Complete Guide to Cloning Linux Machines Using “Imaging”

This post describes the process of creating a master machine, making an "image" of that master, copying that image onto a USB bootable drive and the commands needed to clone the master onto target machines. This process was devised by PCF's Jan Deruiter with consulting input from Linux guru/expert Keith Perry from DAO Technologies. One of the reasons we have posted these details is for users to be able to replicate the process for themselves. [...]

July 2nd, 2025|Categories: Refurbishing|

A Word About How We Prep Computers For Deployment

Over the years, PCF has "refurbished" and "imaged" thousands of computers that were given away to schools, other programs/organizations and to families directly. In this post, we thought we'd describe what's involved in doing so. The first step is for us to procure the equipment. We are lucky to have generous donors donate their computers to us. Companies might donate hundreds of machines at a time and individuals often donate one or two. PCF then [...]

July 1st, 2025|Categories: PCF News, Refurbishing|

Basic Refurbishing Instructions

View the more up-to-date and elaborate imaging instructions here » The Refurbishing Process Explained: PCF maintains master computers that are cloned (replicated) using USB sticks/Flash Drives These master computers are configured with three different types of users. They include accounts for: Students with added protections Admins (for parents, teachers, adults) PCF admin account (in case Admins forget their password) After the master is set up the way we want it, we make an "image" of [...]

September 17th, 2019|Categories: Refurbishing|

Loud fan but not starting up

If your computer's fan sounds like it is going on full blast but your computer is not starting up, please try the following: Unplug your computer Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds (to drain the battery completely) plug everything back in and try again Leave the system on for up to an hour. Sometimes it is going through a series of diagnostic tests and may come up normal upon completion.  

September 17th, 2019|Categories: Refurbishing|

Beeps (1-3-4-3) upon startup

If your computer beeps (1 beep-3-4-3) but doesn't boot then this is often a memory related issue. Please try the following: Unplug the power cord Remove the memory chips from the machine Make sure they are the same size and speed and inserted into the right slots (blue before green and typically inside before outside ordering). Start with one stick. Repeat these steps to add another Often times just removing the memory and reinserting them [...]

September 17th, 2019|Categories: Refurbishing|

Access Keys for Boot Order & BIOS

To specify the drive you wish to boot from or to access the BIOS screen, repeatedly press the appropriate Function key immediately after turning on the computer. The Function Key to use/press depends on your computer brand/model. ASUS (most models) ESC to enter boot menu (choose pmap for USB). Delete or F2 to enter BIOS. Dell (most models) F12 for Boot menu. F2 or F10 for BIOS. HP (most models) F9 for boot. ESC or [...]

September 17th, 2019|Categories: Refurbishing|