In order to create an effective computer system (including and computer lab), planning is essential. Users should <u>not</u> just ask for software to be installed on a computer, but indicate their "needs", and the AVIT department will match the best software for the user. This process may seem cumbersome, but remember that the Westminster Computer Lab is a [[Category:Ubuntu]][[Category:Linux-based computer lab, and there may be cost, license or other technical issues related to installing proprietary software in the Westminster Computer Lab.]]

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'''....

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:

 '''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).

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).

'''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]  Upon agreement of software, the AVIT department would then install the application into the Westminster Computer Lab. For interest, the application to install software for the Westminster Computer Lab is called the '''Synaptic Package Manager'''. Only AVIT members with administration privileges can install software. 

= 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) =