Message-ID: <m0uLZzo-000b9lC@mail.awinc.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 1996 10:49:31 +0000 From: Susan McLoughlin <mailto:smclough@AWINC.COM> Subject: Computers in Africa To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
I have been following the thread of the discussion on shipping older computers etc. to Africa and a couple of points have gradually come to mind.First, if you want to check out old technology, go into the average business or professional office in your North American town or city. I guarantee that most of the equipment will be AT LEAST five years old, most of it older than that. Many offices are still using DOS for Petes sake. The point is that these computers still work just fine for the requirements of most small businesses. Granted Windows, colour monitors and pentiums are preferable but the older machines still do the job.
Second, the people who are against sending computers etc. to Africa are not, I expect, the ones who would be using them. Perhaps the potential recipients should be consulted as to their views on receiving "outdated technology". I know that when I first started computing my ex-husband gave me a Tandy CoCo or whatever they were called. I had a great time playing with it up to a point and then moved on. I am sure that almost anything that would be going to Africa today would be better than my little Radio Shack computer of yesterday.
Cheers, Susan ********************************************************* Susan McLoughlin mailto:smclough@awinc.com ICOMM Info Exchange Phone: (604) 496-0003 Site 15 Box A Comp 2 Fax: (604) 496-0008 Naramata, BC V0N 1N0 *********************************************************