SUPPORTING SHELTER
COMMUNITIES WITH
LINUX & THE CLOUD
http://www.sprung.com/structures/community-buildings/homeless-shelters
THE PROBLEM
• foreclosure
• eroding work conditions
• decline in public assistance
• lack of affordable housing
• poverty
• domestic violence
• mental illness
• addiction
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/12/02/record-homelessnessoverwhelming-shelters/OtrsdYgUdGDFxwJbms3qzH/story.html
CURRENT SOLUTIONS
“For some who are homeless, being wired
helps a person feel more accepted by
society.”
http://hothardware.com/News/The-Homeless-Stay-Wired/
ACCESSIBLE COMPUTER LABS
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/01/17/news/aroostook/magnet-school-students-presque-isle-businesscreate-computer-lab-at-homeless-shelter/
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/lake_forest_lake_bluff/community/chi-ugc-photodomiciliary-care-for-homeless-veterans-rehabi-2-2013-06-24,0,3583325.photo
http://www.projectcc.org/?cat=22
REACH APPLICATION
HTTPS://PLAY.GOOGLE.COM/STORE/APPS/DETAILS?ID=COM.QBASE.REACH.ANDROID&HL=EN
http://www.ubelly.com/2010/03/virtual-backpack-helps-keep-personaldata-safe/
VIRTUAL BACKPACK
http://thedailynews.cc/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/loc-1210-Homelesscomputers-2-1024x682.jpg
METHOD STEPS
1. Connecting the homeless to computer
technology.
2. Providing the users with access to the Internet.
http://media02.hongkiat.com/social-networking-advice/share.jpg
3. Guiding the users to free, cloud-based storage.
http://cloudfreestorage.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Cloud-storage.jpg
4. Giving basic instruction on how to use computers,
the Internet, and the cloud.
http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/gunnar3000/gunnar30001012/gunnar3000101200412/
8509219-tutorial-or-e-learning-concept-with-key-on-computer-keyboard.jpg
DESIGN CONCERNS




Cost
Security
Instruction
User Interface
COST
Goals: Reliable, long-term solutions, affordable as possible
•
Linux Ubuntu 12.04 LTS
•
Canonical Ltd.
•
FOSS
 Open Office
 Mozilla Firefox
 VLC Player
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8sbAdfFaH4/T5rsIQ7_osI/AAAAAAAABqQ/LSRsxSxPdNw/s1600/Ubuntu-12.04LTS-Precise-Pangolin.jpg
SECURITY
Goal: Create an environment where the user feels secure
using our computer
•
Offline Security
 No executable files on flash drives
 Password protect root user
 No log in
•
Online Security
 Wired internet connection
 Automatic updates
 Firefox Private Browsing
 Adblock Plus, Click Clean, Better Privacy
 Java disabled
INSTRUCTION
Goal: To empower the user
Video



recordMyDesktop
 ~5 minutes in length
Screencast
Gifs (Byzanz)
Text

Open Office docs with pictures
http://www.alwaysonpc.com/aboutOpenOffice.php
USER INTERFACE
Goal: For desktop environment to be intuitive, usable, and
minimalist

Permanent launch bar with few programs

Desktop icons will be instructional material

With high turnover rate, needs to be usable for first time users
ISSUES
• Limits of our design
• Ethnical Issues