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Technology update
The Knowledge - CISA's online newsletter November 2001 line

How to get a computer without
breaking the bank


While computers have become an integral part of many workplaces and many individuals and families are increasingly reliant on technology at home, many people and organisations find the initial outlay for computing equipment beyond their reach. A number of schemes have been developed to help make computer hardware and software more affordable and more accessible. Some of these schemes take advantage of the large numbers of computers equipment discarded and unused by organisations constantly enhancing and replacing their hardware, while other schemes have worked to negotiate discounts on purchases.

The state government of South Australia, through the Department for Administrative & Information Services has initiated the Smart State PC donation program. This program will re-allocate 'surplus computing equipment' to 'community focussed' groups and organisations. Demand for the equipment is likely to be high, and equipment will be distributed 'where greatest benefit to the community can be achieved'. A waiting list will be established. Eligible organisations include volunteer organisations; government clients (for example, children under the care of the state); government programs, operations or services; special needs groups; charitable and benevolent organisations; non-government organisations which receive government funding; community focussed non-proft groups and clubs (for example neighbourhood centres); community education and self help programs; public counselling and support services; other organisations which demonstrate a contribution to the community. Applications for equipment can be made on the web site www.ie2002.sa.gov.au or by contacting the smart state PC donation program at the Department for Administrative & Information Services, GPO Box 1072, Adelaide 5000, tel. 8226 5222, email PCDonations@saugov.sa.gov.au.

ourcommunity.com.au is a combination of businesses and community organisations designed to support the development of the community and non-profit sector in Australia. To help organisations with access to computers and software, our community has negotiated a range of discounts on personal computers from ACER computers. The offers are available to community groups, education programs, non-profit groups, their committees and affiliates. For further details, go to www.ourcommunity.com.au or contact our community at 51 Stanley Street, West Melbourne 3003, tel. (03) 9320 6800, email service@ourcommunity.com.au.

Individuals and families will find assistance to purchase computers at
Virtual Communities, a company that aims 'to bring the education and communication opportunities available through the internet into the home of every Australian family' and to help ensure that 'no one is denied the chance to be involved in this increasingly important social and economic development'. They offer a number of packages which include hardware, software, internet access, delivery and installation. Different payment options, including weekly payments, are available. More information is available at www.virtualcommunities.com.au or by contacting Virtual Communities, PO Box 3093, South Melbourne 3205, tel. 131 789, fax 1300 130 105, email vcpl@ucms.net.au.

The Computerbank project is an Australian initiative to supply free GNU/Linux systems to low income individuals, families, community groups and schools. The project receives donations of working computer equipment and peripherals from corporations, community organisations, government and individuals. The project has volunteer organisations based in most Australian states, and people wishing to volunteer their services to the organisation are welcome to contact Computerbank. To reach the South Australian branch, follow the links from www.computerbank.org.au or go to www.linunix.com/cbsa.

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