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The Salvage Server Project (SSP) has been developed to assist those who want to get more 'technical' with their equipment. In particular, it concentrates on the use of recycled electrical equipment in support of community-based projects. Whilst it began with an emphasis on reclaiming computer equipment (hence, salvage(ed) server) it now looks a "trash technology" in the broadest sense, as well as incorporating issues such as renewable energy. For full details see the SSP website.

The Salvage Server Projects work erratically – producing information as events take place or as individual development projects are completed. Therefore it produces information to serve different purposes. Project reports are produced on different aspects of using junk systems, mostly in relation to software and systems engineering, and are intended to provide information on how you can do the same sort of thing.

SSP Reports

• Selecting Operating Systems for and Upgrading Older Computers
  A guide to selecting the right operating system for a particular model of computer, and the steps that you need to go through to upgrade the computer in order to run that system effectively.
  
  
• Networking Computer Systems Using Ethernet
  A guide to developing Ethernet netorks using old equipment, including how to set-up the hardware, and what types of useful services you can run over the network.
  
  
• Setting Up Mail Forwarding Lists with KMail
  KMail is a moderately lightweight email client that works well under both the KDE and Gnome desktops. But it also has very good mail filtering functions. These can be manipulated to forward mail automatically each time your mail is checked. So making KMail function as a small email list server.
  
  

  SSP Case Studies

• A Gnu/Linux Laptop for a Community Recycling Organisation
  This report outlines some of the problems inherent to installing a Linux-based laptop, and ideas for installing a system specifically for use in a small community group.
  
  

  SSP "Junk Ideas"

• Swappable Hard Drives for Backing-up
  This sheet looks at putting old hard disks to a practical use – as bulk storage devices. For older hard disk the storage capacity is relatively similar to CD-Rs, but perhaps more expensive if you buy the drives. But when using recent, large capacity, hard disks you can achieve storage capacities that are cheaper per gigabyte than DVD-R discs.
  
  
• Ethenet Cable Tester
  This looks at building your own low cost network cable tester. The sheet contains detailed information and pictures to guide you through the process.
  
  
• The 'Tech2' Variable Voltage Regulator
  A voltage regulator project esigned especially for powering small devices, laptops and peripherals from battery packs. The designed was originated at the Tech 2 festival in Lancaster in August 2002, and this report is an update on the original information developed for the CLTC web site.
  
  
• Uses for Useless Computer Hardware #1 – PC Cases
  When old computers get too old what can you do with all that old junk? One of the big problems are the cases of computers and other equipment. They're bulky, and although the steel ones can be sent for recycling, the plastic ones tend to get landfilled, or worse, incinerated. So here's an idea for re-use.
  
  
• ELV Dummy Load for Power Supply Testing
  You build a mains or renewable energy power supply for a laptop or other sensitive device, plug it in, turn it on and BANG – smoke comes from the power supply, laptop, or both! Here's a junk idea to avoid making such an expensive mistake.