Computers

As our kids get older they want to use computers for useful things. So, they have inherited any of our computers that are still working when we get a new one. My Mom and Dad even sent them their old laptop. Quentin has been able to put parts and pieces together and keep one going at least some of the time.

Abigail has learned some HTML code. She is helping Paul format a comment he was posting on a blog so it would look more professional.

I use the computer off and on all day. Below is a picture of my command post. The kids line up for me to help them with their schooling. Our TV can act as a computer monitor so, I've got it hooked up as a second monitor to my computer. I found a program that allows me to monitor the rest of the computers on our network. http://www.networklookout.com/ The same program comes in another version that only allows you to monitor up to 3 computers.

http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-Net-Monitor-for-Classroom/3000-2085_4-10223285.html

It works pretty good and allows me to keep track of what the kids are doing their computer. It keeps a record of everywhere each computer navigates to. Sometimes Paul will have a group of kids gathered around him laughing at something on his computer and I can put his monitor full screen on either of my monitors so I can see too! You can send messages to the screens of the other computers and even control the other computers (I had to ban the kids from doing this to each other from my computer as it was annoying.)

On the wall beside me you can also see a marine band radio which is used to talk within the village and between villages. Plus an aircraft radio and the phone. As the unofficial dispatcher in the village, sometimes I am on all three of them at once.

Two computers being monitored on my computer.

Another one of my favorite programs is Zionworx http://www.zionworx.org.uk/ It's a free program that works as well or better than any program I've seen in a big church. We use it for our worship services we have in our home. Everything can be cued from one monitor and displayed on the other. Our TV/computer monitor works great for that.