COMPCENTRAL

In the Opportunity Online grant the Gates Foundation provides funds, instead of computers, to participating libraries. The following guidelines and resources may be useful in making decisions about your new computer purchases.

Recommend new computer specifications:

• Processor: Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2200 2.2GHz
• Operating system: Windows XP Professional or Vista Business
• Total memory: 1GB PC2-5300 DDR SDRAM
• Video adaptor: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator Shared DDR2 SDRAM PCI Express
• Hard drive: 160GB, 7200rpm Serial ATA
• Optical drive: DVD-Writer
• Networking: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
• Keyboard: Preferred Pro USB keyboard
• Pointing device: Optical Wheel Mouse (USB)
• Extended, onsite warranty

Technology Resources and Support Contacts

Looking to maximize your computer related purchases with grant dollars? The following organizations can offer guidance on information about computer configuration, software, and technology planning.

Tech Soup

TechSoup Stock is a nonprofit service that distributes deeply discounted software and technology products to U.S. public libraries and nonprofit organizations. Software is donated to Tech Soup by major companies such as Microsoft, Intuit, and GrantStation and then circulated out to public libraries throughout the country for a minimal fee. Popular software includes Microsoft Office and Windows XP. Qualified nonprofits can also access a range of high-quality refurbished computer systems through TechSoup Stock’s Recycled Computer Initiative for a small fee. These Windows desktop and laptop computers from top manufacturers, including Dell, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Compaq, are designed to meet rigorous standards and are guaranteed to be in excellent working condition by TechSoup’s refurbisher partners.

For more information, visit http://www.techsoup.org/go/library or contact their customer service team at (800) 659-3579 ext. 700 or customerservice@techsoup.org.

WebJunction

WebJunction is a cooperative of library staff sharing and using online resources that enable them to identify and implement technology services useful to the library field. WebJunction acts as a meeting place for librarians to discuss, learn, and discover new ways to meet patron demands through technology. This includes resources on a wide range of technology-related topics and online career development courses.

Hardware and software related information can be found on the Web site’s “Resources” section under “Technology Resources” and include items such as “Buying Technology,” “Hardware,” “Computer Networking,” etc.:
http://www.webjunction.org/do/Navigation;jsessionid=D8B89ACED690B546A5B0857616AAB31F?category=325

For general information about WebJunction, visit http://www.webjunction.org.

Learn from the Experiences of Others - MaintainIT

The team at MaintainIT interviews hundreds of librarians, staff, and tech support personnel about supporting public computers, and publishes their good ideas in FREE Cookbooks and articles.

Download a cookbook today and find out how libraries are getting things done!

For cookbooks and more information about MaintainIT, visit http://maintainitproject.org/.

Please feel free to contact me with questions.

Beth Scheinfeld, PALINET
scheinfeld@palinet.org
800-233-3401 x1220