FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

New England Society of Internet Technology Vandalized

Meriden, CT March 7, 2013- On March 1st the workspace at the New England Society of Internet Technology (NESIT) was robbed and vandalized. All computers and monitors used in our community programs were destroyed. Extensive damage was done to our classroom and project areas. A massive clean-up effort has been under way for the past week and we continue to assess the damage.

Will Genovese, President of NESIT, said, “We offer so much to the community, it’s terrible someone would do this, but we’re not giving up on our mission.” NESIT’s specific charitable and educational mission is to create, educate, and foster learning in the fields of computer, information and communications technology, wood working, metal working, and other disciplines while exploring the benefits of productivity through volunteer collaboration.

To achieve this we have to replace the computers and monitors that were destroyed. We need to replace our servers, printers, routers and various other items. We need an upgraded alarm system. The volunteers as NESIT are committed to our mission and supporting the communities around us. We will continue to offer free classes, our quarterly free computer repair clinic, hands on build sessions, guest speakers and project space to members and guests.

We need your help rebuilding NESIT:
Please donate here: nesit.org/donations/
NESIT is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.

Computers, monitors or donations of other hardware it can be dropped off at:
290 Pratt St.
Meriden, CT 06450
Please call in advance to schedule. 203-514-2257

We want to thank the Meriden Police Department for their thorough response to this incident.

Contact:
[email protected]
290 Pratt St.
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: 203-514-2257

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At NESIT we meet twice per week to collaborate and work on projects. And you are cordially invited!

We have active Internet connectivity, electronics testing tools, benches, and enough IT gear to construct any type of wired, wireless, or fiber optic network. (Power tools, and welding equipment is available for use to NESIT members who have been certified by our safety.)

We’ll have tables and benches set up for to work on projects, we setup at 7:00PM and do brief introductions then work on our projects at least until 10:00PM

Hardware & Software projects are welcome; bring your Arduino or Raspberry Pi based project, or whatever you have. Feel free to bring completed demos, works in progress, live hacking, or your project ideas. If you show us yours we’ll show you ours

If you plan to bring a project or demo, and any have any particular setup need please let us know as soon as possible so we can accommodate your project.

See you there!

Join us as we host the first BarCamp ever in CT. 

What is a BarCamp?
BarCampCT is a free,  two day, user generated unconference running from July 27 – 28th at NESIT. It’s an open and participatory workshop-event. All content for the conference comes from it’s participants, also known as, “campers,” and the talks area decided on after the introductions.

What does that mean?

Barcamp penang made a great video that explains it!

 

For more event information or information on how to sponson please see our event website: www.barcampct.org or contact our event coordinator [email protected] or visit our registration page at barcampct.eventbrite.com/

Tonight is open project night and boy do we have projects.

• We’ll be hacking away completing our RFID Raspberry Pi Access control system
• Upgrading our backend closed circuit  monitoring systems with ZoneMinder
• Finishing up work for our bristlebots class
• Preparing the donation computers we’ve received for our computer build workshop

If you’re interested in helping or interested in working on an awesome project of your own with our guys at NESIT pack it up, bring it with you. We’ve got space for you.

Formal tours available on the last saturday of the month email [email protected] for more info.

On March 30th NESIT will be hosting its first ever computer build program.

What you’ll learn

You’re going to learn about hardware, software, and the linux operating system! At the end of the workshop you keep what you make.

Day 1:

Hardware Identification: We’ll teach you about each part inside a desktop computer and what it does.  12-1

System Assembly: We’ll Teach you how each component is connected with other components 1-2

Hardware Troubleshooting & System testing: We’ll teach you how to quickly isolate hardware problems 2-3

You do it!: We’ll take a step back and let you build your own desktop PC, but we’ll still be here if you need help 3-6

Day 2:

Installing Linux: we’ll teach you how to install the linux operating system from CD: 12-1PM

System maintenance: We’ll teach you how to maintain your linux computer 1PM-2PM

You do it!: As in the previous day we take a step back and let you install linux on your own desktop, and we’ll be here to help you if you need it 3-6PM

Details:

Currently we’re sourcing donations, if you have a spare computer you’re looking to donate please contact [email protected]

NESIT is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit and your donations may be tax-deductible. As soon as we have enough hardware we will post an event sign up page which will be limited and first come first serve. So please check this site often.