[plug] Computer disposal groups?

[Jacqueline McNally]

Joel wrote:
> Try Mega Byte Support in Fremantle
> (http://www.jobswest.com.au/megabyte/home/index.html). They take anything
> and everything PC related. If it can't be used in a system then they turn
> pretty much everything else into recycled scrap (all but monitor tubes as
> far as I know). They'll even come to you to pick up. I've used them a couple
> of times myself.

Thanks for the link Joel. I was aware of the Stirling Skills Training 
group in Fremantle, but I did not know that they were also in Balcatta:
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:fX95l0PYQmUJ:www.workplace.gov.au/DEWRSB/WP/Content/Files/ES/WFD/Activities/WA_20040115.xls+%22Mega+Byte+Support%22&hl=en

I was initially surprised that more PLUGgers did not know about them, as 
from the DEWRSB site:

"PARTICIPANTS WILL CLEAN, TEST AND INSTALL FREE SOFTWARE TO DONATED 
COMPUTERS AND DISTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY".

And, on the Mega Byte Support page:

"All software handed out by Mega Byte Support is legally licensed and 
falls into the category of ‘freeware’ applications. As is the software 
used to run the project."

I know sometimes people confuse freeware and free software, but 
following the link to the announcement of "The states first 
purpose-built Logistics and the Information & Communications Technology 
Skills Centre will be built in Malaga." I discovered that Microsoft is 
one of the sponsors: 
http://www.jobswest.com.au/skillcentre%5Ccityofswan.html

On computer donations, it is really difficult to say no. Computer Angels 
do not want to turn potential donors away. But as you are aware, we use 
Linux and other Open Source Software and so do the people who 
participate in our programmes and obtain a computer system from us. As 
an advocate of OSS, I'm well aware that Linux runs on just about 
anything :) But to provide the best learning experience, sometimes a 
first for a lot of people coming to computers, we want our OSS platform 
to be comparable if not the best :)

So to provide the best computer eXperience, yes we would still like any 
PII 233Mhz+ machines as you move into the Ghz. And, while we cannot 
accept more low end hardware, we still need skilled people 
(http://www.computerangels.org.au/support_us.shtml) and funds 
(http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/giving/appeal_details.form?appealId=407).

All the best
Jacqueline McNally
www.decisions-and-designs.com.au/jacqueline

Community Contact, Australia/New Zealand
OpenOffice.org Marketing Project
(www.openoffice.org)

Are you a computer angel? (www.computerangels.org.au)