EReadiness:Computer Infrastructure

Deals

• If you are looking for cheap but reliable computers, check out MAR (Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher) program whereby refurbished (i.e. previously used) computers are made available to qualifying NGOs – these computers have been tested and come installed with useful software. More information on this and other offerings is available on

[www.ngoconnectafrica.org]

• Sangonet makes Microsoft software available at a nominal charge (4% of the retail price) to qualifying NGOs in Southern Africa. More information can be found on

[www.sangonet.org.za]

Laptop or Desktop

A difficult question for a small NGO buying their first computer(s) is whether to buy a laptop (or notebook) computer or a desktop system. This will depend on a number of factors:

• How much mobility is really required (people often overestimate the amount of productive computer work they can do while travelling).
• The issue of security (although a laptop can be removed during the night from the NGO’s premises for safekeeping, a laptop can be stolen or damaged during transit more easily – they are also more attractive targets for thieves).
• Remember that a laptop computer is significantly more expensive:
• To purchase (i.e. you can buy a much more powerful desktop computer for the same money)
• To repair (they are more fragile and prone to handling damage), to upgrade and to insure
• BUT they provide mobility, can easily be locked up and can run off battery if there is a temporary lapse of mains power

Open-Source Software

The real reason for deciding which computer to buy should be determined by the type of applications you wish to run: you do not want a computer for its own sake, but you really want a solution or productivity tool. However, before you can run any applications, you need to have an operating system loaded. In most cases, a brand new computer will come with the latest version of Microsoft Windows. A second-hand computer may have an old Windows version or, alternatively, an implementation of the Linux operating system (like Ubuntu). There is also the possibility of buying an Apple computer with its own operating system (OS X).

Before you decide on any non-Windows operating system (and note that the alternative operating systems have their strong merits), make sure that you have a reliable support system in place (in-house skills and external supplier). Although the alternative operating systems are generally very reliable, managing or fixing Linux and Apple computers require skills which are generally less common, harder to find and thus often more expensive.

For the application programmes (or software) you will often have the choice between commercial off-the-shelf software, ‘free’ open-source software (OSS), and custom-development. Custom-developed software is strongly discouraged for new-comers in the computer world because of its cost and long-term support issues, unless you have a very specific and special need. Generally, as a novice, you cannot go wrong by opting for the industrystandard commercial software (such as Microsoft Office). There are some good arguments (cost, ease of use, lower hardware requirements) for using open-source software (such as the free and very functional OpenOffice productivity suite) as long as you are aware of the potential issues such as training, transfer of user skills and possible compatibility issues. NGOs have the exciting opportunity to obtain Microsoft software almost for free.

Refer to SangoTech for more information. At the other end of the spectrum, the Open-Source software community has created a CD with a full software solution for NGOs: see NGO In a box for more information.