Message-ID: <9504108001.AA800115968@lancelot.rtptok.epa.gov> Date: Wed, 10 May 1995 07:23:14 EST From: mailto:GOOZNER.ALAN@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV> Subject: Re: Contribution of computer to a non-profit organization To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L
I wish you the best of luck in obtaining a computer for your
work. The costs of computers have declined dramatically in
recent years especially with respect to computing power.
You undoubtedly will be getting many offers for equipment
but the shipping costs from far-away would hardly justify
the expense compared to what is probably available locally.
You may want to acquire equipment suited to you locality.
Electrical compatibility is an immediate thought along with
support and familiarity of the type of computer that local
people may be able to assist when and if you need help.
You also should consider the software requirements of the
computer tasks that you will face in your organization and
interface computability with cooperating offices that you
will be working with. Modern equipment is usually flexible
to accommodate most situations but donations that come your
way may be older machines - cast offs from people who have
upgraded. If a donated machine was a throw-away for someone
- why should it have exceptional value to your organization?
The donor has found it to no longer have value to them to
retain it in service.
My suggestion to you is to carefully consider your computer
needs and to acquire the equipment you need to do your tasks
as efficiently as possible. The computer equipment in your
organization can make a big difference in your capability
and effectiveness.