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'''In order to create an effective and productive computer lab, planning and user-cooperation is essential.'''
Users should <u>not</u> simply ask for software to be installed on a computer, but indicate their "needs", and the AVIT department will match the best software for their "need". This process may seem cumbersome, but remember that the Westminster Computer Lab is a Linux-based computer lab, and there may be cost, licensing, or other technical issues related to installing proprietary software in the Westminster Computer Lab. Installing '''open-source software''' is the easiest and least costly method of installing application software for this computer lab. A simple tool technique called a '''Mind MapMapping''' can help users determine identify their '''computer lab needs'''....
A '''''mind map''''' is a diagram used to help visualize a set a related ideas. The mind map starts with a central idea or object, and then other sub-ideas or objects (called nodes) branch-out from the center. You can use a mind map to help develop projects, presentations, or simply use to help solve a problem...
In order to determine your software needs, it is highly recommended to create a ''mind map'' to document your computer needs. Usually larger companies go through a similar process of '''system analysis and design''' which detects to identify user needs, that start a process to document and also provides comprehensive documentation to build /modify a computer system (eg. ''organizational charts'', ''Data-Flow-Diagrams'', ''System Flowscharts'', ''Ghantt Charts'', etc). A ''Other examples of diagramming tools other than Mind Map'' allows a simple and quick method to group computer needs to allow the AVIT department to find, install, and document the most appropriate computer application.Mapping include:
* Organizational charts
* Data-Flow-Diagrams
* System Flowscharts
* Ghantt Charts
* Etc...
'''A ''Mind Map'' will be required to allow the AVIT department to find, install, and document the appropriate computer application.'''Facilitators and users are encouraged to gather in as a group in order to create a Mind Map. Needs can be specific or immediate, but could also include "wish list" needs that may be addressed or implemented at a future date (if possible).
[[Image:freemind.png|thumb|500px|right]]
The Westminster Computer Lab has a mind-mapping application called '''Freemind'''. You can use this application to ''create'', ''print '', or ''publish '' your mind map on the Internet. To launch == Obtaining Freemind Application == You can easily install the Freemind application in Ubuntu Linux... If you want to learn more about how to use the Synaptic Package Manager to install software on a Ubuntu Linux computer system or '''install the Freemind applicationon your Ubuntu computer''', you make click the following menu selectionslink: [[Install Applications in Ubuntu]] You can also download and install in other Operating Systems<br />('''APPLICATIONS → OFFICE → Freemindincluding MS Windows''')
[http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download]
== Using Freemind Application == To launch the Freemind application, you make the following menu selections:<br /> '''APPLICATIONS → OFFICE → Freemind''' Once the freemind application has been launched, open a new mind map by making the following menu selections: <br />'''FILE → NEW'''
Mind Maps can be saved as webpages. These webpages can display the mind map graphically in a web-browser and can contain links (to navigate to other mind maps, or to other webpages to provide information).
Once a mind map is created, the AVIT department would search and determine most appropriate software to use to meet the user's needs. Another mind-map would be generated and posted online with links to the application website (or a page providing application resources).
'''Here is a sample of an online Mind Map(created by Freemind application):'''
[http://matrix.senecac.on.ca/~murray.saul/faith_formation.html faith_formation.html]
[ [http://matrix.senecac.on.ca/~murray.saul/west/freemind_Lesson.doc doc] ]
= Freemind Quick Reference guide:Guide =
[odt] [http://smalamaintenay.free.fr/shortcuts/shortcuts.pdf] [doc] <- to be completedhttp://smalamaintenay.free.fr/shortcuts/shortcuts.pdf]
= Process to Request Computer Account (Procedure) =
You can book an appointment with AVIT members to generate a mind-map, or you can create a Mind Map in the Westminster Computer Lab using the '''Freemind Mind Mapping''' application. '''You must contact AVIT to request computer applications to be installed in the Westminster Computer Lab'''.