h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

As some may know, I've offered what help I can to a digibox user who wants to get back on this site but is restricted in PC use.

Some suggestions have been:

PC solutions to porting to TVs.
Lists of free PC access sites.
Friends and family who might help with old gear.
Hootooers who might help with old gear.
Programs that provide access or gear.

Any suggestions? Information? Offers of help? Old monitors?

Lets get together as a community here!

Well, there's worse places to look than aka's guide entry A2277425.

Excellent place to start!

Being a North American my stuff is generally 110V 60 cycle stuff but I do have access to some universal things like keyboards and (now only) one keyboard or monitor *arm* (those things that are like table lamps with articulated arms and springs). Both might be handy for disabled researchers for a start.

Most of my PC stuff is nacked by the time its replaced, or gets passed straight onto the guy with the computer shop where we get our (hugely discounted) computer bits and bobs from I've an yearish old graphics card knocking about if it were any use I think its somewhere... Most of the other stuff is too ancient or bust

*Every little bit helps, as the little old lady said as she widdled in the sea.*

If this thread gets rolling perhaps someone could need something you or I have, who knows?

Also, if anybody has any /information/ on how to get a cheap/free PC, that can go into the Guide Entry and you can be referenced in it, in the "Written/Resarched By:" Researchers box.

Great idea!

I may have an Old "Tiny Wave" piece of kit that was supposed to transmit the output from the PC to a TV. Unfortunately when I got it I didn't have a modern enough TV (No SCART sockets) and then I got a new system and never set it up so I cannot confirm whether it is working or not


As a side issue, how is the request/offer/delivery for this going to work?

A suggestion I would make is create a central guide entry with guestbooks set up for donations and requests (No offence to aka, I thought about suggesting his article but I don't think that would be that well recieved at this precise moment)

there is so much old working computer equipment around that just gets thrown out, taht the main problem should only be the cost of transport of equipment and then accessing the interent.

Attend computer fairs advertised in the local press. It's those kind of places you can pick up a reasonable spec internet ready (usually a modem for dialup) PC for very little money. All they would need then is a PAYG or anytime internet account and they're away.

In terms of the digi users with disability and now without internet access, getting to fairs, retailers etc may possibly be problematic.

This may be of use
http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/myway/

Also http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/content/abilitynet/abnass.htm

Abilitynet is a section of Leonard Cheshire (a charity) that has been set up to help people with disabilities access computers and the internet better.

Although they can't provide equipment for free they will give an individual an assessment of their needs to bash an occupational therapist around the head with. They will also provide specialist equipment at a market price.

And if you are employed or in education you are likely to be able to get your equipment paid for by someone else (your employer and access to work if employed and DSA (disabled students allowance) if you're in education)

There are also probably charities out there willing to fund the cost of any equipment needed by disabled people (especially considering how enabling computers and the internet are) it's just a matter of finding them.

see:
http://www.cascadenet.org.uk/grants.htm

Can I just say 'Hurrah!' for those who are considering being constructive instead of the generally unconstructive (whether intentionally or not I can't judge) comments on a few other threads.

Keep it up guys. If I had any decent contacts or know-how I'd add them too but I don't.

rt

At most, of these shows www.theshowguide.co.uk there is a company selling Dell and Compaq “ex-network stations”, for around £15.00 - £30.00

In addition, 56kV90 modems sell for around £5.00 – £12.00

This may also be of interest.
http://www.metronomy.co.uk/

And such as this is not uncommon
http://www.Freeisp.co.uk
http://www.uko2.co.uk/

All excellent, although that *ability* one was a bit scary- it wouldn't let me out!

As to the question of shipping, if no one minds the *slow boat to China* method I would happily ship what I have and pick up the bill. It will take one or two months, though.

What we need is some way for researchers to find out who is in need near them so it might only be a short bus trip. Personally I'd like to hear more from the disabled or PC limited here on Hootoo, does anyone know if there is a favourite thread?

the "de myelin nation" is one of the main haunts

I don't want to rain on the parade but...


My question still hasn't been answered.

All the equipment has to have someone to go to

Everything has to be paid for regarding shipping (mine I dont mid paying the shpping because it is quite a smll pices of kit ie > £5 to post, but something like a monitor is going to cost quite a bit.


I still think we need a central repository (for want of a better term) to distribute the goods

BTW I also have a monitor, keyboard and mouse (I recently purchased a switch box) going spare. I don't mind giving the kit away but I am not going to pay the postage on it

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