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"There were several issues that prevented us from using the Knoppix based kiosk CD. One major problem is that one of the registries requires IE. (We didn't have time or energy to prove this one way or another, we just accepted it and used the Win2k image that was already on the lab machines.) Another problem was printing. I set up one of the machines to share a laserjet that smart city provided. This wouldn't be a problem if we had time to rewrite the iso to talk to a central print server, but the default doesn't seem to carry any printing options. The third problem, and most problematic across Windows and Linux, is content filtering. There was concern on high that the convention center could be held liable should any of the guests start surfing porn sites in our lab. In the end, we decided that active monitoring of the lab by volunteers was the best solution."----------------------------------------
"Here's another update for you all. I was there until after 9:00 last night. The other 15 computers showed up right at the end. We got them up and running, but not all secured/locked down. They were ready to kick us out (the hours for the room are 10am-8pm) and I was ready to go. I left instructions for those who will be there today. The room needs to be staffed by at least two people at all times. Hopefully we'll have enough volunteers. Judging by turn out yesterday, we'll need more than two volunteers in there.
"I helped people who have never used a computer get an email address, register on the "I'm safe" lists and search for friends and loved ones. We pulled down satellite images from maps.google.com, and helped people fill out FEMA forms. A lot of people are fairly shell shocked and don't really know what to do or where to go. People are looking for housing and jobs. I put together a quick homepage with links for them and put it on the systems there.
"One of the people who expressed his thanks to us told us that he'd been trying to reach his family, but his cell phone and their cell phones had all been lost, so he had no way to contact them. They finally made contact through email, and he was so happy to know they were okay.
"I heard a lot of similar stories that you've heard on the news. It's a bit different hearing them first hand. My heart really goes out to them.
"These people literally have nothing left. Many of them lived paycheck to paycheck and now have no jobs and nothing to their name. Even the clothes on their back were disposed of and they're wearing donated clothes. If you haven't already, please donate. Your money or your time - both are needed."
Shane
----------------------------------------I'll try to get some pictures for you soon.
We need more volunteers! If there's anyone in the Houston area who's willing to volunteer some time, please post here or email me at sbrauner-at-houston.rr.com and we'll get you hooked up. We're aiming to have the room staffed from 10am-8pm daily. Chandler and I both have day jobs and the other two people (one is the exec. director of Tech Corps Texas) can't spend all their time there.
Come out and lend a hand!