Building a computer lab takes time and effort, but once you have everything in one place it is not that difficult. With a little work, you can build a small, inexpensive computer lab using donated old computers. Once you've determined the ideal layout for your lab, all you have to do is get everything up and running.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Design the Lab Space
Step 1. Identify the place where you will install the computer lab
The first step in building a computer lab is determining the physical space where you will establish it. You might want to choose a location with plenty of evenly spaced outlets and enough space for the number of computers you want to install in your lab.
Square or rectangular rooms are better than those with sharp angles or odd shapes
Step 2. Determine what the needs of the computer lab are
Identify the purpose of the lab to get an idea of the type of equipment you will need. Will it be a laboratory for people who do advanced digital design or who require equipment with high processing power? Or is it just a common computer lab for a school where only basic programs like Word and PowerPoint are going to run?
- The needs of the laboratory will help you identify the type of equipment you will need to provide.
- You also have to consider the purchase of printers, scanners, projectors and Internet modems or wireless routers. At least a printer and Internet access are two essential items for the lab.
Step 3. Determine how many computers you will need
During the process of identifying laboratory needs, you will need to determine the exact number of computers that will be available. If you know how many students will be using the lab at any one time, you will have an idea of how many computers you will need. The number of computers that you are going to install also depends on the size of the place.
If you want users to have access to high-end computers, but are on a budget, you will want to consider getting fewer advanced computers and more mid-range computers
Step 4. Evaluate your furniture needs and options
The height of the desks on which you are going to place the computers is very important. The ideal height of a desk is one that allows users to type on the keyboard with their arms parallel to the desk. Try to get furniture that meets the needs of the users for whom you are designing the laboratory.
- Height adjustable chairs are the best option for a computer lab as they allow all users to work comfortably.
- The top of the computer screen should be at the user's eye level.
Step 5. Determine the arrangement of the chairs
Various provisions can be adopted depending on the use to be made of the laboratory. If it's going to be a teaching space, you probably order the computers in a different way than you would if it were a workspace in a library. Keep the following provisions in mind when deciding which type of workspace best meets your needs:
- Theater style: consists of rows of computers pointing towards the same wall. It is good for teaching, but not so good for interaction or collaboration between students.
- All against the wall: all the computers pointed against the wall of the room. It is a good disposition to see what each one is doing on their screen. Students can turn to see the teacher when giving directions. It is not a very efficient use of space.
- Rounds: computers grouped in round tables for four people. This configuration is ideal for teamwork and collaboration, although it is not the most appropriate for teaching.
- U-Shape - Computers are arranged in a U-shape with all students pointing toward the center. With this setup it's easy to see and hear everyone, but you need plenty of space to use it.
Step 6. Identify available outlets
Keep in mind that you will need to plug in all the computers. Use surge protectors to prevent computers from being damaged during a power drop. These kits also increase the number of outlets, since you can plug multiple computers into a single surge protector.
- Power strips are not the same as a surge protector. Power strips only increase the number of outlets available, but do not protect equipment from power surges or sags.
- You may need to use extension cords connected to surge protectors to plug in each of the computers. This can also affect the arrangement of equipment in the computer lab.
- When designing your equipment layout, you should also consider the presence of all cables and potential tripping hazards.
Part 2 of 3: Get the Computers
Step 1. Call local businesses for donations
If your resources to build the computer lab are limited, it might be good to start by calling local businesses to see if they have old computers to donate. When companies upgrade their computer systems they are generally willing to donate their old computers for a good cause.
To encourage donations, remind businesses that they can use their contribution to deduct taxes
Step 2. Ask your friends and family if they have old computers
As with businesses, you can also go directly to your friends and family. Many people simply store old computers in the basement when they buy a new one. Those old computers can be repurposed for your computer lab.
Your friends will surely be happy to get rid of those old computers
Step 3. Buy new computers
If your budget is larger, you can buy new computers. Surely you can negotiate a good price since you will buy a whole lot of computers. You probably do not need late-model computers, perhaps computers that have an intermediate or high performance will suffice.
- Check prices on different sites to get the best deal.
- Remember to get a compatible keyboard, mouse, and monitor for each computer.
Step 4. Restore the factory settings of the old computers
Before you start using the old computers in your lab, you should restore the factory settings. This will increase its performance and erase all the information that may have been from the previous owner.
The procedure for restoring a computer varies depending on the type of computer you have. With a quick search on the Internet, you will find the steps you need to carry out this procedure
Step 5. Choose which operating system you are going to use
The type of computer you have purchased for your lab will influence the types of operating systems you can use. Linux is a free and open source operating system, which makes it an excellent choice for a low-budget lab. There are also other options like Microsoft Windows or Apple OS X.
There are different classes available to learn how to use any of these operating systems. Entire communities of people will be willing to help you work with whichever system you choose
Part 3 of 3: Build the Lab
Step 1. Assemble and order the furniture
Once you have bought everything you need, you can start building the computer lab. Assemble all the furniture and install it in the room using the layout you chose earlier.
Be careful when assembling the desks and furniture
Step 2. Install the computers
Tidy up all the computers on the desks. Connect monitors, keyboards, and mice. Plug each one into an outlet and turn them on to make sure everything is connected properly.
Assign a number to each computer so that it can be easily tracked
Step 3. Network all computers
By connecting all the computers to the same network, you will be able to access information stored on the network through any of them. This is very useful if you need to use information from a computer that is busy or damaged.
The network will also allow you to incorporate Internet access for all computers
Step 4. Try to reduce the risk of someone tripping
An easy way to prevent a person from tripping is to use a cable cover on exposed cables. These covers are cheap and easy to install. Use velcro ties to bind multiple cables together and place them out of the way.