Recipient information
From ITShare SA Inc
Contents |
Dear Applicant
Thanks for your enquiry to apply for an ITShare SA computer system.
A $40 fee must be made for each computer received. This can be arranged when picking up the computer
You are required to read through this information thoroughly before completing your application, as you need to signify on the Application form that you have done so. If you do not, the Application will be rejected. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. If you are curious about the systems we supply we encourage you to contact us at ITShare SA, either to talk to someone, or to organise a visit to view a demonstration.
About Us
ITShare SA is a not for profit, non government, volunteer based organisation; our volunteers do what they can, when they can. Currently for a standard system there is no waiting. Special requests or needs may take longer.
Through the generosity of Santos, ITShare are able to provide more specialised technology to individuals, groups and communities that fulfil our eligibility criteria. These desktop and laptop computers have been used by Santos staff in the field, and have been checked and reconditioned by our team at ITShare prior to being allocated to recipients.
Software
All systems we provide are fully functional computers running Linux-based Open source software. We do not supply or support Microsoft (Windows) software.
Linux is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), this means that Linux software is available for everyone to use, copy, modify and distribute free of charge. It is able to be customised and configured depending on what it will be used for. The Linux computers distributed by ITShare SA have been configured to provide the user with a desktop interface that is very similar to Windows.
General Hardware
ITShare accepts donated hardware, which our team then refurbish and provide to eligible recipients. We currently provide Pentium 4 (or equivalent) or better systems.
With an ITShare SA computer you can
- Create, edit & save documents (word processor, spreadsheets & presentations) in Microsoft formats if required,
- View basic multimedia and web media,
- Play basic games and practice typing skills,
- Play music,
- Create and alter images,
- Run Linux-based educational software,
- You may be able to run video Cds and DVDs with appropriate hardware installed.
With a modem and Internet connection, your ITShare SA computer will be able to
- Browse the Internet using a graphical browser (eg Firefox),
- Chat using Internet relay chat (IRC) and instant messaging programs (eg Xchat and Pidgin),
- Send and receive email.
An ITShare SA computer is not able to
- Run most Windows games and applications,
- Run high performance applications.
Peripherals (Modems, Scanners, Speakers etc)
Occasionally ITShare is able to provide other hardware peripherals to recipients of computer systems. Feel free to specify on your application form what other hardware you require – we can make no guarantees that we will have the hardware available, & if we do you will be asked to pay a nominal fee ($5-$20 per item) for any extra hardware we provide.
Printers It is very important for all applicants to realise that we do not receive as many printers as computers, therefore we can only allocate printers to community groups and organisations. We DO NOT provide printers to individuals. We can provide you with information on where you might find a cheap printer or where you may be able to print your documents. A brand new printer may cost you between $50 - $150, a second hand one can be picked up for less.
Before buying a printer for your Linux computer it's a good idea to ask about printers before buying them if they are not on our lists.
Internet Services
ITShare SA DOES NOT provide Internet service. You are responsible for arranging your own access with an ISP. However, from time to time, some ISPs donate limited trial offers to us. Please enquire about availability if you are interested, at the time you are notified to collect your computer. The computers we distribute are capable of accessing online services with a modem. You may need to supply your own modem.
How to Apply - Individuals
ITShare SA encourages applications for ITShareSA or Santos/ITShare SA Technology Recycling Scheme computer systems from people who need a computer (and don't already have one) for educational, vocational, community, or other valid purpose. Intending individuals should be on a low income and should be holders of concession cards, or be able to support their claim to be on a low income. If your household has a system, or has already received a system through us, please do not reapply, as this is unfair to other applicants who need systems.
All applications should be accompanied by either: A photocopy of your Centrelink card OR a supporting letter from any one of the following:
- Social service agency
- Educational Institution
- Psychologist or psychiatrist
- Government department
- Case worker / Support worker
The support letter should include verification of low income, a brief description of why you would benefit from a computer, and should not be more than one page in length.
Should you be unable to supply a support letter or proof of income, please contact us to discuss why you cannot and whether we can assist you.
How to Apply – Community Groups or Organisations
ITShare SA encourages applications for ITShare SA or the Santos/ITShare SA Technology Recycling Scheme computer systems from groups or organisations who provide service or support within communities. Referral from a Government agency, a current financial statement or other relevant supporting documentation will be required to be submitted with the application. A description of the purpose of your group or organisation will also be necessary. You are welcome to apply for more than one computer, however, availability & eligibility issues will determine the final number allocated.
Training and Support
ITShare SA offers basic user training to all successful applicants so your current computer skills (or lack of) will not affect your eligibility; we will help you learn all you need to know to get going.
All successful applicants are required, where possible, to attend at least one training session at our venue at Bridgewater.
ITShare SA can sometimes provide low cost delivery, setup and one on one training within the metropolitan region. ITShare SA charges $20- $40 for delivery and setup and $30 an hour for one on one training. We MAY be able to help with shipping to rural/regional areas, dependent upon volunteer availability and shipping availability.
ITShare provides free initial telephone and drop-in support (at designated times). We encourage you to drop in and visit us if you are experiencing difficulties with your system (by appointment and only during our nominated support times). Technical support is provided for three months in office (limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays, when our office is staffed to help) after receiving your computer, free of charge. After that, fees and charges will apply - contact us for further information regarding fixing any hardware issues.
Should you remove our software, we will not provide ongoing support.
Other important Information
- We no longer have the resources to call applicants as soon as their applications arrive, we now call applicants closer to the date that they will receive their computers. When we call we will also book your training session. If you are worried about the progress of your application we don't mind if you call us.
- It is also important for applicants to remember that ITShare SA is not able to meet your deadlines, if you need your computer by a particular date - we won't be able to help you. Our service operates on a first come first served basis, within the guidelines of our eligibility criteria.
- ITShare SA often has to give up on trying to contact applicants. This occurs when we have left several messages and no one returns our call or we have tried calling many times and get no answer. Should this occur, you will be removed from the waiting list.
- Once you have been booked into training - we expect you to attend the sessions as booked. If you fail to attend booked training sessions that you were booked into and you do not let us know in advance - you will be required to re-apply. If you have to re-apply your application will return to the end of the waiting list.
- If you have any additional peripherals (eg: printer, scanner, modem, etc) which need to be configured with the computer, they must be brought into the office, fully and clearly labelled with your name, one week before picking up your computer, otherwise we make no guarantee that they will work. If they are unlabelled, you run the risk of them being confused for a donation, and we will not then guarantee that you will be able to retrieve them.
- Above all, ITShare SA would like all intending applicants to realise that our service is a volunteer service and is only possible because of volunteers. When you come to ITShare SA we would appreciate it if you could remember this and thank our wonderful volunteers for the work they do.
If you decide to complete the attached application form, please return it by mail to the above address. We have left additional space at the end of the application form should you wish to add any additional comments. Please provide as much information as is possible about what you hope to do with a computer.
All information obtained by ITShare SA will be treated confidentially. Every precaution will be taken to ensure that the privacy of the applicants will not be breached.
