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Problem

A Seattle church in the Ballard neighborhood was using computers running the Windows 8 operating system.

The operating system needed to be upgraded for many reasons, aside from simply being out-of-date.

The Dell computers were running on an Intel i3 processor with 8 gigs of RAM.

For each computer an assessment was made to determine:
— who used each computer
— the kind of usage and if an i3 computer would still be adequate
— which programs were in use
— which programs were accessed remotely
— which program was used for remote access
— which data needed to be retained and migrated.

Solution

Because the computers would not be capable of running Windows 11, and because an upgrade to Windows 10 would be free, and because an upgrade to Window 10 would provide enough long-term service, the decision was made to upgrade to Windows 10.

For each computer:

Because data was located in many different directories, data was consolidated into one primary directory into a backup disk. The primary directory would then be used — with sub-directories — going forward. This allowed for easy backup of existing and new data once on the upgraded computers.

An SSD (Solid State Drive) was added into each computer and Windows 10 was installed on the SDD to provide faster speed for program loading and execution. The existing spin drive — with greater storage capacity — was retained and connected as a secondary drive to be used for data.

Once Windows 10 was installed, desired programs were installed and data migrated into or for those programs. Data included the database used in the Church Windows program modules.

Remote access software was installed on each computer for a) use by Church volunteers and b) remote management.

No data was lost in the upgrade and migration.

Problem

A Seattle church in the Ballard neighborhood was providing Internet access to various groups. Unfortunately, illegal activity was being conducted on the provided Internet and the ISP (Internet Service Provider) was threatening to permanently terminate Internet access.

Solution

Because the Church’s Internet connection was crucial for conducting business and for remote access to Sunday services, the decision was made to terminate Internet access to the groups via the Church’s existing Internet service.

To provide groups with Internet — primarily for hybrid (in-person and remote) meetings — a second Internet account was created with a different Internet provider. The groups now use that Internet connection and if any bad activity would occur, the Church’s primary Internet connection would be unaffectd.

Existing ethernet cabling in the building was able to be patched together in on the equipment room’s patch panel in a way to provide group access on the Church’s two levels.