Bworks wiki

2007-07_youth_class

2007-08-29T18:52:01-07:00

Check list for youth class Gather resources * (done) Create wiki page for current class checklist * recruit volunteers * 2+ people: familiar with e-mail, google docs, yahoo groups, database Post-Graduation * (done) create Google Spreadsheet with sheets for class * 2007-07.Youth

2007-09_youth_class

2007-09-06T20:49:37-07:00

Check list for youth class Gather resources * (done) Create wiki page for current class checklist * recruit volunteers * 2+ people: familiar with e-mail, google docs, yahoo groups, database On-going (weekly) * write students and parents name in book from phone call or in-person visit

2007-10_adult_class

2007-10-08T18:35:28-07:00

Check list for adult class Gather resources * Create wiki page for current class checklist * recruit volunteers * 2+ people: familiar with e-mail, google docs, yahoo groups, database On-going (weekly) * write adult students name in sign-up book from phone call or in-person visit

2007-11_youth_class

2007-11-06T19:16:02-07:00

Check list for youth class Gather resources * (done) Create wiki page for current class checklist * (done) recruit volunteers * 2+ people: familiar with e-mail, google docs, yahoo groups, database * Dave, Cathy, Nate On-going (weekly) * write students and parents name in book from phone call or in-person visit

2008-04-12-agenda

2008-04-14T19:14:49-07:00

The goals of this meeting are to get volunteers better acquainted with each other and with the Board; to come up with ideas for improving the services ByteWORKS offers; and to improve communications. The first half of the meeting is simply to explain who we are and what we do. Some of what's covered can be added to our volunteer handbook.

2008-04-12-menu

2008-04-11T21:12:05-07:00

(confirmed attendees) Theresa K. Matthew J. Jess G. Ben W. Ines S. Dave H. Brad F. Nathan N. Maggie K. Patrick V. Steve D. Jenny W. Dan A. Nestor W. Dan D. Bill H. Clarence J. (hopefully -- he dropped by the shop, was notified of the meeting, and put it in his calendar) Bryan T. Fred M. Matthew P. Diane B. Craig S. Ken W. Main Dishes * shredded (pulled) pork for sandwiches (tmk)

2008-05-31-agenda

2008-05-28T20:05:08-07:00

2008-11-20_gmail

2008-08-17T07:13:47-07:00

BWorks * Brief history * ByteWorks and the SNIA lab eMail * Overview Your Account * Create account * Logging in * Security Setting - https * Logging out * Login in * Getting help Messages * Reading * Composing * Replying

2008_goals

2008-01-03T20:26:02-07:00

A discussion about Bworks' 2008 goals can be found here: The top goals for 2008 and their details follow. Volunteers need training on the following items FIXME: Registering Students We need more volunteers who can register parties who are interested in the Earn A Computer Program for both adults and youth.

2009-03_youth_class

2009-04-08T21:49:49-07:00

Order USB Keys * Bill H. is on it! * Ensure that we have enough USB keys for upcoming class. * We try for $6-$7 USB keys. * E-mail Addresses * Before games are played, request usernames from the students for the e-mail addresses. * We should have the spreadsheet or printout available on the instructor's machine from when we enrolled students.

2009-06_youth_class

2009-05-03T10:34:24-07:00

* Previous class: * Mark students as Graduated. * Students who did not graduate and wish to re-take the class should be given priority for the next class. * Put students on Survey List * Note students who are interested in Mentorship Program

2009-08_youth_class

2009-08-26T16:11:38-07:00

Activities which remain to be done for the August 29th Earn A Computer Session The timeline starts at the beginning of an Earn A Computer session. * Plan starting date for next class session. Starting date is usually three weeks after graduation class. We have 1 makeup class, with two non-class weeks after that, to reorganize the shop, and make any upgrades/changes to the classroom and future computers. * Coordinate with the shop, and ensure that enough computers will be available. * …

2009_accomplishments

2009-04-22T21:23:38-07:00

This page lists some of the accomplishments that Bworks achieved during 2009. We have grouped the achievements under their appropriate 2009 Goals that were outlined at the January BOD meeting. * Presentation about both Bworks programs was given at the Sherman Elementary School's “Common Unity Night” on April 15th. * 10 new students were registered for the Bworks programs * Enrollment forms / Flyers will be sent to the principal (4/22/09)

2009_adult_class

2009-08-27T11:18:53-07:00

Activities which remain to be done for the 2009 Adult Earn A Computer Class The timeline starts at the beginning of the Adult Earn A Computer session. * Plan starting date for next class session. Starting date is usually three weeks after graduation class. We have 1 makeup class, with two non-class weeks after that, to reorganize the shop, and make any upgrades/changes to the classroom and future computers. * Coordinate with the shop, and ensure that enough computers will be available. …

acceptable_hardware_donations

2008-04-12T11:49:41-07:00

ByteWORKS accepts donations in the form of computer equipment or cash. If you are interested in donating to ByteWORKS, or its sister program BicycleWORKS, please consider the following options: Drop by with your equipment or monetary donation. To see a list of items in need, view our Donation Wish List below.

adult_class_machines

2007-09-10T10:39:28-07:00

Adult Class Graduate Machines The Adult class graduate machine is also usually a Pentium III with 128-256M of RAM and an 8GB or larger HD, sound card, Ethernet, CD-ROM, floppy drive. The operating system used is Windows XP Home Edition. FIXME

adult_classes

2009-09-05T15:33:10-07:00

This page has been moved to adult_earn_a_computer

adult_classes_schedule

2009-09-05T16:23:20-07:00

Date Class Instructor's Name Instructor Signature / Date Signed 10/21/2009 Intro to Computers :?: 10/28/2009 Second Class :?: 11/4/2009 Third Class :?: 11/11/2009 Fourth Class :?: 11/18/2009 Fifth Class :?: 11/25/2009 No Class (Thanksgiving) 12/2/2009 Sixth Class :?: 12/9/2009 Seventh Class :?: 12/16/2009 Graduation / Makeup :?: Date Class Instructor Instructor Signature / Date Signed 10/10/2007 Intro to Computers :?: :-P 10/17/2007 Internet / Security …

adult_earn_a_computer

2009-09-05T16:10:38-07:00

This page is a Scratchpad for the adult classes and their details. The information here may not be accurate and may be out of date. Please see for Bworks' official Adult Earn-A-Computer class details.

adult_program_re-launch_ideas_-_fall_2009

2009-09-15T13:44:39-07:00

List of Activities to Make the Re-launch Successful: Computer Builds * Define computer specs * Obtain MAR's licenses (order from Wits at 314-382-1650 - ) Teaching * Establish curriculum * Set class schedule * Assign instructors

advanced_programming_class

2008-12-07T12:31:18-07:00

A new “class” has been proposed which will concentrate solely on programming. As of 08/08/2007, it was decided to see if there's interest in the programming class detailed below. A form will be given out at the end of the Scratch Programming Class to decide if there's interest. At minimum, there should be at least *interest* from 5 students before proceeding, although if there's 1 student that arrives promptly after Saturday classes, I'm willing to stay for the 90 minutes which is recommended…

all_i_really

2008-05-28T17:49:21-07:00

(a guide for Global Leadership) All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school. These are the things I learned:

basic_programming_excercises

2010-06-05T12:25:05-07:00

This page has rudimentary exercises for learning to program. A Cool Site that has hundreds of programming excercises. * Of course, create a program that prints “Hello World” * Illustrate the usage of quotes to tell the program what to print.

basic_programming_principles

2009-01-15T14:42:20-07:00

These principles are taught as part of the programming course of the Mentorship Program. They're not really “principles”, they're more of “words to live by”. Short Feedback Loop Students will be amazed at how much detail goes into programming.

beep_off

2008-04-29T21:40:58-07:00

Sometimes, your computer will beep repeatedly, trying to warn you of problems. The beeping is especially prevalent when running multimedia applications like Scratch. This can be very annoying. In Debian/Ubuntu, you can turn off the beeps by running:

beginner_programming_tools

2008-12-15T19:40:18-07:00

When learning programming, it helps to isolate the programming tasks from system/deployment tasks. For example, I don't want to explain to a new student that they have to run chmod 755 on a bare-bones ruby program just to print “Hello World”. I don't want to spend an hour to set up the development environment. Those tasks can come later.

