The SDLW workshops are run using donated desktop computers. The hard drives have been wiped, with all data removed, but the computers are fully functional.

Because each brand and model of computer requires different methods and tools to take apart, there is a dedicated guide for each in the wiki.

The best way to learn to troubleshoot and solve problems is by fixing unexpected failures, so expect to break your computer, over and over again. Also you can expect some sabotage by your facilitators. You will spend two to three hours in each workshop, with five workshops in total.

When you finish the workshops (and your computer is working) you can take it home! We have a 100% success rate with all of our participants taking home a working, useful computer ¹⁾.

The The Siganto Digital Learning Workshops (SDLW) series can be run as individual workshops, or in a two day intensive. Workshops one and two will take up a whole day. You can use workshop three as homework, or complete workshops three, four and five on day two. There is also a resources section outlining how to upgrade your computer.

• Identify your computer
• Learn the external ports,sockets and buttons
• Know the internal components
• Take apart and re-assemble your computer

• How to troubleshoot and fix boot failure
• Customising the BIOS
• Installing an Operating System from a USB stick

• Operating Systems compared
• Why free and open source software?
• Introducing Xubuntu

• Identifying, evaluating and installing FOSS alternatives to common software
• An introduction to the terminal (command line)
• Cross-platform compatibility - how to create a seamless workflow between Windows, OSX and Xubuntu
• Customise your web browser
• Make a back-up
• Make a custom USB distribution

It's time to choose your workshop. For this workshop series we will be using the HP8100/8200 desktop computers.

Siganto Digital Learning Workshops