Joe Barnes Blog

I just got in an email from the “IT” guy at the seminary in DR Congo. Here is his answers to some of my questions about the list of needed items.

I’ m verry happy to receive your e-mail. Gladly I will provide you with information.
A Computer Room
1. As possible as replace (10 or more) Pentium II and pentium III by pentium IV or equivalent in order to update our Computer Room. - Our demande is, if possible, to replace 10 Pentium II and III computers by pentium IV which will allow us to run more software application.  This one will be  tough.  We will be taking these with us during our travel.  Weight with the airlines is very strict.  If anyone is interested, I would suggest a small form factor, barebones computer system.  Here is a link so you know what I am talking about, this system is $219.99 brand new.  eBay might have them cheaper???:  Shuttle PC System from NewEgg
2. Cable conduit
3. Cooler (1 or 2)
4. DR Inverter/Charger (2 or more)
5. 4 scsi Hard disk for PowerEdge4400 server – Ultra SCSI LVD/SE. 200 GB or more
6. cable UTP cat 5 – We can use Cat 5e, 100MB. If we choose cat 6e it will be good to use gigabit Network interface Card. I would like to get them a box of Cat5e cable.
7. Rj 45 connector – A couple of packages of these would be great.  These are cheap!
8. Cable fiber optique – My idea is to use Multimode fiber cable to the seminary: My office is the backbone. The alternative solution is to use wireless, like you plan to do for everyone at Mulungwishi. Ithink the wireless will be affordable and manageable costwise. So all questions about fiber are out
9. connector for fiber optique –
10. Network tools Kit – 3 - This has been taken care of by The Training Camp!!!!  They donated 5!!!
11. Signal Detector – the signal detector is for testing wheter we are receiving the network signal on the station ( Seminary), say at he clinic.

B. Internet Equipments
1. External wireless access point norm N with signal booster (coverage 2Km) - That is correct . See model on http://www.allwan.fr/wifi/default.htm. That’s a model, you can choose an other
2. Wireless PCI Card – 4 Found these on NewEgg for $16.  Here is a link
3. Switch Ethernet with RJ45 or fiber connector(1 or 2) - If we choose the wireless solution, you can bring the RJ 45 ports Switch.  I would like to get them a 24 port Gig switch, but would be happy with 100Mb.
4. Wireless USB Network Adapter – 4 These range in price, new, from $25 on up.
5. Network card for fiber connector –

Any help would be greatly appreciated!