blender

2009-06-08T22:01:14-07:00

3d rendering program for Linux. Source code can be downloaded read-only here: svn checkout https://svn.blender.org/svnroot/bf-blender/trunk/blender To contribute to blender, or for more information, go to:

blog_scratchpad

2009-09-14T21:12:08-07:00

This page serves as a scratchpad for Byteworks volunteers to write down their weekly goings-on. The notes placed here will be gathered by Theresa, Nate, or some other kind soul and put on the Byteworks Blog. We should probably try to have notes assembled each week no later than the following Tuesday.

blogging_tutorial

2007-09-13T21:28:23-07:00

Welcome to Blogging Blogging is a way to publish, distribute, and archive your writings, pictures, audio and video. It’s your own easy and free website. Why is it so cool? Worldwide distribution: Anyone on the planet with an internet connection can access your work. You can now email people links to your blog so they can read/listen/watch what you’ve made.

bworks_communication

2008-06-03T11:17:09-07:00

The purpose of this page is to help members find information about the organization, as well as to contact other members. If you have any questions about these tools, a good place to ask is the Byteworks Shop or Byteworks Staff Groups (See below).

bworks_shop_yahoo_group

2008-09-01T08:40:19-07:00

group, yahoo

byteworks_logos

2009-02-09T20:25:07-07:00

Perhaps we could get Byteworks visors/shirts with the following logos on them, and: * Give them to students * Find colors that students would like * I would buy a black visor * Pink color would probably be popular * Sell them @ the shop

byteworks_map

2007-10-23T06:42:44-07:00

click here for Google Map

byteworks_usb_keys

2009-02-20T15:00:17-07:00

byteworks_website

2008-05-23T22:15:29-07:00

Byteworks and Bicycleworks can always use help improving their online presence. If you have any experience or interest in web design or content management, please contact byteworks at info@bworks.org to see how you can help. Website Maintenance Backups The website and wiki are backed up weekly to the ShopServer.

byteworks_website_suggestions

2009-05-20T21:41:28-07:00

This page is intended to be a scratch pad for suggestions for improving the byteworks website. * use some kind of wp>content management system for the formal portion of the site to ease updates and help keep styles consistent across all pages * WordPress - it's what the bike side uses and is available as an auto-install / upgrade package from dreamhost

byteworks_workshop

2007-12-08T16:10:06-07:00

This is the main page for the Byteworks Workshop. Byteworks Workshop is a program to mentor individual students with various technology-related projects. Please see workshop status for what's currently going on with the workshop. See workshop qa

caleb_p

2007-12-08T15:28:03-07:00

* -- Learn about HTML and web page design caleb p

caleb_project_progress

2007-12-08T15:29:55-07:00

See web_page_instructor_notes

caleb_project_web_page

2007-12-08T15:00:20-07:00

See web_page_project

calling_script

2009-09-01T13:24:00-07:00

This page describes various situations, and how to handle them with regard to phone messages, or calling potential enrollments. This procedure is used when enrolling students for the Earn A Computer program. You (the volunteer) calls a person who's eligible for the Earn A Computer Program.

class_preparation

2007-07-14T09:53:35-07:00

Verify the following information that's on the roll-call page. * Name * Phone Number Note If any names/numbers are incorrect on roll-call page, then correct with red pen, and correct the names/phones in the FIXME Access database. Have index cards and tape ready, and print students' names on cards and tape to monitor.

class_presentations

2009-09-05T15:34:02-07:00

Most of the Earn A Computer Classes are written using Openoffice Impress, and are available to anyone. Kids Earn A Computer They are located in the Byteworks Staff Yahoo Group. * Files > Education Committe > Computer Classes > Latest Linux Presentations

classes

2007-09-24T22:35:03-07:00

This page just lists pages tagged with “classes”” classes

classroom_computer_overview

2008-01-12T22:47:32-07:00

The classroom has 14 machines: 1 Instructor and 13 Student machines. Each machine can boot into one of three different operating systems: Windows XP Home, Debian Etch (linux), and Edubuntu 6.06 (linux). Array Windows XP Home Array Debian Etch (linux)

clone.hda2sdx.ubuntu.sh

2009-04-08T12:37:13-07:00

The code below clones an image onto a new drive by wiping the drive, partitioning it, laying down the image, and installing the grub boot loader. #!/bin/bash # (c) 2006 - Robert Citek # licensed under the GNU General Public License - http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.txt die () { echo -e "$1" read -n 1 -p "Press any key to exit ..." exit 1 } set -x usage="$0 [target_device [source_image]]" # set variables ## target_device drive=/dev/sda [ $1 ] && drive=$1 sfdisk -l $drive >& /dev/null ||…

collaboration_requirements

2010-01-01T13:18:22-07:00

This page lists the more popular tools that are used at BWorks, and could serve as a starting point for deciding on how to improve our online collaboration. Any suggestions are welcome, and please add your contributions directly to this requirements page.

collaboration_tool_comparison

2009-04-14T22:53:08-07:00

This page lists the various methods of online collaboration, and contains opinions on the usability provided by various software packages (Yahoo, Google, phpBB, etc) Opinions are followed by the name of the person voicing the opinion in italics Google Example:

computer_basics_project

2007-10-24T21:54:36-07:00

Purpose of this workshop would be for students to learn more than one way to do basic things on the computer. We could have a project where a class on managing multiple applications. * Opening / closing windows (already learned) * Re-sizing windows * Taskbar * Using keyboard and other fancy stuff to make using the computer easier. * Keyboard shortcuts for minimize/maximize * Fancy desktop stuff available for Linux

cranksgiving_2008

2008-09-20T17:39:38-07:00

Sunday, November 23rd, 12:00 @ StL Bicycle Works Array On Sunday, November 23rd, join others for a different kind of food drive. Pump up your bike tires and pick the long (three hours) or short (one hour) route to bicycle with others to area grocery stores and purchase non-perishable goods that will be donated to the local great group Food Outreach. CranksGiving will start at 12:00 p.m. from BicycleWORKS, located at 4102 Shenandoah Ave., St. Louis, 63110. Each participant is asked to spend a…

creating_new_linux_clone

2007-09-14T17:04:33-07:00

Creating a new clone image of Linux This process will create a new clone image given a Linux filesystem. The scripts used will shrink the filesystem on the partition, image the partition to the drive, and resize the filesystem back to fit the partition.

current_class_picture

2009-02-02T02:34:37-07:00

Idea: * At the beginning of the Earn-A-Computer class, take a picture of the whole class, and put on the File Server. * Students can use the pictures in their documents, presentations ,etc.

custom_thumbdrives

2008-11-13T12:53:55-07:00

$7.40 per USB, although it must be qty of 100. Vendor said they'd honor any other price, though. * 1 GB * QTY : 100 * Price : $740

dan

2008-04-09T15:36:23-07:00

Here you'll find stuff that Dan is working on. * BicycleWORKS's webpage has moved to new hosting and has a new feature or two, including a live inventory listing driven by a simple web-based inventory program. (ask Dan or Patrick for a login/demo of the system) * This new hosting would be a good place to move bworks.org, as I'm no longer spending much time at KDHX, which is where that stuff (and this wiki) is currently hosted. Also, the new hosting has a very capable control panel that wou…

debian_etch_install

2009-02-09T14:28:19-07:00

Installation CD Download the Net Install version and burn it to a CD. Installation Process phase 1 * Press F1 for help, or ENTER to boot: [press ENTER] * Choose a language: English * Choose a country, territory or area: United States * Select a keyboard layout/Keymap to use: American English

debian_thumbdrive

2008-01-02T18:45:14-07:00

When you plug a USB key (Thumbdrive) into a Debian system, a window should pop-up, showing you the contents of the Thumbdrive. If you accidentally close that window, you can find your thumbdrive again by clicking on the Home icon in the lower left corner of the screen,

dial-up

2008-01-03T18:06:06-07:00

To start dial-up networking, click the “KPPP” icon on the taskbar, opening the KPPP dialog window. Click “Configure...” to set up your account. KPPP was set up with a default account, called “CIN”. You will need an account based on the information given to you by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Select “CIN” and click “Delete”, then create a new account, or simply select “CIN” and click “Edit” to change the settings in the “CIN” account. Note that it does not matter what you call the a…

dokuwik_pagelist

2007-09-24T22:34:44-07:00

The Pagelist plugin allows you to list specific pages in your Dokuwiki with “metadata” shown. “Metadata” is data about data. For example, I have a page about Computers. I want to know when the page was created. The “Creation Date” is metadata.

