Linux Mint
Operating system and workstation platform
Our work / Internal case study
Z: Under the Hood
Rescued from a business that was planning to discard it, this HP workstation became a working software and automation workshop. Built with Linux Mint, mostly free tools and a focus on making the most of what we already have.
Cash spent on Z build to date
NZ$0.00
Including GST — owner-reported cash expenditure on the initial repurposing and software setup. Excludes existing hardware value, labour/time, electricity, connectivity and any later purchases or paid services. Not a claim of zero total cost.
The story
When a business was preparing to discard an older HP Z240, we gave it a second life as AI-T's working development machine. Z now supports practical projects in databases, Python automation, websites, 3D design and private remote monitoring. Some of our experiments, including the Zed agent, are still in development.
The lesson: better business systems don't always require expensive new hardware or a complete software replacement.
The machine
Hardware specifications
ComputerHP Z240 Tower workstation
ProcessorIntel Core i7-6700, 3.4 GHz
CPU4 cores / 8 threads
Memory16 GB installed (about 15 GiB usable)
GraphicsNVIDIA Quadro K2200
System drive256 GB Samsung NVMe SSD
External drive1 TB WD My Passport
Operating systemLinux Mint 22.3
Hardware checked on Z in November 2026. External storage is a separate USB drive, not part of the system SSD.
Software toolkit
What's running on Z?
Tools verified as installed or available on Z. Some are open source, while others are free-to-use or have separate licensing terms. Installed does not imply every service is active at all times.
Python
Automation, data processing and integrations
FreeCAD
Parametric CAD and 3D engineering
Blender
3D modelling and rendering
GIMP
Image editing
Inkscape
Vector artwork and SVG preparation
SQLite
Lightweight databases
Visual Studio Code
Software editing and development
Git
Source version control
LibreOffice
Documents and spreadsheets
Firefox
Web testing and browsing
Tailscale
Private remote access
RustDesk
Remote desktop support
ClamAV
Antivirus scanning
UFW
Firewall configuration
ImageMagick
Image conversion
NumPy and Pillow
Numerical and image processing libraries
Built and tested here
Real projects, useful lessons
Private phone Control Centre
Monitor workstation services and project status without exposing internal dashboards publicly.
Database and data projects
Structured records, validation workflows and web prototypes, including World Lap Records.
CAD and design workflows
FreeCAD modelling, 3D viewing and practical design experiments.
Zed — in development
Our experimental local automation assistant, developed with controlled testing and review.
Could your existing systems work harder?
AI-T starts with the problem, not a shopping list. Sometimes a small repair, integration or automation is all that's needed.
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