Volunteer Software Engineer James Kim with Windows 2008 Server Enterprise built to be installed and support The Good Shepherd Alliance new office at Center of Hope in Ashburn. Photograph is courtesy of Justin Letendre.
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Software Engineers Support Homeless Programs
Volunteer S/W Engineers Build Computer Network for Homeless Charity
In the Fall of 2007, volunteer Software Engineer James Kim offered his services to build a computer network for the Good Shepherd Alliance (GSA) newest facility, Center of Hope in Ashburn, Virginia. Discussions were held with GSA Director of Operations Vickie Koth identifying network requirements for the two level 7,000 square foot facility. There would be a total of 12 workstations on two floors, requirements to maintain files, backup files and data and software storage.
James Kim prepared recommendations for the server and network based on this information including how the server and workstation will function together. He also discussed the requirement for remote access and wireless security. A gigabit router will be installed to service wireless access.
In the winter of 2008, James purchased the parts for the new server including dual hard-drives that would mirror each other for backup protection and built the server for GSA to meet our specifications. This effort provides GSA with a high quality server to meet all of our future needs at a minimal cost. Considering the Windows 2008 Server will be located in an office, James also included a quiet fan – most thoughtful.
James setup RAID 0 so that GSA would have redundant data backup. The system will automatically recover itself if one of the hard drives fails. He redirected all user “My Document” and “Desktop” directories to the server so that they can be accessible from any computers. Having user files on the server is much more reliable than on a local machine. The Server will initially be configured to act as Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Direct Connect (DC), and Active Directory (AD) Server. This implementation will drastically enhance computer and file security. James set up the server software with usernames and password for each workstation on the network and discussed the specific software needs of each workstation with GSA personnel in preparation for the software team installing XP Professional in July. The S/W engineers may also install Application Server, Web Server, and ftp Server if desired later. 
The volunteer software team comprised of Gabe Ortiz, Andrew Lee, Tim Advani, Matt Royal, Ben Cady and Jerry Palermo will format and install Windows XP Professional on all workstations, install Office XP on all computers, and install other customizable software as requested by GSA. James will be participating in the installs by testing each workstation to ensure all are working smoothly with the new server on site.
The Good Shepherd Alliance (GSA) has been working with the homeless in Northern Virginia since 1983. We currently have a family shelter in Arcola, a women and children’s shelter in North Leesburg and a transitional home for pregnant women In Purcellville. GSA impacts the lives of lost and unfortunate families and individuals every single day by showing them love and a willingness to walk with them as they tackle their most difficult burdens. While providing them with shelter and a safe haven, GSA staff and volunteers share about God’s love and faithfulness.
The GSA Center of Hope has been designed exclusively to help homeless and impoverished families and single people currently living in crisis. GSA provides food, clothing, shelter and referrals to public and private agencies for assisting families, women and children in their greatest time of need. This facility will be used to house our administrative, family services staff, volunteers, our thrift store, “Hope’s Treasures” and the community outreach center.
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