dokuwiki

2008-06-02T17:13:13-07:00

Notes for setup/installation of Dokuwiki on Byteworks web site. To show a list of all pages, press the “Index” button at the bottom of this page (or any Dokuwiki page) Plugins are kinda tricky sometimes. The most reliable way to install them is not to use the Plugin manager, usually because the server isn't configured to allow Plugin Manager to mess w/files. Instead, just download the .tgz files needed for the plugin using wget, then extract them. See the tagging_tutorial page for an examp…

dokuwiki_cloud

2007-09-25T07:04:45-07:00

Dokuwiki Cloud shows a “cloud” of frequently used words on your site This is a cloud of words used on the byteworks wiki. As you can see above, there are many common words in the cloud that don't have much meaning by themselves. You can exclude words from the word cloud by adding them each on its own line to inc/lang/[lang-code]/stopwords.txt or to conf/stopwords.txt.

dsl

2010-07-23T15:50:22-07:00

Using AT&T's DSL Getting AT&T DSL Visit this link to find out if you qualify for AT&T's $10/month DSL plan: New URL: If you do not qualify, then you will be given the option to order other, similar DSL plans.

eac_envelopes

2009-05-13T08:37:02-07:00

To print envelopes for the current active class: * Close the Childrens Signup database * Open front panel of printer. * USE ONE ENVELOPE AT A TIME (Otherwise stupid printer gets stuck) * Put envelope in with stamp and address-side facing up, and stamp side closest to printer.

eac_improvements

2009-04-05T12:23:45-07:00

* Need better printouts of the Socratic method * Better definitions of terms (World Wide Web) * Better details * include the packets / routers live demo * Make laminated cards with the pieces of the picture. * Get a board where you can hang the pieces before/after being “sent” to the requestor.

eac_ubuntu_install_instructions

2009-04-01T17:29:59-07:00

Official EAC Ubuntu install instructions. These specs were tested on a 600 MHz machine with 256 MB of RAM. There should be a usb key floating around the shop with the label “UBU”. That key has the installation scripts, and the Scratch tarball.

earn-a-computer_ideas

2008-08-19T23:55:15-07:00

Ideas for improving the Earn-A-Computer program for both adults and children. This page serves as just a scratchpad for improving existing programs. There would be a 15-30 minute lecture on a specific topic with a 15 minute instructor lead exercise.

earn_a_computer

2009-11-18T15:10:49-07:00

The Earn-A-Computer program awards a computer to students who complete a series of computer-related classes. Note This page is a work in progress. Please see the Bworks website for an official introduction: *

earn_a_computer_status_4_12_2008

2008-04-12T10:37:22-07:00

1/1/2007 = 1/1/2008 * 14 machines * Graduating class size is usually ~10 Our “programming” class was updated to use a new program written at MIT called Scratch. Scratch includes the ability to animate characters, play music and interact with the keyboard and mouse. Scratch is much more up to date than our previous programming course which was taught using “Logo”.

earn_a_computer_workflow

2009-08-26T16:02:48-07:00

Activities which go into every Earn-A-Computer class. It is recommended to copy the steps in this workflow to a new wiki page. As items are completed, they can be marked as “Done”. The timeline starts at the beginning of an Earn A Computer session.

ebay

2007-09-23T05:35:11-07:00

Things to do to get bworks on ebay * Set up bank account to handle ebay transactions. Preferably with auto-eft to transfer money out of the sub-account into the main account as it is transferred in from paypal. Completed - Auto EFT at Commerce is $17/mo, so we'll wait until volume is significant enough to warrant that. * set up paypal and ebay accounts associated with the new sub-account so that ebay sales can begin. Completed - Bwork's ebay username is bworksstl. More documentation will …

editing_files_on_usb_using_kompozer

2008-01-29T21:51:23-07:00

FIXME the video mentioned on this page does not yet exist as of 1/28/2008 Here's a video of using Debian Etch to save a web page to a USB key, then edit it using Kompozer. There were some problems with students not being able to edit web pages that they saved on USB keys. This video is meant to show how to edit files on USB keys.

effective_fundraising

2007-09-25T12:15:43-07:00

Read this article on Fundraising Letters Four Key Questions * Who are we talking to? * What is our story? * Why should they care? * What can they do? The best fundraising letter campaigns are targeted to smaller groups of people who have some sort of interest or affiliation with your organization or the types of charitable services you provide. A fundraising letter sent to a general category of people will fail to yield meaningful results.

email_class

2009-04-19T15:37:19-07:00

See the Graduation Class section in the Earn A Computer Workflow. Electronic Mail: An electronic message that is sent to one or more people using e-mail addresses. Example: To: joe@gmail.com Subject: Party Friday Message: Joe, I'm having a party Friday at 8:00 p.m. My address is 1234 Some Street. Call me at 555-1234 if you need directions. P.S. Nelly might be there LOL! :) * IM is cool, but what if the person isn't at their computer or doesn't have their …

email_issues

2008-09-01T08:30:08-07:00

As of August 2008, We've started using our own domain name for e-mail addresses that are given to Earn A Computer students. Several of the items on this page are in the process of being implemented, such as customizing a welcome message, and organizing students' e-mails into groups by class, to help with tracking e-mail usage and maintaining contact w/students.

faq

2009-04-13T22:18:33-07:00

There are many reasons why Byteworks uses Ubuntu Linux on our Earn-A-Computer computers. Why Linux explains why. An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your computer run. Linux is an operating system; so is Microsoft XP; so is Mac OS X.

file_server_project

2009-02-02T02:44:45-07:00

A file server would be used for the following things: * Store common files, such as class presentations, forms, etc. This would provide quick access to files. * This would also allow us to more freely re-ghost the classroom machines. * Store the Current Class Picture so that students can use pictures in their projects. * Provide a possible place to store a local Debian/Ubuntu repository to speed up installations * Backup Center * Files that should be backed up will go onto file…

fish_catch

2008-03-02T22:08:46-07:00

This is a template for creating a simple game where a cat has to catch a fish. A Scratch project is available for [download here]. Background First, a background was chosen by clicking on the “Stage” button, and choosing the sandy beach. Fish * A new “Sprite” was created, and the fish character was found in the “Animals” folder. * The fish swims until he touches land or hits the right-side wall. Then, he swims in the opposite direction. This loop is executed continuously.

fundraising_letters

2007-09-25T12:23:23-07:00

Writing a good fundraising letter is not a magical process. You can improve your fundraising letters dramatically with a little practice, but writing a fundraising letter is a process that requires a little planning before actually putting words to paper. The following are some quick tips on the vital elements of a fundraising letter.

geany

2010-05-10T10:59:40-07:00

Geany is an awesome IDE for simple script / program development. Geany should be in every Byteworks standard build. Otherwise, sudo apt-get install geany Recommendations It is suggested that Geany be modified to run programs inside Geany, instead of in a separate terminal window.

gnome_common_dialog

2008-04-01T18:30:32-07:00

google_docs

2007-12-08T08:04:22-07:00

Byteworks has a “Google Docs” page here:

graduate_survey

2008-02-15T12:54:16-07:00

This page lists the questions that we ask former graduates / parents / guardians of the Earn A Computer class. February 2008 -- We are currently trying to set up a formal process. * Hello. This is {your name}. I’m a volunteer from ByteWorks, the computer shop on Thurman and Shenandoah” * Request to talk to parent/guardian * “May I please speak to the parent or guardian of {student’s name}?” * If not home, ask when is a good time to reach them. * If parent/guardian, introduce yo…

graduation_class

2007-09-05T07:52:42-07:00

The last week is pretty loosely structured. The kids are pretty excited to get their computers. See the section below for the Impress presentation which is shown to the students, and any other documents which are distributed. See preparation * Make sure that all students have their certificates printed out, and double-check the spelling of the student names. * Make sure a camera is present, and has sufficient battery/film/disk space.

