As
part of our project in Shiru, Kenya we are
helping to retool and modernize the local health clinic with new computers and a
Intranet. This modernization requires
network equipment, desktop and laptop computers, mice, keyboards and far too
much cable. We would like to get as much
of this equipment as we can from donations and are asking you support us
through monetary or physical donations.
If you are interested in purchasing a computer
and do not know what to look for, we have compiled a list of the most suitable
computers for the job. These computers are reliable and inexpensive:
Desktop
- HP COMPAQ
Website:
http://bit.ly/sckhp1
Cost:
131.98 plus applicable taxes
Desktop
- Lenovo ThinkCenter
Website:
http://bit.ly/sckltc1
Cost:
142.99 plus applicable taxes
Laptop
- Dell Latitude
Website:
http://bit.ly/sckdl1
Cost:
285.97 plus applicable taxes
If
you would prefer to pick to choose an alternative machine from the above list,
please remember its purpose when selecting the device. For our situation,
please read through DO’s and DO NOT’s of our situation.
DO
|
DO NOT
|
- Get a business orientated computer;
- Get Intel based product (if you are unsure, just ask someone at
the store).
|
- Get AMD based computers;
- Get media computers (these computers are known for having special
graphic cards, touch screens and other non-essential tools).
|
Beyond computers we also need keyboards, mice, wireless
and wired routers, network cables, extension cords, uninterruptible power
supplies (UPS) and a projector. Mice are difficult to set a standard for, as
there are so many different types, so we would just like to ask that they be
wired mice. It is easier for everyone involved if the clinic does not need to
worry about keeping a constant stock of various batteries to maintain its
equipment and the lack of any standard for mouse receivers also makes it
difficult to swap the mice around should a piece break. All of this applies to
keyboards as well.
Network
equipment pretty much consists of as many metres of cable as we can get our
hands on and a number of wireless routers. D-link routers are tried and true
and will fill our needs nicely (http://bit.ly/sckdli1). I have yet to find a bad network cable
so anything should work; just remember to keep them reasonably long. We are also
in need of power bars, these could be an issue as most power bars here will use
American plugs so a liberal amount of local adapters will be required.
Thank you
to all who are supporting this cause and we hope your contribution will make
the trip that much more productive in creating a better world. If you have any
questions or concerns regarding donations, please send your questions to Kevin
Ransome (Kevin.Ransome@ontario.ca).
For
physical donations, please mail the equipment to the following postal address:
Suggestion: when
purchasing the equipment online, use the below address as the mailing address
to save you from having to mail it out twice!
Scouts
Canada
c/o Kenya
2012
531
Windermere Road
London,
Ontario
N5X 2T1
For
monetary donations, please use the donation link at the top of our page or you
are welcome to contact Kevin Ransome (Kevin.Ransome@ontario.ca) for more
information.
Written
by Eric Davison
