Available Computers

 

PLEASE NOTE: We strongly encourage applicants to request desktop units. Though we are receiving increasing numbers of laptops, demand considerably exceeds supply. So if you wish to receive your computers more quickly, we strongly suggest you request desktops.

The type and quality of available equipment at any given time depends upon recent donations. However the quality of this equipment improves continuously: we are currently able to provide Pentium-4 units with Windows XP operating systems. Normally we include the following with every unit:

• Operating System: A Microsoft operating system is installed. Microsoft Office 2003 Standard can also be installed on computers going to accredited schools.
• Memory: 512 Mb. to 1 Gb.
• Hard drives: 20 Gb. or larger
• Network card: 10/100
• Sound card
• CD-ROM / DVD-ROM
• 15, 17 or 19" flat panel (LCD) display
• Keyboard and mouse

 

Applicants should make it clear whether they are applying as a) schools, b) under the "home access" initiative, or as c) “others,” as follows:

a) Schools:

• Schools remain our primary clients.
• We continue to install (free of charge) Windows operating systems on computers going to schools.
• We are also authorized to install Microsoft Office Professional 2003 software on computers going to eligible K-12 and post-secondary Alberta schools.
• We continue offering our “Computers for Educators” service, aimed at assisting educators who may have been slow to integrate computer technology into their professional lives. Thus we can provide a number of computers to a school board, which then offers appropriate training to candidates that it identifies, after which successful candidates retain the computer system used during their training.
• We are increasing efforts to ensure that schools applying for computer equipment do so with the knowledge/authorization of their school jurisdiction I.T. coordinators.

b) Home Access: To respond to the many requests we receive from (or on behalf of) individuals – mainly for special needs students or for students without a computer at home - schools (not individuals) may apply for a limited number of computers to distribute to students for home use. It will be up to the school to identify recipients based on “special needs” (such as students with low vision), or financial need of the student’s family. Computers provided under this “home access” dimension of our program will normally be desktops. Laptop requests will be considered only for coded special needs students.

c) Others (Mainly public libraries and learning-based non-profit organizations):

• “Non-school” applicants should be aware that the main issue in responding to their requests is one of software.
• We are pleased to provide these applicants with operating systems under the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher Program (MAR), which allows us to purchase Windows XP operating system licenses and standard programs, and install them on computers going to applicants in this “other” category. We are able to do so for a total of $20 per unit which enables us to recover our costs.

Equipment is provided free of charge with two exceptions: schools must arrange for, and assume costs related to transportation of their computers; and "others" are charged $20 per system for a Windows XP operating system and Microsoft Office 2003 Standard software.

If you have further questions or wish to discuss detailed technical requirements please do so directly with the Alberta CFS shop nearest you (click here).

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