graphic_design_mentorship

2009-04-15T19:31:19-07:00

* For some Inkscape screencasts, check out

graphics_class

2008-11-21T21:55:31-07:00

This is currently only an Idea for a possible EAC class. * Show how to import images from the Web, cameras, etc. * How to crop images, re-size etc. * Show how to cleanup redeye. * Show cool effects that can be done with images. * At least some kind of presentation or outline would be necessary, in case of absence of primary instructor. Perhaps not at the outset of the class, but if we are to integrate a graphics class, this is necessary. * Software should be GIMP or Inkscape, or …

grub

2009-02-04T17:50:47-07:00

This page describes how to control what the default OS is on the classroom machines: Permanent change to boot into Ubuntu: * boot into Ubuntu * open a terminal * type the following mkdir /tmp/grub sudo mount /dev/sda4 /tmp/grub head -1 /tmp/grub/boot/grub/default sudo grub-set-default --root-directory=/tmp/grub/ 1 head -1 /tmp/grub/boot/grub/default sudo perl -i -plne 's/savedefault.*$/savedefault\t1/' /tmp/grub/boot/grub/menu.lst sudo umount /tmp/grub sudo reboot && exit

hackerspace

2009-04-28T21:40:21-07:00

A hackerspace, according to Wikipedia, is “A real (as opposed to virtual) place where people with common interests, usually in science, technology, or digital or electronic art can meet, socialise and collaborate.” *

hackety_hack

2007-07-12T15:30:26-07:00

Hackety Hack is a wizard-like program that teaches beginners to program using the Ruby programming language. Benefits are: * Ruby is a very easy to read langauge. There aren't many odd-characters, like other programming langauges, and the syntax is fairly straightforward. * Hackety Hack includes a text editor and a Ruby interpreter. Students can begin learning to program immediately, without learning about files, directories, ruby programs, text editors, etc.

hardware_mentorship_program

2010-07-05T14:23:40-07:00

This page contains a potential outline for helping students to build computers that are given out by the Byteworks EAC program. It's very important to provide a schedule for a mentorship program, not in terms of dates, but by assignments/accomplishments. Some ideas for accomplishing the Hardware Mentorship Program is detailed as follows:

helicopter_rescue

2009-07-18T14:28:59-07:00

Helicopter Rescue is a game written with the excellent Scratch programming tool from M.I.T. Helicopter Rescue was the main project of the first student to participate in the Byteworks Mentorship Progam. Download from here

index_kludge

2007-09-24T22:38:35-07:00

Currently, the only way known to list an index of all pages on the Byteworks dokuwiki is to use this link: You can also click on the “Index” button on the lower-right of any Dokuwiki page. dokuwiki

internet_access

2008-01-03T20:17:13-07:00

Getting Internet access for our graduates is one of the primary goals of 2008. One of the major setbacks encountered this year was the closing of the “CIN” network which gave our graduates one free year of Internet access. Since the closing of CIN, our students have had little success finding reasonable plans and an easy way to connect their computers to the Internet. Dial-up Internet options are limited, so Internet access usually means DSL or cable, and Byteworks is no longer able to offer …

internet_and_safety

2008-09-01T08:54:06-07:00

This page outlines the topics taught in our kids' “Internet and Safety Class”. See the section below for a link to the presentation which is used for this class. Most students are already familiar with how to use the Internet/World Wide Web from school and home. Therefore we want to make sure they have an understanding of how the Internet works, and especially how to be safe on the Internet.

internet_service

2007-07-09T09:40:51-07:00

As of 06/30/2007, Byteworks will not be able to offer internet service from CIN to our students. Requirements: * ISP must provide connections to Debian computers. Some ideas for Internet service are: * Get Internet access from a school/university * Investigate further $10 AT&T DSL * AT&T is “quietly” offering this service Articles have been published about the difficulty of attaining this product. () It is a regulatory product which ATT isn't rea…

internet_setup_class

2008-01-08T14:51:15-07:00

How can we help parents/students connect to the Internet from their homes? This page contains ideas of what information to give parents/students about the various Internet options that are available to them. This a work in progress, and not yet part of the official earn a computer curriculum.

intro_to_computers

2008-02-19T20:17:23-07:00

Byteworks uses an OpenOffice Impress presentation to guide the instructor though the class. See below for a link to this document. This wiki page gives an agenda for the first day of class. The goals of this class are: * Confirm parent/student information * Familiarize students with how the classes will be run * Be on time. If early, students can log on and play games, etc. * Up to two absences One absence can be made up at the end of the course. * Be polite

jg

2009-08-08T14:55:09-07:00

Mentorship student who started January 2009 * Darren has been primary Mentor * Triaged several computers for the St. Elizabeth's computer lab project * Used Ubuntu/Linux to check and diagnose hardware in PC's * Attendance has been nearly every week since he started. -- 5/9/2009

kids_classes_schedule

2007-11-11T10:21:40-07:00

Classes are tracked on the Calendar on the BWorks Shop Yahoo Group: The classes usually run in the order listed below. Also, you can use the links below to get preparation notes, guidelines for teaching the classes, and links to the presentations which are shown during the classes.

kolourpaint

2008-05-06T21:43:03-07:00

* Graphics program akin to Microsoft's Paint program. * Features “free-form select”, where you can select a non-square part of a graphic, and then save that part or flip it, etc. linux, programs, graphics

kompozer_installation

2008-02-26T11:54:40-07:00

KompoZer is a small, manageable WYSIWYG editor that is used to easily create web pages. * KompoZer does not come pre-packed on the Byteworks Debian image. Students will need to install it on their own computers. * The KompoZer .deb package is only 8 MB, so it should be quick to download and/or put on a USB key (see below) * Note students will need to know their administrative password in order to install software. * Make sure students know the administra…

kompozer_offline_installation

2008-01-02T19:31:44-07:00

This page contains instructions on how to install KompoZer from a USB Thumbdrive that has the KompoZer .deb package on it. See KompoZer Installation for how to obtain the KompoZer .deb package. Note It is a good idea to walk the students through these installation steps on a workshop computer.

kpl_programming

2007-07-07T10:37:08-07:00

I'm not familiar with KPL, but happened to come across this discussion, and it sounds like a programming langauge geared towards beginners who are learning to program. * * Scratch Programming * Hackety Hack

lightning_talks

2008-11-18T22:01:42-07:00

One of my favorite sessions at RailsConf 2008 was called “Lightning Talks”. Basically, lightning talks are short (5-10 minute) presentations by anyone who wants to sign up. Lightning talks could be used by Byteworks to increase awareness about Byteworks.

linux_basics_class

2010-05-14T08:36:44-07:00

* terminal * current working directory * ls * cd * cd .. * cat * exit Grep A good example is to show Enrollio's log file. FIXME where to get to the log file. You can then grep for ERROR to find the errors, etc. You can run tail -f on the enrollio.log file, and grep for ERROR or INFO, etc.

linux_vs_windows

2009-09-05T15:48:16-07:00

FIXME - This page should be taken down and divided into several different pages, such as: * Using Windows vs. Linux for Adult Classes - A discussion of why we load Windows on adult students' machines, and the possibility of offering adult students a choice of what OS is loaded on their machines. * Windows Pros/Cons, and the status of Windows as time goes on. * Linux Pros/Cons, and the status of Linux as time goes on.

list_of_blogs

2007-07-08T11:39:21-07:00

Mayor Slay's Blog Lo-Fi St. Louis Slashdot Josh Leo Minnesota Stories Lists of Blogs:

maintaining_student_contact

2008-02-26T11:56:40-07:00

Byteworks has had great success with the Earn A Computer Program, but we don't maintain contact with many of the students. If we knew more about what happened after the computers went home with the kids, we could do a better job in the future, teaching other kids.

