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Open Source & Katrina: Project Launched to Set Up Free Public Firefox Web Stations

Older Computers, Pentium 2 Level or Above, Can Run as Internet Access Computer Stations (or Kiosks)
By Open Source News
Article Rating:
September 4, 2005 03:00 AM EDT
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 32,698
A project has been launched by Linux developer Steve Hargadon with the goal of helping create a grass-roots network of independent organizations and individuals who can create and run free public web stations for those made homeless by Hurricane Katrina.

On his website, www.PublicWebStations.com, Hargadon writes:

"Hurricane Katrina has left individuals and families with urgent needs, and relief agencies will work hard to prepare food, clothing, and shelter for them. However, a huge number will be unable to return to their homes for weeks or even months. Free, readily-available public access to the Internet can provide a crucial lifeline for them during this time. This website project shows you how to do that with older, easy-to-find computers."
All the equipment needed to set up a public web station, Hargadon contends, is:
  • A Functioning computer with 128 Megabytes of RAM, a CD-ROM drive, video card(if not integrated into the motherboard), and ethernet card(or integrated).
  • A Monitor
  • A Keyboard and Mouse
  • A working internet connection and CAT5 cable
  • A burnt CD with the special DSL Linux which will boot to Firefox

    • Further details can be found here: http://www.publicwebstations.com/howto.html.

    The site has a screenshot of what a Web station screen will look like. It is sponsored by Hargadon Computer, Inc., whose "Technology Rescue" program evangelizes the benefits of the Open Source software movement and the re-use of computer technology.








    Published September 4, 2005 – Reads 32,698
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    Enterprise Open Source Magazine 09/03/05 10:59:27 PM EDT

    Linux & Katrina: Project Launched to Set Up Free Public Internet Access Computer Stations
    A project has been launched by Linux developer Steve Hargadon with the goal of help create a grass-roots network of independent organizations and individuals who can create and run free public web stations for those made homeless by the hurricane Katrina.