Further Information

This page provides links to further information which may be use in helping you plan, manage and implement an IT project. Please contact us if you know of any other sites which you think should be added to this page

Accessibility

RNIB guide to accessibility is just that – everything you need to know including accessibility laws and standards and adaptive technologies

Ability-Net's guide My Computer, My Way describes how to customise your computer to suit your personal needs – whether you have a disability or not

W3C (The World Wide Web Consortium) is the international body which sets technical standards for websites. Their website gives technical information on complying with their standards for web accessibility through their W3C Web Accessibility Initiative

Advice and support

The ICT Hub Knowledgebase is a comprehensive source of independent ICT information and advice.

The NCVO ICT Project offers information, advice, signposting and events to non-profit organisations about good ICT practice

NACVS ITNet is an email network for staff with responsibility for development of ICT use

IT for Charities is an ICT resource site aimed solely at community and voluntary groups

Internet Service Providers

Net4Nowt gives a really detailed comparative guide to providers of broadband services as well as metered, and unmetered dial-up providers

The ADSL Guide can help you choose a broadband provider

Ethnic Minorities and ICT

The Black Information Link offers all kinds of information resources to black communities, including a guide to tackling racism on the internet

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has produced a report on good practice models for supporting Access to ICT for BME groups in deprived areas

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)

The Free Software movement believes in the ethical development of software resources and many Free Software projects are aimed specifically at community organisations. An introduction to the philosophy of free software. The desktop operating system most strongly associated with these ideals is Debian.

Open Source software is similar to Free Software but aimed more at commercial environments.

There are Windows versions of a lot of free and open source software with easy installers. The software itself is free (although providers can charge you for servicing and support or for adding bits and configuring the software). Some very easy Windows-compatible programmes to try are: Firefox (fast, flexible and secure web browser), Thunderbird (email client with better than average spam protection) and Open Office (Word Processor and Spreadsheet software). All are absolutely free of charge and have easy Windows installers.

You can get support and information about the advantages of FOSS for the voluntary and community sector at SocialSource or LASA's guide to open source software or NOSI's useful primer on choosing FOSS for non-profits (North American but with many useful pointers) or find more information on the philosophy of the movement at the Free Software Foundation website

Freeware is software which runs on Windows as well as other platforms but which has no license fee (or no license fee for non-profit organisations) or which has "lite" versions which are free. Take care in downloading freeware as some files can be infected with viruses. Use reliable download sites such as Nonags or ZDNet and be sure to scan the files with your security software before opening them.

Security software

AVG offers a free version of their anti-virus protection software to individuals and NGOs. Zone Labs also offer a free version of their excellent ZoneAlarm PC firewall.

Older people

Age Concern gives information and advice for older computer users and runs the Silver Surfers scheme which organises “taster sessions” for older users

Refurbished computers

ITforCharities provides a list of UK organisations offering recycled PCs to VCS organisations.

ELUSE, a Microsoft Approved Refurbisher (MAR) sells, or donates to sick children, good quality refurbished equipment at low cost.

Technical Support

LASA has a guide to troubleshooting PCs and runs the Circuit Riders scheme

Training

Happy computers offer ICT training courses to VCS organisations

Digital Unite offers a range of community-based training options including deskside training

ITforCharities has a list of IT Training providers

Women and ICT:

Microsyster offers news, support, and training for women in ICT in the voluntary sector

Women connect supports women’s organisations in England with online resources, organisational development and some equipment