Lawrence Freenet

[Leo Mauler]

Lawrence Freenet is going city-wide on March 1st.

http://www.lawrencefreenet.org/

They use wireless networking to cover Lawrence in
Internet service, though you can currently only attach
to the service through a wireless-to-wired conversion
box.  They have plans for free WiFi in Downtown
Lawrence.  Home service costs between $20 and $35 a
month, installation is $200 to $0 (depending on length
of contract), though low-income families meeting their
income guidelines can receive free Internet service
with free installation.

Part of the program involves handing out a free
computer to low-income families, often the same ones
who are receiving the free Internet service.  I'm
suspicious from the costs charged to paying Internet
subscribers (as well as the installation fees and
contract lengths) that someone has gone all-Windows in
the choice of operating system.  

The free computers are all donated legacy systems, put
together by volunteers.  Software choices (in addition
to bureaucratic costs) could be a major factor in
increasing the Lawrence Freenet's costs in their free
computer program.  From links on the Lawrence Freenet
website, their choices appear to be Microsoft Windows
and Microsoft Office.  Since the major backer is UNI
Computers (http://www.unicomputers.com/) and they make
their money off services to Windows users, I'm
thinking that the money-saving benefits of Linux
aren't being used.

Since the broadband connection is a wireless-to-wired
conversion box, there will be no issues with Linux
wireless NICs as the only connection required is a
wired NIC.  Develop the system appropriately and most
home users won't notice the difference, though to make
things easier donating a CUPS compatible printer as
well would be appropriate.

I tried to join KULUA to talk to them about it, but
I'm still waiting on list approval.



 
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