Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.9.3/8.9.0.Beta5/980425bjb) with SMTP id KAA03845; Fri, 19 May 2000 10:25:07 -0400 (EDT) Date: Fri, 19 May 2000 10:25:07 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <1C162B457107D411B5830060943069614077FC@lhup.edu> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Mingle, Mary" <MMingle@lhup.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:1044] Hardware Donations X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain; X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) Status: O Content-Length: 2000 Lines: 54 I worked for a small literacy program that received what sounded like some great computer donations but turned out to be a collection of mismatched parts (there were closed-circuit monitors mixed in with the computer monitors) and cables that were left from an intensive scavenge by the donors -- in other words, there were perhaps just enough hardware components to assemble two decent machines and another that took a great deal of time for which to locate drivers. If it would not have been for two willing volunteers -- one with a technical degree as an Electronic Technician -- and donations of odds and ends like power cords, the three machines would not have been possible. One suspects that it was cheaper for the business to haul it to our site than to pay disposal fees! Then the search for software began; most often, businesses that donate computers must wipe their hard drives clean, eliminating the software to remain "legal." Here are my recommendations: Thank the business sincerely for thinking of your organization at this time; however: Get a detailed list of exactly what you are getting from the business. Ask questions or examine the equipment in person before agreeing to accept it. Get a knowledgeable staff person, volunteer, wife of a volunteer, etc. to look at the equipment. Ask if software will be donated as well; what platforms (PC or MAC); what versions. Consult your technology plan (we all have one of those, of course) to see if this equipment really meets your needs. Unless you have a staff person devoted to technology in your program, plan on using volunteers to set up the equipment and "play" with the printer drivers and other software. College students may find this interesting, and at least they have the patience! Do not feel obligated to take the equipment! Mary Mingle ABLE Net (PA) Mary Mingle ABLE Net West Branch Technology Center 110 E. Bald Eagle St. Lock Haven, PA 17745 (570) 893-4038 Fax: (570) 748-1598 mmingle@lhup.edu
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