Software and Equipment

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Ask the Network Administrator

One of your key allies is the network administrator for your building. Bring the network administrator into the loop when you first begin planning your computer club. Ask about any restrictions or policies on computer usage. Tell them what software product and version you are planning to use. Verify that your school or organization will allow this software to be installed on the computers in your meeting place and that your computers meet the system requirements for this software.

Buy Software and Equipment

It's important to have the software and equipment you need for your club activity ready to go before the first club meeting. When students join a computer club they want to start working on their projects right away. One or two meetings with nothing to do is a sure way to lose interest and members. Our suggested equipment list may be found under each Activity.

Install Software

Usually the network administrator will want to install the software themselves. In any case it is crucial to obtain this person's permission before installing software on any school computer. Once installed be sure to test that it runs correctly and resolve any problems before the first meeting.

Storing Student Files

Students need a place to store their computer files between club meetings. Ideally each student will have personal file space on a file server accessible to all the club computers. This will prevent the files from being deleted by other students between club meetings and allow the club members to use the computers interchangeably. If individual file space isn't practical perhaps a directory on a file server space can be shared by the whole club. Ask your network administrator what is possible.

If file server space is unavailable, ask if files can be protected on individual computers with a separate login. The last resort is storing files on individual computers in publicly accessible locations.