ICT Hub June 2007 Newsletter
view printable versionThe content of this newsletter was last edited on 8th August 2008
It's the free issue. Not only do you get this newsletter for nothing, this month we're going to show you how to make the best of the free ICT resources, help and software that's out there.
It's Volunteers Week so time to do your bit but also time to offer opportunities for others to help. You'll be surprised how people can make a difference. Just how cheaply can you run ICT? Well, let's see.
Contents
ICT news
More about Windows Vista
Just when you thought Vista had achieved global domination, some hardware suppliers
(including Dell and HP) are offering systems with a choice of XP and Vista. Stick with what
works - you know it makes sense. Perspectives on Vista from the
ICT Hub
Knowledgebase and
discuss Vista in our
forums.
Volunteering for all skills (and not just ICT ones) with MySociety
MySociety has a novel list of volunteer activities so why not check them out. If you
feel inclined you could volunteer and if you don't you could shamelessly take their ideas and think
of how you could adapt them to your own needs.
Olive, the oldest blogger in the world
More on the Silver Surfers and some handy classroom resources for all ages
Open source in four and a half minutes
It is possible, and here's how.
Find out more about Ubuntu. Do you Ubuntu
and why?
Discuss Ubuntu in the
forums.
Understanding web analytics - Does your website do its job?
Web Analytics might mean nothing to you but it could be your biggest asset in monitoring and
evaluating your website. This is an excellent introduction, and you can read more in a
very well
researched article from Beth Kanter
A Virtual Promise
A summary of the annual 'state of charity new media' report
Will your user comments put you in the dock?
Mumsnet and the cost of free speech
Will your email footer get you fined?
Voluntary organisations who are also registered companies are still getting caught out by not
publishing standard company information on websites and in email footers.
Where to go for ICT support and help (and it's free)!
Don't suffer in silence. More free help from the Hub
Funny story of the month - judge askes 'what is a website?'
We've got to start from the basics. Is the Judge the only man in the UK who doesn't know what
a website is?
News from the ICT Hub
Regional Champions
The ICT Hub have commissioned a regional champion to work in each region to act as a regional
champion for ICT in supporting front-line voluntary and community organisations to understand and
be signposted to the range of practical ICT resources available in their region or at a national
level enabling them to better achieve their mission to deliver quality services more
effectively.
Professional IT Support for FREE
Do you need some professional IT support at zero cost? iT4Communities introduces IT
professionals who wish to give their services for free to charities needing IT help. The
professionals working with iT4C accept that many charities do not have adequate financial resources
to fully harness the potential presented by Information Communication Technology (ICT), hence why
they have willingly given more than £2million worth of services to charities registered with
iT4Communities.
iT4Communities Volunteers can help with any of the following: IT Strategy, IT Support, IT
Networking, IT Buying Advice, Database Design, Telephone Systems, Web Site Design, Training. To
take advantage of this service all you have to do is either visit
www.it4communities.org.uk and follow the
instructions online or get in touch with us either by Telephone: 020 7796 2144 or email
info@it4communities.org.uk
Looking for help with your organisation's ICT?
Our online directory lists suppliers of ICT goods and services to the voluntary and
community sector in England and it's FREE to use. The directory now lists over 150 suppliers
between them offering over 250 services covering all regions of England. New suppliers are
continually being added. ICT suppliers with recent experience of providing quality ICT goods
and services to the voluntary and community sector (paid for or pro bono work) are encouraged to
apply for a listing in the directory. If your organisation has had a good experience with an
ICT supplier please let them know about the directory.
If you are a supplier working in the sector please visit the directory to apply for a
listing.
To start using the directory visit
www.suppliersdirectory.org.uk.
Need practical advice on how ICT can help your organisation?
The ICT Hub Knowledgebase is a FREE, comprehensive, online resource of practical
help, information, and independent advice on ICT. The Knowledgebase contains a wealth of
information to help voluntary and community sector organisations to plan, implement, manage,
maintain and use ICT effectively.
Expert advice on ICT issues relevant to the sector is available 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. Articles are written in clear, plain English, backed up by a jargon-busting glossary to
explain any confusing ICT terms. For free and impartial ICT advice visit
www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk
Article of the month
Free Software And we don't just mean open source - From computer magazines to free downloads, there's a huge amount of free software a few mouse clicks away and it's not all technically challenging. What could you be doing differently, better and more cheaply with free software?
Free Help and Resources Who said ICT had to be expensive? - A bit of time, thrift and careful planning could transform your ICT environment without spending a penny.
Case study of the month
IT Volunteering that works - Volunteering that works. A good case for using and being an iT4Communities volunteer.
Free software in practice - What free software means at People and Planet.