Getting Started - Day 1 at the Midtown Learning Center

OK. So Day 1. It is official!

I am in the ML Center beginning to work the piles of computers and setting up the ML Center for public use.

My intention is to keep a running log of the work accomplished and completed each day, so that three months down the road, when I wonder what the heck I have done, I (and other interested parties) can readily see the progress being made.

Today:

Rebuild the OS of a DELL Dimension 3000 (donated by clientele of Computer Genie). This means that we wipe out the hard drive and start over, reloading all drivers and preparing the computer for its purpose. This machine will be the MEDIA CENTER computer: this computer will be connected to a stereo receiver, cassette player and turntable, as well as, a VCR.

The purpose of this workstation will be to teach students how to work with media files of all types: converting albums and cassettes to digital music, thereby perserving the original files and producing a digital format universal to current digital players (i.e. iPod, etc.)

This particular computer is equipped with a SONY DVD-rom and a Philips DVD-ram. Able to burn CDs, eventually, this computer will also be used to convert VHS tape footage to DVD media.

Computer Specs:
DELL Dimension 3000. Windows XP Home Edition.
80G Hard drive separated into two partitions (c: for system and program files, d: for data and music files)
512Mb RAM/memory (this will need to be upgraded at a cost of $ 77.98 + free shipping)

Anyone interested in donating the cash to upgrade the RAM/Memory on this computer for the MEDIA WORKSTATION, please email me at midtownlearningcenter@yahoo.com

+++++++++++++++++ more to come +++++++++++++++++++++++