mentorship_program

2009-05-09T13:50:57-07:00

The Byteworks workshop is a program for 4th grade through 12th grade students. Participants will work on computer-related projects with guidance from Byteworks instructors, using Byteworks facilities. Projects will be chosen and completed by the students themselves, either solo or as part of a team.

mj

2009-05-09T13:53:08-07:00

* Triaged several computers that were donated * Was taught the zombie process (check RAM, power supply, CD-ROM, sound card, NIC card, remove hard-drive)

nate

2009-07-16T22:40:18-07:00

dokuwiki basic_computer_usage

network_infrastructure

2007-08-18T09:16:38-07:00

IP Addresses * 192.168.0.2 (mini server) * 192.168.0.102 (shop server) * 192.168.0.103 (Asterisk Server) * 192.168.0.250 (lexmark printer) * Samba File Server

notes_from_dave_herholtz_education_coordinator

2007-08-29T00:12:57-07:00

Dave Herholz, Educational Coordinator Welcome Welcome to Byteworks! Byteworks goal is to help educate children about computers and reduce the “digital divide” that hinders lower-income students from becoming technologically literate as children with ready access to computers and the internet. Also, we aim to reduce the amount of older computers that get cast off to the landfills by giving them to students who can use them.

office_computer_file_organization

2009-01-07T16:57:09-07:00

Here's the directories where we want to look for stuff: /Documents and Settings/ByteWORKS/Desktop/ByteworksForms C:\Documents and Settings\ByteWORKS\Desktop\what are these and why were they on the desktop C:\Documents and Settings\ByteWORKS\Desktop\Desktop Misc C:\Documents and Settings\ByteWORKS\My Documents Any others?

offline_software_installation

2008-01-08T10:40:39-07:00

A possible issue that could hurt Byteworks is the issue of how to install software on graduate students' computers that have a slow or non-existant Internet connection. This problem is not apparent with classroom computers, but it might become evident when students in the byteworks_workshop try to use tools that are not part of the standard Debian Etch installation.

online_presence

2008-05-24T08:27:52-07:00

This is a very long and rough list of some possible requirements that we have for an upcoming revision to Bworks online presence. Easily accessible Performance Website should be quick to load (5-8 seconds per page) Presentation * less text more pictures of bworks benefiting society * I wouldn't say less text, but possibly better organized or more concise text. People who become familiar with (or donate to) a non-profit via its website want detailed information about its operation. Mo…

open_office_impress_templates

2008-06-07T21:53:37-07:00

It was mentioned in this post: That we can get some better-looking impress templates by doing the following: Here's a sample bash snippet for Linux: #!/bin/sh # Run as 'user student' cd /home/student/.openoffice.org2/user/template wget http://technology.chtsai.org/impress/impress_templates_otp.zip unzip impress_templates_otp.zip

open_source_web_design

2008-01-02T19:53:25-07:00

It's easy to view the source of existing web pages and simply copy them to your own website. However, this practice of copy/paste is not looked upon favorably by some people. In addition, it's more friendly to let someone know you like their design, and ask if you can mimic their website design. The good news is that there's plenty of open-source web designs provided by generous designers. You can get great web-designs here:

openoffice_draw

2008-01-29T21:41:13-07:00

Open Office Draw can be used to create cool looking text effects/logos like this: KDE To open Open Office Draw, go to the “K” menu, and select “Graphics”, then OpenOffice Draw (See below) GNOME If you use GNOME, OpenOffice Draw will be under the “Applications” menu, under “Graphics”. NOTE OpenOffice Draw is not next to the other Open Office applications in the GNOME menu under “Applications” .. “Office”.

openoffice_impress

2009-04-19T12:46:00-07:00

This is probably the least structured class in the session. I spend a few minutes explaining what presentation software is and why we would use it. Then, we work on doing some slides together. Usually this is what I start out with: Type of Slide Title What to fill in Notes Title My Story “By: ” Bulleted list My Beginning Information on when and where they were born and where they grew up. Example info: birth date, hospital, birth weight, neighborhood…

openoffice_writer

2008-05-04T23:16:45-07:00

See the section below for the Impress presentation that's shown during this class. OpenOffice Writer is used to teach this class. OpenOffice Writer is designed much like the popular word processor Microsoft Word. This class is used to teach the following points:

parents_handout_faq

2009-09-10T12:36:12-07:00

COMPUTER ASSEMBLY BASICS Keyboard and mouse - your computer comes with a PS2 style keyboard and mouse. The sockets look the same, but are most likely different colors (although the colors may not match what is on your keyboard or mouse). They should be labeled (with words or pictures) as to which socket is for which device. They can only plug in if they are correctly aligned. Do not force them; look at the plug, and the socket, and carefully plug each one in. Monitor - your comp…

partnership

2009-04-07T22:02:05-07:00

* Same class schedule (6 classes, one per week) * Approximately 14 kids per class * Wednesday nights from 6-8 * Byteworks class materials will be used * Will put Byteworks logo in materials * Currently thinking about putting an official license on course materials (Creative Commons, or another more appropriate license)

phone_and_email_messages

2009-08-13T08:26:46-07:00

If the voice message is about enrollment, please make a record of the person's call using this form: If the voice message is trying to reach a particular volunteer, try to alert that particular volunteer.

phones

2009-05-17T19:01:15-07:00

The Bworks telephone system Currently the telephone system at Bworks consists of a VoiP phone system based on an all-in-one asterisk install called Trixbox. Voicemail The phone system is cabable of having a virtually unlimited number of voicemail boxes.

photo_mockup

2009-01-08T15:59:05-07:00

photography

2007-09-02T20:53:14-07:00

photography_class

2007-09-25T07:06:24-07:00

Patrick (from the Bicycle side) has expressed interest in starting a class to teach kids about digital photography and photo editing. Patrick has a possible source of funding to purchase enough digital cameras to start a class. Patrick has asked Dave Herholz to think about a curriculum for the class.

photography_class_interest_form

2007-08-29T00:47:13-07:00

Should probably be mimicked from the Workshop Interest Form FIXME Replace all workshop specific information with information from the photography class ideas. FIXME Should be handed out at the beginning of kids/adult classes, so that parents/guardians can fill out the form, and bring back to byteworks on subsequent class dates when they drop kids off.

post-dispatch-att

2008-01-03T18:41:48-07:00

Michael D. Sorkin Hello Michael, Thanks for the article about AT&T's DSL offer and reporting that people have been having difficulty obtaining it. At BWORKS, we agreed that it was too difficult for our students and volunteers to find the AT&T offer. So we decided to do something about it by creating a shortcut to it:

pot_luck_lunch_2007.07.28

2007-07-27T17:57:47-07:00

* Theresa: 12-24 tiny single-serving key lime pies * Dan: sausage-type meats and buns and grill. 12 pack non-diet soda.

programming_mentorship

2009-04-14T15:45:38-07:00

* Plan on 10-12 week course(s) First few Weeks * Mentor and student should introduce themselves. Mentor should give a little background about him/herself. * The first few weeks of a project should just be getting to know the mentor, and getting to know what the possibilities are. * It's helpful to have some projects already thought up, to guide the student towards an attainable goal.

programming_mentorship_ideas

2009-01-15T14:23:03-07:00

Ideas and notes for a new programming project in the Mentorship Program. This is a great video of how to start a workshop using Scratch: Students and instructors should get to know each other.

project_presentation

2007-12-03T21:21:25-07:00

Byteworks Workshop projects can be presented to family, friends and Byteworks volunteers on completion. The presentation should accomplish the following tasks: * Give the students a sense of accomplishment * Teach students how to evaluate themselves, and learn from their mistakes and successes * Teach students how to present accomplishments and ideas in a meaningful and concise manner

project_progress_template

2007-12-07T18:00:59-07:00

This page can be used as an ongoing “notepad” to be used by instructors for students' projects. An overall project goal should be stated here. For example “Student will create a tic-tac-toe game”. Milestones should be briefly listed here, and any instructor-specific notes will go here. Date/time should be provided with notes, so that other instructors know how long a certain milestone is taking.

