Computers to the Community
- Training Programme brochure
- Computer brochure describing the computer and listing the applications we use and provide
- Training Programme Booking Form - Check the Computer Angels' Calendar for the next course start date
- Download our poster (PDF) to assist us to spread the word about our programme.
How can I participate in Computer Angels' training programme? Our programme is directed to people who have no access to a computer or computer facilities or have no or minimum computer literacy. Our only prerequisite is your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
The report Bridging the Digital Divide in Western Australia, identifies and summarises some of the target groups for Computer Angels.
How much will it cost me? There are two ways to participate.
If you are a Centrelink Concession Card holder, we provide our training for $120 and provide a free computer at completion of your training. We require a non-refundable $20 booking fee prior to the course commencing to secure your place in the programme. The remaining $100 is due and payable prior to or on the first day of your training session.
Our course is available for people who are working. We provide our training for $295 and provide a free computer at completion of your training. We require a non-refundable $20 booking fee prior to the course commencing to secure your place in the programme. The remaining $275 is due and payable prior to or on the first day of your training session.What should I do to apply? Download and print the Training Programme Booking Form and send the completed form to the above address together with your booking fee ($20 cheque/postal order).
If you do not know anyone to download a form for you, send a stamped self-addressed envelope (SSAE) to:
Computer Angels
PO Box 8039
South Perth 6151
and we will return a set of brochures to you including a Training Programme Booking Form.
Note: Completed bookings forms and booking fee need to be received at least a week before the requested course date so that we can confirm your place. We require a minimum of four participants for the course to proceed as scheduled.
Two programmes run concurrently, a morning session and an afternoon session. Check the Computer Angels' Calendar on our News page for the next course start date.
The morning sessions are conducted from 9.15am to 12.00noon and the afternoon sessions are conducted from 1.00pm to 3.45pm. You will need to indicate your course session time preference (morning or afternoon) on the Training Programme Booking form.
On completion of the training programme (four sessions) an appointment is made for you to collect their computer. This appointment with a Computer Angels' volunteer lasts approximately 45 minutes and is used to configure the computer for your needs and the needs of other members of the household, connect to the ISP of their choice (if required), and answer any specific questions.
What can I do with it? There are no restrictions on what you can do with the computer. You're allowed to use it for schoolwork, to help with a home business or simply for games and personal interest. We ask however that you keep it for yourself, and return it to us if it is no longer required.
What sort of computer will it be? While most of the computers that we provide use an Intel Pentium processor, we do not place emphasis on the hardware specifications. Our most important criteria is that the computer provides the means to learn about using a computer for activities such as word processing, email, and browsing the Internet. The computer will be running an operating system called Debian GNU/Linux.
How easy is it to use? We have selected the application programs on Computer Angels computers to have similarities with Microsoft programs but there are some differences. We provide training that explains how to use computers of different types so that you can be more confident about finding your way around different computers. The Computer Angels computer has electronic manuals installed. However, you should be prepared to spend a little time learning. The system we install is no harder or easier to use than Microsoft Windows - just different.
Will it have a friendly graphical user interface? Yes. Each computer comes with a mouse and a full graphical user interface pre-installed. Computer Angels computer systems use the Xfce desktop environment. Customisation and configuration of windows, mouse, screen savers, and backgrounds provided from one easy window. Note: Backgrounds are photographs of Western Australia and are provided by volunteers and Perth Linux User Group (PLUG) members.You won't need to use "command line" programs in a text screen unless you would like to learn more about using a computer in this way.
What software will it have? Many programs are installed to allow you to access and use the Internet, prepare documents, manipulate vector and bitmap graphics, build and maintain your family tree, and play games. See our Computer Sales page for further information about specific applications or programmes.
| Activity | Software or programme |
|---|---|
| Internet | Email, browser, IRC chat, instant messaging and web site editors. |
| Office Productivity | Word processor, spreadsheet, and office suite. |
| Graphics | Image editors and viewers, access photographs from your digital camera or scanner |
| Multimedia | Audio and streaming video, and sound editor. |
| Genealogy | Build and maintain your family tree. |
| Games | Includes Enigma, Gnometris, Solitaire, Pingus, Minesweeper, Gnome Mahjong, Tux Typing, Gnibbles, Defendguin, CircusLinux, and Frozen Bubble. |
| Desktop and Utilities | Graphical desktop environment, file manager, printer configuration, internet settings, and ability to add new programmes. |
Will it have a modem and Internet access? Currently Computer Angels does not provide modems. The computer is ready to connect to the Internet but you will need to purchase your own modem and obtain an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). We explain the steps in our “Introduction to the Internet” training session. Please contact us before buying your modem.
Will it have a printer? Computer Angels does not provide printers. The computer will work with many modern printers. As with modems, call us and seek our advice before obtaining one or seek information from the “Suggested Printers for Free Software Users” page on the www.linuxprinting.org web site.
Why don't you use Microsoft Windows? There are three reasons:
- The software installed on a Computer Angels computer is available at low cost. This enables us to provide the computer at minimum cost to Computer Angels.
- Microsoft prohibits copying or modifying their software. Computer Angels exists to encourage learning and we believe it is inappropriate to tell people they must not share their software with others or to experiment with it.
- By using open-source software (OSS) and programmes that we can freely copy and distribute, we don't need to keep track of licencing documentation or get a new licence for each computer. All this, monetary cost aside, takes time which we could otherwise use for training people and building computers.
Angels and penguins Computer Angels computers rely solely on Open Source and other free software. The flexibility and freedom of the open license and the low system requirements of the Linux operating system and software allows us to distribute refurbished computers at low cost. The Linux computer software community is a worldwide group of enthusiasts, developers, and users who create software that is freely available for everyone who needs to use a computer. Linux has a penguin mascot called Tux who appears on the Internet and other media to promote the aims of the community.