First two days at BOC
I finally got to Bishop Okullu College to start the install on Wednesday. The shopping spree went well earlier in the day and then we got to BOC in the early afternoon. I have to say, it’s been a blessing so far getting everything together for the network setup. The local vendors were very helpful, including one that pre-ordered some network equipment that was not available locally that I wanted to get. With the time we had left during the day, we were able to communicate some needs we had to a local carpenter and also an electrician. Turns out that the power plugs were a bit old and worn out, so we had those changed out to be sure we would not have any problems with the power we would be drawing for the computers. We also got the Mac Mini setup (which is our server), a printer and a couple of the Thin Client work stations setup. We are ultimately setting up 15 thin clients for the students to use.
Some have asked me what the deal is with Thin Client work stations. The way they work is that they are simple computers with a basic operating system that does nothing but help you connect to a Windows Server that is setup to act as a terminal server. Each thin client then connects to the server and opens up a full Windows session which allows the users to run whatever software we have loaded on the server. In this case, we have Microsoft Office 2016 along with Google Chrome browser and Adobe Acrobat reader. I’m sure we’ll find some other software that they need for training and such along the way. The beauty of the Thin Client environment is that you only need to install the software once on the server and then everyone has it. Of course, you still need to license the software for the number of users you have, but at least the installation is quick and easy.
Using thin client’s with a server is very economical in situations like we have at the college. First of all, the total use of electric power is much less with 15 thin clients instead of 15 regular PC’s. Secondly, the total cost of the computers if far less. 15 PC’s over here in Kenya at about $1200 each would be $18,000 USD for the computers alone. The entire budget for this project is $8000, which includes all of the equipment. The thin clients cost $160 each.
So on to Thursday. The carpenter came bright and early and began to do the work on the cubicals as we specified and also setup the Cellular booster antenna on the roof that I brought with me. Our Internet service will be coming through the Cell Phone system(s) so I wanted to make sure that the signal would be good inside the computer room so we can maximize data throughput. All of the Thin Client stations are setup now so all we need to do is finish the network wiring. That’s where we ran into some trouble. We are finding that the RJ-45 network connector that I brought with me are a bit difficult to crimp onto the wires. Let’s just say it’s taking about 4 times longer to make each cable than I anticipated. Because of that, we quite working on the wires a little early today so we don’t waste time. On Saturday, I’m going to do some additional shopping and hopefully pick up some easier to attached connectors along with some mouse pads that I totally forgot to get earlier. We also need to get a Cellular Router for the Internet connection. Then on Monday, we’ll get back to work on the wiring and try to finish up the entire setup completed so I can start training the trainer. His name is Bonface (we just call him Bon). He’s been very helpful in the setup of the equipment along with Nick, who is our other local computer expert.
So what’s up for tomorrow? We are going to a wedding. And I’ve been asked to sing for the wedding. I’ve got a song all lined up for that, so it should be a fun and exciting event to be a part of.
OK. So it time for bed here, so I’ll try to get back to the blog tomorrow night and share about the wedding. Blessings to you all and thanks for the continued prayers.
Bill
