Appendix C: Resources for Computer Re-use

1. Mailing Lists
   • Lists Dealing with Computer Re-use
   • Support Lists
   • Other Computing Lists
   • Notes on Flags
2. Web Sites
   • Web Sites Dealing with Computer Re-use
   • Support Web Sites
   • Users Group Web Sites
   • Other Web Sites

Mailing Lists

Almost any mailing list dealing with computer topics is bound to have messages from time to time asking whether anybody has a computer to spare, or wants the poster's old computer. However, there are mailing lists specifically dealing with computer re-use, or else "support" lists, to which computer recipients can be directed for help with their new computers.

Lists Dealing with Computer Re-use

These mailing lists are those specifically dealing with computer re-use for Charity, whether for discussion amongst those who are already involved in computer refurbishing work, or making contact between donors and recipients.

Support Lists

These mailing lists are for general computer support, support for users of a particular operating system, or support for users of a particular application.

Other Computing Lists

These mailing lists are general computing-related lists, or else mailing lists for discussion amongst members of a computer users group. As such, they are also good places to look for support.

Notes on Flags:

Mailing lists marked "M" are moderated. Messages must be sent to the moderator for approval rather than posted directly. (All mailing lists have "list-owners", who can remove users who post off-topic or offensive messages.)

Mailing lists marked "P" are private. Membership in such groups is restricted to people who meet criteria set by the moderator.

Mailing lists marked "R" are read-only. No messages should be posted except by the moderator or designates.

Web Sites

Sites Dealing with Computer Re-use for Charity

These sites (often run by computer re-use charities) have information on the process of refurbishing computers for re-use, or resources to assist in re-using computers.

	Web Site	Description
	Bridges	Bridges is devoted to "bridging the digital divide", and tends to work more at the policy level, but they also have collected an impressive number of links to resources.
	Share the Technology	Share the Technology is also listed on the Organisations page, but I list them again here because of their immense collection of resources.
	TechSoup	"The technology place for non-profit organisations."

Support Web Sites

There are many computer re-use charities in the world, but most of them already have more work than they can handle, and simply cannot take the time to help recipients set up their computers, or troubleshoot problems. These are web sites where recipients can find the help they need.

	Web Site	Description
	Accordance Forums	Support forum for users of OakTree Software's Accordance Bible software.
	AR Miller's Windows 98 Web Sites	Large collection of tips and links related to Windows 98.
	AR Miller's Windows 2000 Setup	Large collection of tips and links related to Windows 2000.
	Ask Dr. Tech	Supports Macintoshes and PCs for an annual fee. There is a business plan available which offers coverage for up to 50 computers for a significant savings per computer.
	The Freely Project	Named from Matthew 10:8, this site offers a free "Help Desk" service for churches and organisations using open source software.
	HardwareCentral	Tips, driver links, and "How-To" tutorials on PC hardware.
	How to Deal with Common OS X 10.3 Panther Problems	Troubleshooting guide for the current version of the Macintosh operating system.
	in pictures	Free computer training site using lots of screen shots.
	Low End Mac	News and information about Macintoshes which are not at the leading edge of technology.
	Low End PC	News and information about PCs which are not at the leading edge of technology.
	MacOSX.com	Free support for Macintosh users.
	MacFixIt	Free site about Macintosh issues, with a paid "MacFixIt Pro" option with extra features.
	MacInTouch	Macintosh news and tips.
	MacTank	Supports Macintoshes for a per-incident fee.
	MissionaryTechSupport.com	Free support for missionaries, with links to other support resources.
	Missionary TECH Team Support Desk	Computer help desk for missionaries.
	The Newbie Club	Support site for new computer users ("newbies.")
	PCministries.org	Online forum to provide assistance to Christians using computers.
	Sysopt.com	System Optimization Information. Tips and hardware reviews for upgrading parts (such as hard drives, motherboards, etc.) to improve the performance of your system.
	Tech Republic	Huge IT-related web site, with gobs of tips and resources. The site is free, but does require registration.
	Tom's Hardware Guide	PC hardware resource site, with reviews, tips, and resources.
	24HourSupport.com	Free computer support site.
	The White Pages	The home page of Myles White, regular computer advice columnist for Canada Computes! and other publications.

Users Group Web Sites

One of the best ways to get help is to join a users group. These are clubs of people using the same kind of computer or application, and most users are happy to share tips with new users.

	Web Site	Description
	BuildOrBuy Group Network	Support group for building your own computer, or upgrading your existing computer, with "how to" resources online.
	Christian Linux Users Group (C_LUG)	Support group for Christians using Linux.
	Christian Macintosh Users Group	Home and ministry Macintosh users. (Also see the MAC-MINISTRY list in the Other Computing Lists section.)
	Christians on the Internet (COIN)	Christian Internet users group based in England. (Also see the TECHNICAL list in the Other Computing Lists section.)
	ChristianSource Free Software and Linux Users Group (CS-FSLUG)	Support group for Christians using Linux.
	Church Computer Users Group	Church users group based in England.

Other Web Sites

• The bridges.tech.guide is a work in progress, but already there are links to dozens of sites which offer introductions to the Internet, or computing in general.
• Jayne Cravens' "Resources For Older Computers".
• Lou Hornberger's "The Computer Tutor" column from Youth Specialties.
• iT4Communities is a British project which links high-tech volunteers with charities needing help with IT projects.
• Steve Kropla's Help for World Travellers (The World Electric Guide and the World Wide Phone Guide are particularly useful if you are shipping gear overseas and need to match up plugs.)
• TechMission's Virtual Volunteer Opportunities site allows high-tech volunteers to look for opportunities to do tasks like web design, graphic design, data entry, and other tasks which can be done remotely over the Internet.

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[Christian Computing Bibliography][Links][Mailing Lists][Computer Re-use Optimisation Project][Church Related Software Index][Christian Computer Users Groups][Computing and Christianity Web Ring]

[Introduction] [Part II: Receiving Donated Computer Gear] [Part III: Donating Computer Gear]
[Appendix A: Organisations] [Appendix B: Software] [Appendix C: Resources] [Appendix D: Bibliography] [Appendix E: Computer Vendors] [Appendix F: Sample Documents] [Appendix G: Media Links]