project_report_card

2007-12-03T19:31:42-07:00

This page serves as a template for evalating a student's performance on a particular workshop project. It is to be filled out by instructors, and presented to the student at the end of a project. The goal of these report cards is to identify areas where a student excelled and areas the student needs to improve when accomplishing a project.

project_template

2007-12-03T19:30:46-07:00

This page should be used when students begin a new project for the Byteworks Workshop. Examples are provided throughout this page. It is recommended that instructors just edit this page, then copy/paste the template into a new wiki page for the student.

project_wishlist

2009-02-02T02:14:33-07:00

This page has been combined with the Volunteer Opportunities page.

projects

2007-09-23T05:37:39-07:00

Note: copied from old PB wiki page: Needs cleanup. Projects for volunteers On-going projects: * The ByteWorks webpage. Sean could use some help. * Sell excess items on eBay, Craigslist, Freecycle, etc. * Teach youth classes. Dave and Nate could use help with this. * Assist with teaching youth classes. This is a great way to get your feet wet if you are thinking of teaching the youth class. * Teach adult classes. Jess could use help wit…

remote_desktop

2008-02-03T12:59:07-07:00

You can use Remote Desktop to allow other people to control your computer from another computer. This has two interesting uses for Byteworks. * Showing other students' computer screens on the projector. If a student has excelled at some classroom task, you can show the student's screen on the projector screen, so that other students can easily view the excellent student's screen. * Helping students fix a problem while showing it on the projector screen. For example, a student has a comm…

restore

2007-05-20T09:23:43-07:00

Table of Contents Support For Modems With Ubuntu General Testing with specific modems Conexant HCF (controllerless) Conexant HSF (softmodem) 3Com Serial Modem PC-Tel 789 Support For Modems With Ubuntu Although Ubuntu is based on Debian, there are some differences in modem support between the two. Notes for modem support with Debian are available here. The basic testing and detection is the same (run scanModem).

restoring_classroom_debian

2008-10-01T17:30:49-07:00

This process will remove the existing student folder and replace it with one from a backup. It will also upgrade any installed packages. Because it makes use of a web-proxy, it is best to run this process to completion on one machine before starting any other machines. Once one is finished, the rest can be run simultanteously.

revisions_to_faq

2008-01-08T15:38:44-07:00

Find an Internet service provider The first step in connecting to the Internet is to find an Internet service provider (ISP). The most important services an ISP offers are: * Internet access. Access any Web site, send instant messages to your friends, play online games, or use any other Internet service.

robert_citek

2009-01-26T22:05:06-07:00

Observations and habits I've formed from working in volunteer groups: Post everything in the public forum for the group The single biggest reason is so that everyone can participate or at the least is aware of what is happening. In that way anyone who wants to step up to the plate and help in a project can do so with relative ease. Another reason is so that anyone who is thinking of donating or volunteering can see that the group is vibrant. Nothing deters like a group that appears dead.

rock_paper_scissors

2007-11-09T00:56:41-07:00

Create a rock-paper-scissors Scratch game You see the computer's hand bounce three times, then you choose from rock-paper-scissor icons at the top of the screen.

ruby_encryption_workshop

2010-05-10T10:57:00-07:00

“Ruby Encryption Workshop” is an attention-getting name for a simple project with these requirements: * Create a program that will encrypt and decrypt messages using a simple algorithm. * Create a GUI interface to the encryption program.

ruby_installation

2009-01-14T21:46:12-07:00

For people interested in Ruby programming, here's a list of recommendations on how to get started on Ubuntu. * Use irb for simpler things (Google it) * Use Gedit, with plugins. Gedit is the default “Text Editor” application that comes with Ubuntu. * Gedit has cool plugins

saint_charles_programming_class

2007-07-01T17:18:00-07:00

John H. brought up the idea of teaching an additional programming class in the St. Charles area. High school students wishing to learn more about computers? Provide help and resources to teenagers who are not familiar with computers and the vast amount of purposes that computers can be used for.

samba_file_server

2009-02-02T02:12:32-07:00

Setting up a File Server for ByteWORKS System Password and Hardware Info The Samba file server is located under the work bench. User is “ubuntu” and the password begins with a “j”. Everyone should know what it is. But it's written on a label on the computer.

sandbox

2008-06-02T17:04:06-07:00

Welcome to the sandbox. - Robert Maybe you want the playground?

scratch

2007-11-01T20:38:49-07:00

The Scratch programming tool is a new project being developed by MIT. It uses simple commands and is geared towards people new to programming. Students can create programs which draw shapes, animate pictures and play sounds, as well as respond to keyboard and mouse commands.

scratch_1.3

2008-11-03T08:49:50-07:00

There have been several improvements in Scratch 1.3 that make it worthwhile to upgrade. * Lists (Arrays) * Private/Public properties of each sprite. That's enough for me to want to upgrade. Currently we have two choices: # Do the same thing that we did with Scratch 1.2, which is * Take the Scratch 1.3 image from the Windows zip file * Put it into tar file that's extracted by the Scratch.pl installation script Or,

scratch_any_shape

2007-09-16T23:13:31-07:00

This scratch project allows Scratch to draw any shape, any amount of times. It also stamps Scratch along the way to show Scratch as he's drawing the shape. * Uses “broadcast” feature to illustrate “method calling” * Uses control structures, such as loops * Uses variables

scratch_boom

2008-05-05T00:45:33-07:00

This project illustrates how to make a single sprite “explode” into different sprites. Sounds were imported into Scratch from I used KolourPaint to separate the plane into 5 pieces. I highly recommend just starting with one piece, then programming it to do what you want. Then, you can create other pieces, and just copy the behavior/script of the first piece into the other pieces using Drag & Drop.

scratch_cardiod

2008-11-16T00:59:21-07:00

scratch

scratch_catch

2008-03-02T22:11:19-07:00

This is a game where scratch throws a baseball. It's merely a “how-to” that shows how to make one sprite “throw” something in the direction it's facing. Click [here to download] the Scratch Catch game. scratch, programming, examples

scratch_custom_animation

2008-04-29T15:06:44-07:00

Scratch provides graphics (also known as “sprites”) that you can use as characters in your Scratch games. For example, the default sprite is Scratch, the cat. You can use “Costumes” to animate characters. For example, the Scratch character comes with several costumes with his feet in different positions. When you switch to a different costume, it makes Scratch appear to run.

scratch_favorites

2009-04-18T17:17:49-07:00

Scratch Favorites Cool Scratch Programs * Mario Brothers * Archery * Maze * Tic-Tac-Toe * Fractals

scratch_installation_package

2008-09-07T18:15:05-07:00

An installation package for Scratch on Debian Linux is now available! The installation package will install Scratch, and create an icon on the student user's Desktop. * Download the [|Scratch Installer]] * The file is called 'scratch1.2.tgz'

scratch_jump

2007-11-05T22:44:08-07:00

[Scratch Jump] * Click on “Scratch Jump” * Select “Download” * Open Scratch * Click the “Open” button * Click on the “Desktop” buton on the left side of the screen * Press the Green Flag

scratch_notifiers

2008-05-06T23:14:57-07:00

This page details several methods that can be used to tell Scratch whether a game is over or not. This page delves into some computer sciency kind of stuff, that is explained in mediocre-detail: For all these examples, the game is over when 1 and 2 and 3 are all true

scratch_programming_class

2009-08-29T20:28:08-07:00

See scratch for more info on what Scratch is. The class is taught using the slides in this Openoffice Impress presentation : L5-Scratch-Programming-Class.odp If you can't click on the link, go to the Byteworks Staff Group, and go to Files --> EducationProgram Committee --> Computer Classes --> * Lastest Linux Presentations

scratch_projects

2007-09-17T21:36:00-07:00

This page lists the various Scratch Projects that Instructors and Students have created.

scratch_quiz

2008-10-19T14:32:25-07:00

Intended for Scratch 1.3 Make Scratch count to 10, then backwards from 10 to 0. Scratch should say words, not numbers. For example: "One", "Two", "Three", "Four", etc."Ten", "Nine", "Eight" The user will press a number on the keyboard, and scratch will say what the number is.

