RE: Computer Bank

["Mike Curley" <curley@CYPHER.TURBONET.COM>]

Thanks, Erik, for bringing us back to John Cronin's original suggestion that 
children and families without computers or typewriters might benefit from even 
an older model.  And Bob Hoffman's comments about learning basic computer 
skills from older machines also was on point.  

So, it sounded like from earlier posts that there are used computers available 
for donation (and there will probably still be plenty of truly "dead" ones 
available to shoot for those who are so inclined), old software available (it 
is not a "piracy" for me to give my computer with existing software on it 
unless I copy it for multiple use), and folks who could use the computers.

Now all we need is a volunteer to coordinate the program.  And someone to teach 
the new owners the programs (maybe, some may be able to pick learn on their own 
or read the old instruction books the donors provide such as WordPerfect 5.)
for Dummies).  Would this be a worthwhile community service project to see if 
some high school students would like to consider?  a project for retirees or 
seniors?  a public service organization like Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary?  

mike curley


> From:          Erikus4@aol.com
> Date:          Mon, 2 Aug 1999 12:48:18 EDT
> Subject:       RE:  Computer Bank
> To:            vision2020@moscow.com

> I just recently set up my old 486 dx2/66 for my nieces, who are 5 and 3.  
> Plenty of the "Reader Rabbit" type software requires only a 486/33 or so.  
> (And now it "rocks" as a 486.  48 meg memory, 6X CD, 700meg hard drive, 
> SVGA...)  I tried the software and it seems ridiculously slow to me, but kids 
> don't seem to care.  I figure their heads are full of daydreams anyway and 
> can't detect CD accesses...
> 
> If you've got an old system and know of a family that has young children, see 
> about setting it up for them.  Many of the "educational" titles in this 
> category are also very cheap.
> 
> E. O'Daniel
> 
>