InformationTechnology

Working Inventory

Noisebridge has many computer controlled machines, a public internet cafe and some kiosks for fun and entertainment. The following is a list of roles and their controlling computers.

• Laser Cutter : all-in-one PC in custom case, Windows 10 for compatibility with <name of laser CNC software app>
• Extruder 3D printers : Black tower PC, Debian GNU/Linux (testing)
• Ember SLA printer : MacMini, MacOS Sierra
• Othermill, Bookscanner : MacMini, MacOS Sierra
• Gnar Digital Audio Workstation : Black tower PC (AMD Athlon) Debian GNU/Linux (testing)
• Ordibooth control computer : MacMini, Debian GNU/Linux (testing)
• Banana Stand : all-in-one PC in a yellow metal kiosk, Arch Linux
• Collaboration Station : Black tower PC, Ubuntu Linux
• Parts kiosk : all-in-one PC, ??? Linux
• Doom Kiosk : all-in-one PC, ??? Linux
• Public internet cafe : all-in-one PC, ChromeOS x 4
• Dwarf Fortress : MacMini, ??? Linux

Tips for the strong who whish to help with IT work

New Builds

Consider the role before you build. Noisebridge loves free software but is the application you need free software? If not can it run on Free Software? If not is there a free software app that is compatible with your goals? Always choose free software first.

Consider the UI before you build. Is this a computer with specialized apps to control a machine or other hardware? If so, consider crafting a custom UI and removing any apps which do not help you use this computer to reach the goal of controlling the output of the machine. Is this a computer for the general public to use? Consider building out a "guest login" system that doesn't save state or persist data. Even if someone leaves a browser with their Facebook logged in, there is no reason to keep it that way. A simple session teardown (logout the guest user) should perform this action. Is this machine a kiosk to access a database, play a game or show fun entertainment? Ensure the UI to perform these tasks is the only UI visible and if possible, ensure the user cannot break out of this UI in any way other than cycling the power.

Upgrades

Maintenance

State Table

Due to the chaotic nature of Noisebridge and the public access policy, the state of these computers is only as good as the community. The following is an assessment from good to bad made by --SteeleNivenson (talk) 21:22, 30 May 2017 (UTC)

State of desktop computers

Laser Cutter	Good
Extruder 3D Printers	Moderate
Ember SLA printer	Good
Othermill, Bookscanner	Bad
Gnar Digital Audio Workstation	Good
Ordibooth	Good
Banana Stand	Moderate
Collaboration Station	Moderate
Parts Kiosk	Good
Doom Kiosk	Bad
Internet Cafe	Good