scratch_tic_tac_toe

2008-04-29T12:34:13-07:00

This project was created by Nate in about 4 hours using Scratch. There are many other tic-tac-toe games like this on the Scratch website.. Pseudo Code for this project goes as follows: * Start Game * What does game look like? * Draw Board * What character / effects will draw board? * Board Color? * Draw board on paper

scratch_wine

2008-11-11T11:22:30-07:00

These are the instructions for installing Scratch, using wine. wine is not used yet to run Scratch, due to speed problems on Ubuntu 8.041 * Wine does have better integration w/Desktop/Computer, etc. * However, it's slow. * Get Windows ScratchInstaller1.3.exe from # Move the tgz file to somewhere safe. Sometimes, kids mess w/Scratch folder, and

scratch_zoom_project

2007-11-27T23:45:39-07:00

Draw squares on the screen, each new square smaller than the previous one, until a minimum size is reached. * Scratch needs to start drawing squares on the outer edge of the screen * Each square must be X size smaller than the previous square * Squares must be centered, and not touching each other. * Scratch needs to stop drawing when the smallest square is less than or equal to the minimum size.

single_points_of_failure

2007-09-14T16:26:55-07:00

Single points of failure (SPF), why they are SPFs, and their solutions. SPFs are any failures that will prevent BWorks from carrying out its mission or function. * DSL modem * failure: BWorks loses its connection to the Internet. * solution:

sir_scratch

2008-02-09T14:19:45-07:00

Maze-like game where Scratch has to save Prince Tidycat after navigating a maze filled with obstacles and evil characters. Written in about 4 hours. Download [SirScratch] Scratch Other Scratch Projects scratch, projects

snia_by-laws

2008-09-04T20:48:35-07:00

Principal Office: Section 1:1 The principal office of the Corporation shall be at such place as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, but until a change is effected such principal office shall be at 2211 South 39th Street, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110.

snia_newsletter_2007-08

2007-08-07T15:27:36-07:00

A few thoughts for the August 2007 SNIA newsletter: * BWorks the home of kids bicycle and computer programs on the corner of Shenedoah and Thurman is in full swing this summer, thanks in part to the support of SNIA's Helping Hands grants. The new computer classroom is a vast improvement over the old facility and is being put to good use by this year's scholarship recipients.

spreadsheet_class

2009-09-06T13:43:25-07:00

A spreadsheet class is being considered for the Adult_Earn_A_Computer classes. * Accounting * Mathematics * Invoices * Graphing / Charts, business analysis * Point out upside/downside of spreadsheets and alternatives * Quick, customizable * Can be over-used and become the Hammer in the “If all you have is a Hammer, everything looks like a nail” analogy. * Can be used as small databases/storage, but usually only stores 64,000 rows of data. * Quicken / Microsoft Money * …

start

2010-01-07T06:13:49-07:00

The mission of ByteWORKS is to provide opportunities for youth to develop their academic, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills and to become community leaders. The Earn-A-Computer program is a series of 6 computer-related classes. Upon completion of the classes, students earn a computer.

student_007

2008-04-26T18:10:29-07:00

Project: Helicopter Rescue * Multiple levels * Each level has different villain. * Future level * Past level (dinosaurs) * Present level * People on the ground in the last level. * Plane moves vertically * Opponents fly towards hero * Alien ships * Pteradactyl

student_007_helicopter_project_progress

2009-04-14T15:24:36-07:00

First workshop, basically just instructed how to use the USB key, etc. Assigned student to bring back written requirements for project. Student did bring written requirements for project. This is the first day that something was really accomplished on the project.

student_enrollment_procedure

2009-05-13T07:53:36-07:00

Page is a duplicate of the earn a computer workflow enrollment section.

sun_java_plugin

2008-10-07T20:28:50-07:00

How to install Sun Java and Plugin on Debian Etch How to install Sun Java and Plugin on Debian Etch The original Sun Java 2 is available in the ‘non-free’ section of the Debian repositories. Under “Utilities” open a root terminal, spawn a editor like “kedit”, and add the fallowing line to ”/etc/apt/sources.list”

surveys

2008-02-26T12:14:48-07:00

Surveys could be used to determine how effective Byteworks' programs are. Being a technology shop, we're interested in seeing what software is available for conducting and reporting the results of surveys. * Easy to install/maintain * Fairly simple - we don't have thousands of people to contact. * Easy to extract summary information using either built-in reports or by extracting survey result data into another tool such as Microsoft Access, Excel or OpenOffice Calc. * Secure

tagging

2010-07-14T05:15:46-07:00

Tagging generally means that you assign a word or words to something to describe it. For example, Google Mail allows you to assign multiple tags to an e-mail message. So if you get an e-mail from Uncle Phil inviting you to a poker game, you can tag the e-mail with “family”. In the future, if you search for “roulette slots online”, you will find Uncle Phil's e-mail. You will also find Uncle Phil's e-mail if you search for “family”.

tagging_tutorial

2008-01-08T15:11:42-07:00

To see how tagging works, look at this page's source by pressing the 'Edit this Page' button below. Also, see for a more in-depth how-to. {{topic>email}} {{topic>tutorials}} {{topic>classes}} You can show pages that have only the tags adult and classes by using this form:

testlink

2007-08-07T23:49:00-07:00

This is a link to the scratch programming Impress document on the Byteworks Staff group: foo

tmk

2009-03-03T20:38:25-07:00

notes page. link to the Agenda for Potluck Meal and Brainstorming Gathering can be found here. link to the CD label we might use for distributing Ubuntu is here. useful scripts and things I ran into an instance where photobucket required filetype extention .jpg and my images were named .JPG -- it didn't recognize them. So a quick script to fix that:

tools_we_use

2008-05-06T21:53:15-07:00

Byteworks is a very tech-heavy volunteer group. Volunteers are proficient in many different and exciting fields. This page is an informal list of the technologies we use at Byteworks. * Debian Linux * Ubuntu Linux * FreeBSD * OSX * Windows XP * Darn Small Linux * Knoppix, for troubleshooting Earn A Computer builds.

typical_workshop_day

2007-12-07T17:54:52-07:00

This page is a place for a hypothetical workshop day. Of course, the status of each student's project should be checked. * Check the project_progress_template for the student. Status should be updated after each session, so instructors know where the student left off. * The workshop project page for each student can be checked for where that particular student should be. * Any questions from student? * Anything accomplished at home? * Does student know what needs to be done in thi…

typing_workshop

2009-02-13T21:46:13-07:00

Keyboard/Typing skills are very important when working with computers. Helping students learn and improve typing skills will help students focus on the class materials and projects without hunting for keys to type. It has been suggested that a typing workshop or class be given to students who are starting new projects. The project does not need to be overwhelming, and could be a side project.

ubuntu_7.10_postinstall

2008-08-15T19:28:23-07:00

Note: If networking connectivity seems spotty, or some sites are accessible but others aren't, then chances are, it's a problem with IPV6. To test, try running this command from a terminal: sudo echo 0 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/tcp_window_scaling

ubuntu_8.04.1_postinstall

2008-11-15T14:31:23-07:00

Guideline to install additional packages for Ubuntu multimedia computers and potentially EAC computers. Software Packages Suggestions are welcome! Edubuntu * edubuntu-addon-kde * edubuntu-addon-science * edubuntu-addon-young Multimedia * ubuntu-restricted-extras (flash, dvd playback, etc.) * for vlc, to enable the system to auto-start vlc when a DVD is inserted into the drive, follow the instructions here

ubuntu_804_cdlabel

2008-10-14T11:51:15-07:00

ubuntu_customization_requests

2008-11-19T22:44:10-07:00

This page is a scratchpad for ideas of what will go into the Ubuntu release. For the official Byteworks Ubuntu relase, please see EAC Ubuntu Install Instructions This page is solely for suggestions for adding to the Byteworks Ubuntu image that will be given to EAC students.

ubuntu_survey

2008-09-07T18:37:39-07:00

This page is meant to be a template for questions that we plan to ask our expert team of testers when they try Ubuntu on our EAC computers. It would be fair to set up at least one Ubuntu machine with our current EAC specs, and one machine with our existing setup (Debian).

