubt HBAR wants to bother.
A Linux distro like Ubuntu will provide web and email. As far as finding drivers and other apps that they may need, that's not so clear.
I would avoid purchasing anything from Blackberry as you'll be limiting your flexibility.
The company where I work has periodic 'garage sales' to sell off older hardware. Maybe you could find someone that does the same and get some good deals?
Jesus... This thread is full of BULLSHIT!!!!
You need a different computer for each kid. You need them all running off either a switch or a WIRED!!!!!!!! router. If you want, I could come up there from MicroCenter and set everything up for you. But, it wouldn't be free. I would need money for gas at least.
Here's why it's bullshit...
Tablets? Really? PAY ATTENTION TO THE QUESTION!
Linux? Based off the guys question he's obviously not a computer guy. Linux isn't going to be his friend.
Raspberry Pi? Again, he's not a computer guy.
Make this shit simple for the man.
WIRED switch or router, 3-4 basic computers with Web Cams and WIRED peripherals. DONE! Simple.
Why wired? You really think a wireless set up is going to handle 3-4 systems pulling a live video DOWNLOAD and UPLOAD at the same time? Come on now....
Quote:
Originally Posted by JM Ver. 2.0
13yr Cisco certified individual here.
I confirm what JM says to be correct.
Once you decide on the Hardware for each kid (Your gonna be dropping $300/ea for a decent, minimal net book with a camera).... PM me if you want help with logistics. (I even have lots of wire and retro equipment if we need it)
And if these are for their school work.... Pay for a copy of MS Office for the house if you can manage it.
Btw, is there a nerd section of the forum? Then we can talk about the distro's that we are all running on our Pi and how the MK802 is better than the MK809ii for running XBMC because its running Jelly Bean and 2 core gigaflops for the VM cluster flux capacitor.... RAM
Kinda just gave up there at the end...
Mention you are a member of the board. Or, Pm him here on the site.Quote:
Originally Posted by Delfuego
HBAR - Stay away from Tiger Direct, never had much good luck from them.
Internet - If you can go wired then go wired. The only reason wireless is better is for locations were wired is impossible, impractical or you want freedom of movement. Knowing your setup at your house, go wired. A 5 Port Switch will serve you just fine.
Hardware - Again get the best you can with what you have. I have always had great luck with Dell machines. It's all I ever used till I went to Apple. For you and your Logistics, Amazon Prime is a good bet or take Wulf up on his offer. I may have two Dell Desktop CPU's I could give you. They need some work, just a reinstall of the Operating System and drivers. If someone is will to do the reinstall for you, you can have the machines.
Question, what online school are they using? The teacher in me is curious.
I have a desktop sans hard drive. Think the power supply was flakey so I junked it. Led monitor. 8ish year old gaming setup you can have if you want to deal with it
Likewise. I have a desk top and HD other than that it works.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wulf202
If you need any help setting up let me know.
Wired from the router should be easy.
Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.
I don't have the time to read the entire thread but if it hasn't been suggested yet check out Chromebooks. Based on your needs I think this would be perfect. They're inexpensive, durable, basic and mobile which your kids will love not having to be in a certain place to learn. The boot up in less than 10 seconds so if your kids have a question it's no problem to open it, boot it and get the answer. The Samsung one retails for $249 and I've seen them for less than that. It's worth every bit of $250 IMO. If you're in the Google ecosystem it's even better because you can log into your account and there's all of your info: Email, contacts, calendar, browser history, bookmarks, music, Drive, Talk, Google+, hangouts, etc. Full size keyboard, plenty of expansion slots and what not and no HDD means no moving parts to go bump in the night. The Chrome OS is lightweight and won't have the same bogging down issues that full featured OS's tends to over time. These are really solid devices and for basic web access and about 90% of what most people do they're perfect.
Do you really think wire vs wireless is going to matter when your bottleneck is a 4 mbps down and 1 mbps up interwebz connection.... Come on now...Quote:
Originally Posted by JM Ver. 2.0
Yes. Because the wireless is going to be a bottleneck of its own. Plus, for the kids school wired will be more reliable than wireless. I'd be pissed if my wireless dropped during a test. I'm sure they would be too.Quote:
Originally Posted by cfortune
Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.
I forgot you live in the middle of nothing...Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
Well, I'm sorry. :(
Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.
WLAN of today is much better than it used to be. I have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless N in my home and run a multitude of devices from it, including streaming HD video to many of them. I can even play online games without any issues. It's not the end of the world.
I like the fact that HBAR has dedicated space for the classes. I have a co-worker and he and his wife have home schooled their 5 kids. They're much further ahead than their public school counterparts and have a much wider volume of knowledge. They also have a dedicated classroom in their home.
...and they have zero social interaction issues by not being in a public school everyday. They go to one of the Cherry Creek schools one day a week to work on things like science labs that aren't so easy to do in the home.
Use in order from left to right...Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
http://www.vincehuston.org/sw/hammer_bigger.jpg
If you've tried other DVD's, it sounds like it could be a bad DVD drive.
http://library.techguy.org/wiki/CRC_...Transfer_Error