Past Week

It's been a busy 10 days since my last post! First of all, we've finalised our team proposal for the networking project, based on my original, and actually presented it at Purley Baptist church.

The proposal itself consisted of a powerpoint, with a brief team introduction, a reasonable, but not overwhelming amount of information about potential desktop PCs for the room and possibilities for the server, and finally a 3D conceptual video (which I made :D), to help our audience visualise the final outcome of the installation.
The Desktops we ended up presenting as choices in the presentation were:

• A cheap, bare-bones computer, which we planned to build ourselves from OEM hardware and software (i.e. 'parts'). This would be the most time-consuming method, as each computer would have to be hand-built and thoroughly tested - although, since we're students, that'd all be free. Sourcing the appropriate parts could be a problem though, given our lack of expertise. The computer would feature 1-2GB RAM, a cheap dual-core processor (most likely Intel Pentium dual-core), a small HDD (around 80GB), and would have a small 4:3 ratio monitor. The Unit would be quite small and quiet, since we planned to purchase a Micro-ATX form-factor motherboard and corresponding external case, but the same would be true of the other two options.
• An average mid-range business computer from Dell, the Vostro 230s, which would be quick and easy to source in practically any number. The downside is value-for-money, which is actually quite reasonable (for a Dell...), but can't touch the price of a self-build. That said, the specs are good, with 2GB RAM, a 2.9GhZ Core-2 Duo (dual-core) processor, and a big 320GB HDD. The Unit is slim and lightweight (easy to move and install), and comes with a 20" high-resolution widescreen monitor, which packs a great contrast ratio (easy to read off). This was our recommended choice during the presentation.
• Our 'Wildcard' PC: Another Dell PC, but with a bit of a twist. The Vostro 320 is an iMac style all-in-one machine; that means all the internal components are nestled inside the 17.5" HD screen. So all that's on the desk is the monitor, keyboard and mouse. Someone used to laptops may prefer a machine like this. The downside, as you'd expect, is price, coming in at a higher price than the 230s, but offering only marginally increased performance, and little to no prospect of upgrades in the future. So if the machine starts getting slow, you can't replace individual parts, like the hard drive or processor - the whole thing would have to go.

All the Desktops would come with Windows7 installed. Why? Because these machines will be used for training. It's not much good teaching someone completely new to computers how to use XP when their brand-new computer at home runs Windows 7. We've opted for Microsoft Office 2010 for the same reason.

The server is a slightly different matter. Since it'll be operating behind the scenes, it just has to do its thing well, and it has to do it without changing the end-user's experience too drastically. Some crucial things to note about servers are that:

• They can use, but don't have any need for a screen once up and running. That means a server doesn't have any need for a powerful Graphics accelerator, like ones found in most modern day PCs.
• Servers run using hardware similar to that of a PC, but not identical - servers generally have much more powerful processors, at least quad-core, large amounts of RAM (normally 8GB or more), and, depending on the usage, a huge hard drive (1TB+)
• Servers are only servers because of the Operating System they run.

With that in mind, these are the two practical hardware solutions we found:

• A purpose-built server unit. It would externally resemble a PC workstation without a monitor, but the internal components would be suited specifically to server tasks. Chances are it wouldn't have any kind of Operating System pre-installed.
• OR, a refurbished PC. This would probably (but not necessarily) be the cheaper option, but also the option less suited to the requirements of a server. That said, with only 8-10 machines on the network at a time, the server might not need to be too powerful.

The fact is, either option would work. If the clients pick our proposal, we'd then enter discussions as to the specific hardware we'd use for the server, based on price vs performance. Both options are very generalised, and it'd take further research to find the perfect machine within either category.

The most important part of the server, however, is the Operating System, and we've certainly done our research here. This is once more a battle of price vs performance, but with the odds slightly weighted to one candidate.

• Windows Server 2008 R2: Everybody loves Microsoft, right? With windows, we know that everything will definitely work together nicely, that setting it all up will be a snap, and that there's a host of support available if anything goes wrong. What's not to love is the price: almost £1300 to purchase the OS and 10 device Client-Access-Licenses we'd need. And that's not including the cost of server hardware. It'd push the final cost of the network up to almost £7000... Ouch.
• Linux: Linux is something of an underdog here - it's not very well known, it's very much a DIY install, and the only support you'll find is online. But what makes it the more appealing choice is the price: Nothing. Zip. Zero. Of course, we still have to pay for hardware, but the price tag of this open-source software more than makes up for the extra effort.

As you can see, we've got our hearts set on Linux, but the choice is ultimately the Client's. If the presentation is anything to go by, though, it seems they agreed with us on this point.

Right. That's the boring stuff over and done with. If you've made it this far, you're in for a treat! It's 3D time.

I've been largely kept away from SketchUp for far too long now - with studies and friends taking up my free time. I've finally had a chance to work with this awesome little program again though, incorporating these  renders into our proposal video:

It's all made by me, if you're wondering. Everything from the accurately modelled room to the chairs and computer keyboards - (because the 3D warehouse just wouldn't do). The images look almost real thanks to a rendering program called Indigo, which essentially simulates light bouncing off the surfaces in the model to create the images.

That's all for now. I haven't quite covered everything I want to, but I think that's enough blogging for tonight. I'll make another post soon to continue, with some info on the short adverts we're now making, and more on how the presentation went.

Great Day!

We've once again been to Croydon, but this time, with a much better plan. The group split into three, with me and Tevin making excellent progress towards a potential donation and some ticket sales. We visited Nationwide first, and I've got to say, the manager was very enthusiastic and helpful. While he couldn't offer the £2000 sponsorship, he did say he'd talk to the other staff about buying a table at the event, and told us we could get a donation. We've also got some contact details for a few other businesses, emails being especially valuable.

Tickets, tickets, sponsorship, tickets...

We haven't had any big breakthroughs trying to sell tickets (yet), and I think the same is true of the other team. I reckon we need to work a bit on our pitch, and get more organised about visits to businesses: find a contact number, use that to find better contact details (email is good), arrange a proper appointment, and then go. Up till now we've just be sort of 'turning up'. It seems unprofessional, and the people working don't really know what to do with us.

Anyway, I'm trying to get in touch with members of my family who might know a bit more about this kinda thing - and who might have some good contacts. From now on, I want to know exactly what I'm doing before I ever step into the building.

Back in Croydon

We went back out to Croydon today, to chase up Centrale about ticket sales and/or sponsorship of the event. We unfortunately didn't get to see the manager, but this time we left with the promise of a reply... and some contact details, in-case they didn't bother. After that, we visited Halifax, and the response was pretty good: we got to see the manager of the branch, and she said she'd talk to the executives and pass on the leaflet, and gave us her contact details.

And as Tevin keeps reminding me, I've got some other potential leads to chase up, including getting my extended family to attend.

Finally, some SketchUp

Haven't used this wonderful little 3D modelling program for a while (it's from Google, it's free: try it), but I guess it's sorta like riding a bike. Here's a first pic of an accurate plan of the room at the Purley cross centre, all measured out, with some simple desktop PCs. Everything's made by me:

The quiz is turning out to be very difficult to sell at a shop/store level. I guess we need to go higher, and use family contacts etc - my uncle has some business contacts, so that could be helpful. But I think the big purchases, if there are any, are gonna come from banks.
I'm also surprised to learn that not many people know who the Eggheads are. Well, anyway, we can regroup on monday and figure out where we're going from there.