unmount

2008-01-02T18:35:42-07:00

Unmount means “disconnect something” from your computer. See Debian Thumbdrive

update_debian_image

2008-10-07T20:32:22-07:00

new EAC image * off-line docs - which docs? completed changes * (done) Debian updates * (done) KsCD autoplay * (done) turn off unneeded services, e.g. ssh, exim4, inetd * (done) shortcut to thumbdrives and desktop (in OpenOffice common dialog) - works in Gnome, not in KDE * (done) sudo for bworks - adm group in sudoers file and bworks in adm group * (done) Nate TuxType * apt-get install tuxtype

using_the_keyboard

2009-08-18T14:45:49-07:00

This page is now an EAC mini-class, and has been made into an Open Office presentation. It can be found in the Instructors Documents repository. Ask Nate, Anne, or Doug for more information. The following information is “old”. Please send an email to info@bworks.org to request the Open Office presentation.

using_the_mouse

2007-06-11T19:40:47-07:00

* In the picture below, the toad is the mouse. Your hand should be where the mouse is in the picture below. * Allow plenty of space to move the mouse. If your mouse is about to fall off your desk, just pick up the mouse and place it in the middle of your mousepad.

vnc

2008-06-23T10:01:28-07:00

VNC allows the instructor to control the mouse & keyboard of students' computers from the instructor's computer. The students' computer screens are displayed on the instructor's display. This could be helpful in the following ways:

volunteer_information

2007-09-11T21:24:11-07:00

This page was moved to Volunteer Manual

volunteer_manual

2009-09-05T15:43:26-07:00

This page contains a checklist of things that all volunteers should know about Bworks. We award refurbished computers to underserved youth, of the Shaw Neighborhood, who have completed the Earn-A-Computer program. * FIXME Where to find brochures * FIXME Suggestions for getting people interested in volunteering

volunteer_opportunities

2010-01-27T17:46:03-07:00

Before diving in, there is some information with which you should familiarize yourself. Reading and learning this information will help you work smoothly with your fellow volunteers and more effectively provide opportunities to the youth and adult participants in Bworks’ programs.

volunteer_opportunities_draft

2009-08-22T15:30:11-07:00

This page is a draft to be used for this page: volunteer opportunities ByteWorks Shop Volunteers Needed: Right now, the shop is open Saturdays from 10:00am - 3:00pm. With more people, we could add hours, open a few evenings during the week. Please come see us if you think you could do any of the following:

volunteer_wishlist

2008-12-31T16:56:31-07:00

This page was moved to Project Wishlist. The term “volunteer wishlist” sounded too much like the Volunteer Opportunities page.

web_page_design

2008-01-29T21:42:30-07:00

This page is a tip sheet for workshop projects that involve creating web pages. Web pages should bring information to people. Too often, web sites are cluttered, with lots of flashing buttons, advertisements and tons of links. It's like schizophrenia. A good web page should be organized, and get visitors directly to the information they're looking for.

web_site_workshop

2008-01-29T19:56:41-07:00

This page contains ideas and guidelines for students who wish to create a web page for their workshop project. Basic goals of the Web Site Workshop are as follows: * Teach good website design. See web_page_design * Teach basics of Internet / HTML See below.

wget_it

2008-06-25T15:58:43-07:00

This is an idea for the Mentorship Program Allow users to easily download pictures from a web page. Users would not have to right-click on a picture, and say “Save As”. Instead, users will type in a web page, and the program will show all the pictures on the page. The user can then select which pictures they wish to download.

what_needs_to_be_done_now

2009-02-02T03:36:29-07:00

This is a page for immediate, short tasks that need to be done. Feel free to put your name next to an item to reserve it, and please remove or strikethrough any task that you're working on or plan to do. Example: * Take monitors next to the wall to WITS -- Nate

why_linux

2009-04-14T07:13:48-07:00

Since 2006, the children have been learning to use their computers running the Debian/GNU Linux operating system. Starting in December 2008, Byteworks began using the Ubuntu operating system. A question we are often asked is, “why Linux?” That is, why are we using something other than a Microsoft Windows operating system?

word_processing_class_issues

2008-05-04T23:32:25-07:00

Typing Typing skills are very underrated and should be incorporated into this class, as well as the OpeonOffice Impress class. * Printouts of the Using the Keyboard page should be given to all students (at least the diagrams of finger positions)

workshop_basic_ruby_programming

2010-05-10T11:31:37-07:00

Setup * Ruby * Geany What basic computer lesson would be complete without a “Hello World” program? 1-liner with puts puts "Hello World" * Excecute the line inside Geany * Execute the script using “ruby hello_world.rb” 2-liner with a variable

workshop_daily_buzzwords

2007-12-09T22:20:42-07:00

As part of the workshop, buzzwords could be taught. As silly as it sounds, if a student knows certain buzzwords, this could help in interviews or in talking with technical people. I personally recall the surprise on my managers' faces at my first job when I knew what DHCP was :)

workshop_daily_computer_terms

2007-12-07T21:54:01-07:00

Computer Terms * “Buzzword” could be considered a buzzword. Computer Terms * Bits * Bytes Acronyms * CPU * RAM * WYSIWYG * TMTOWTDI * DRY

workshop_daily_lessons

2010-05-10T10:47:55-07:00

Perhaps short, daily lessons could be given at some time in a workshop session. Lessons could be about 15 minutes long, and concise. They could be used as “ice-breakers”, or “warm ups”, or “cool off” periods at the beginning, middle or end of sessions. This is an idea which is not implemented yet.

workshop_files_and_folders

2010-05-10T10:54:39-07:00

This is also a decent time to show off a terminal, and the various commands for navigating files using a terminal. * Folders contain files * Creating folders * Open a terminal and the Home Folder using a GUI tool like Nautilus. * Show how to identify what folder/directory you're in.

workshop_ideas

2007-12-07T21:47:56-07:00

This page is a scratchpad administrative/overall ideas regarding the proposed Byteworks Workshop. If you have a specific project idea, see workshop project ideas As more students participate in the workshop, we will need more volunteers. Perhaps older students and/or students who have completed several projects will be willing to mentor newer students. For example, student A completes a tic-tac-toe project. Another student enrolls, and is interested in the project. Student A would be able …

workshop_interest_form

2008-05-06T21:18:41-07:00

The current workshop proposal and interest form is located on the Byteworks Staff group. It's under Files > Admin. - Forms, Plans and Procedures It's called “Byteworks_Workshop_Proposal.odt”, and it's in Openoffice Writer .odt format. It's recommended to use that form, but if it's not available, this wiki page can be used instead.

workshop_interest_form_draft

2007-08-17T21:59:50-07:00

The draft has been approved, and now resides here: workshop_interest_form

workshop_project_ideas

2010-05-10T10:29:14-07:00

This page is a scratch pad for brainstorming ideas for projects that can be assigned to students participating in the workshop. programming_workshop_ideas Ruby is a very clean yet powerful scripting language that's a lot of fun. Could be used to teach programming, much like BASIC was used.

workshop_proposal

2007-11-27T21:01:01-07:00

Byteworks Workshop has been approved by the board. * Go to Bworks_Staff Yahoo Group * Go to Files -> Education Program Committee -> ByteworksWorkshop * Select either * Byteworks_Workshop_Proposal.doc or * Byteworks_Workshop_Proposal.pdf

workshop_qa

2008-05-06T21:16:49-07:00

This document provides answers to some common questions about the Mentorship Program, as well as some administration questions. Please note that we're in the process of renaming the workshop program to “Mentorship Program”. A simple analogy would be the “shop” classes taught in high school, where students decide on a certain project that they would like to complete. For example, learning how to build something, be it a table, bicycle, or car engine(!). The workshop would begin at X time, stu…

workshop_status

2008-04-12T10:08:32-07:00

Updated 04/12/2008 * Byteworks Workshop was approved at the board meeting on November 20, 2007 * Program was started in early January, with two students initially. * Initial two students quit attending in early February. * Two more students were enrolled in early March. * One student quit attending, and phone calls have not been returned. * Current student has good support from both parents, with regard to transportation, and encouragement to work on project outside of class. * Cu…

yahoo_groups_conversation_confusing

2008-06-03T12:11:22-07:00