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A nice problem to have [2014-09-20]

Stacks of desktops to test and prepare for shipping…  A big line of monitors sitting nearby for packing…  Numerous empty boxes addressed and waiting for contents…  Yes, lots of work ahead but what a thrill to know that the Reneal IEO 2015 project plan for the Philippines is now fully resourced!  The trip to Ft. Collins this week resulted in 40 used desktop computers and 20 used flat panel monitors receiving new life helping students in high schools in the Philippines.  We expect to push out around 10 boxes of equipment this week, with the remainder following when Neal and I return from Tanzania in November.

To get the equipment back to California from Colorado, I flew to Denver and rented a minivan.  With able assistance from one of the volunteers there, we stacked the van as full as we could within the bounds of safety.  I felt like a kid in a candy store – these Pentium 4 units from the early-mid 2000’s are perfect for the Reneal IEO low-cost computer system!  They may not be fast enough able to run today’s commercial software, but their performance is fantastic when used as thin clients with a powerful server computer.  What a thrill to transform obsolete hardware into opportunity for students in developing countries!

Like any hardware donation, these units were immediately processed with an eye to the donors’ information security.  The very first step is a robust disk wipe procedure to remove everything on the hard disk.  Identifying stickers and labels are removed.  The memory is then tested and units checked to make sure they can boot from the network as thin clients.  The power switch is toggled from 115 volts to 230 volts for use overseas, and then they are ready to ship.  When these units arrive in the Philippines, they will be placed in computer labs in public high schools. 

While this may seem like a lot of effort, it all becomes worthwhile seeing the equipment used by students and teachers giving them new knowledge and skills to better their lives.