Dear Friends,

I am writing to invite you to a luncheon talk being hosted by the Free
Software Foundation (FSF) <http://www.fsf.org> in conjunction with the
Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) <http://www.nten.org/ntc> on March
26,2004 in Philadelphia.

The talk by Professor Eben Moglen <http://moglen.law.columbia.edu> will
focus on ´Ethical and Political Issues of Freedom in the Use of
Software¡.  Eben is Professor of Law and Legal History at Columbia Law
School and Board Member and General Counsel to FSF.  He is a nationally
recognized authority on alternatives to contemporary copyright and
patent law.  He will speak about FSF's fundamental belief that
technology exists to help people.  He will also talk about the GNU
General Public License (GPL)
<http://www.fsf.org/licenses/licenses.html#GPL>,the legal instrument
created by FSF to guarantee that right.

Eben is also going to be part of a panel at the NTC "Why Should you Care
about Open Source? How Open Source Aligns with the Values,Strategies,
and Tactics of the Nonprofit Sector"
<http://www.nten.org/conferences-2004-ntc-care>.  Staff from FSF will
also participate in Penguin Day <http://www.penguinday.org> on March 28,
2004 also in Philadelphia.

FSF is dedicated to promoting computer users' right to use,study, copy,
modify and redistribute computer programs, and spreading awareness of
the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software.

To attend, please RSVP to ravi@... or by calling 617-620-9640.
Gianni's Bistro is located inside Hotel Windsor (across from the Wyndham
Hotel) at 1700 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, (215) 972-8211.

Hope to see you there.

Regards,

Ravi


Ravi Khanna 		 Phone: +1-617-542-5942 ext.22
Director of Communication  Cell: +1-617-620-9640
Free Software Foundation  Fax: +1-617-542-2652
59 Temple Place, Suite 662  E-mail: ravi@...
Boston, MA 02111-1307 	 Website: www.fsf.org


Please support the Free Software Foundation
http://svcs.affero.net/rm.php?r=surya&p=surya

Hi Folks -

Thanks to support from the Kellogg Foundation, N-TEN is able to provide
scholarships to nonprofit staff members to allow them to attend the 2004
Nonprofit Technology Conference. THERE ARE JUST 45 SCHOLARSHIPS REMAINING!
These scholarships will reduce the cost of the three-day conference to just
$125. Kellogg Foundation Scholarships are available to nonprofit staff from
organizations that:

1. Provide services in any of the following communities: people of color,
women or youth.
To register, use our online registration system, and indicate that you are
eligible for the scholarship when prompted. Applicants will be able to
register for the conference at the scholarship rate immediately, but
eligibility will be verified.

We sold out last year, so don't wait to register.  Join us March 25-27 in
Philadelphia -  register now at:

http://nten.forms.soceco.org/33/

Here’s why you can’t miss this event:

<> Comprehensive agenda.  With 42 breakout sessions, there’s something for
everyone.  We’ve designed sessions specifically for nonprofit management and
program staff, nonprofit tech staff, and nonprofit technology assistance
providers, and session cover everything from nuts and bolts technology
implementations to sector-wide issues you should be thinking about.  And we’
re amassing an incredible array of speakers.  Check out the agenda at:
http://www.nten.org/ntc-agenda

<> Meet your colleagues.  This is the only conference that brings together
people from across the globe with the same two passions: nonprofits and
technology.  Whether you’re new to the community or you’ve been tuned in for
years, this is a valuable opportunity to meet all those people you’ve
conversed with via email.  We’re expecting more than 600 attendees!  And, we
’re busy planning more ways for you to get to know each other.  From
receptions to evening activities, you’ll have plenty of chances to get to
know each other.

<> Science Fair.  Exhibitor halls are lonely places.  That’s why we invented
the Science Fair.  It’s a chance for all kinds of companies and
organizations to show off their products and services in a fast-paced, fun
environment.  Learn more about the Science Fair at:
http://www.nten.org/ntc-science-fair

<> Day of Service.  How many other conferences give their attendees a chance
to do something good, and leave the local nonprofit community better off
than when they got there? This year, Day of Service will serve over 30
Philadelphia organization with on-site technology assistance.  Learn more
at:
http://www.nten.org/ntc-dos

<> Padfolios.  That’s right, attend the 2004 Nonprofit Technology Conference
and you’ll get your very own, limited edition, conference padfolio!  Perfect
for taking notes at sessions, and storing your handouts.  Don’t worry, we
won’t tell your geek friends you still use paper and pens.

Join over 600 of your colleagues and peers this March!  To learn more about
the conference, visit our web site at:

http://www.nten.org/ntc

I hope you'll be able to join us for a productive and fun-filled event!

Best,
Holly

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
SAVE THE DATE: 2004 NTC
Philadelphia, PA
March 25-27
Details at www.nten.org/ntc
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Holly Ross, Director of Programs, N-TEN
Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network
http://www.nten.org
holly@..., 415.397.9000

Hi all,

We’re currently re-thinking and strategizing various computing policies and
procedures at SF Zen Center, including data backup, firewalls, security,
password policy, etc etc.  I recently came upon this resource, though it’s
probably a bit more than we need:
HYPERLINK
"https://techrepublic-secure.com.com/5106-6242-26-22218.html?part=tr&subj=22
218#Preview%20a%20Policy:"TechRepublic Customizable Templates

Does anyone have any other ideas for templates or sample policies of this
nature?  Or best practices?

Thanks, Jon

..................................
Jon Voss
Director of Information Technology
San Francisco Zen Center
300 Page St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
p. 415-846-7218
e. jon.voss@...


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.596 / Virus Database: 379 - Release Date: 2/26/2004



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Friends

I live in Sierra Leone, West Africa and director of a non profit organization -
Community Research and Development Organization (CREDO) - that focuses on the
development of IT  in the country. Less than 5 % have access to internet,
computers and other IT facilities. We are working with communities, government
and organizations, schools, colleges and vocational centres so that youths,
students, women and other groups can use the net  to improve their lives

I have worked with IT projects that are impacting  favourably in both rural and
urban communities.  Notwithstanding, I always love IT and I feel passionate
about improving my skill in IT Management.

My IT interests are research, management and E-commerce

I look forward to meeting  and working with you all.

Peter Bangura
Executive Director
Community Research and Development Organization (CREDO)
10 Cole Street
Murray Town
Freetown
Sierra Leone
West Africa
Tel 232 22 273659
       232 22 242041
Mobile 00 232 76 695 694
Email credosl@...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Question 1

Does anyone know if there is a way of getting Outlook Express to date the
entries in the Address Book?

I have the option set to automatically add addresses that I reply to, but
ideally would like a date with it?

Or better still a first added date and last time emailed date!!  Then I
would know who to archive etc..


Question 2

On previous computer using Outlook Express 6 I found the Rules option
fairly effective to block unwanted emails, whether spam or virus generated
- both using the block sender and the options to pick up subjects - and
saying to delete from server.

Now on new computer, but with same settings, it just doesn't seem to work
any more - and there is a plague of virus generated emails with common
'subject' such as fake, stolen, and so on.

But the 'rules' are just not working.  Any ideas?

At the moment over 50% of my emails are these, or just as useless emails
'warning' me that I have got a virus because someone has received an email
with my faked address.

Many thanks

JW

Hi Jon.  My apologies for being self promotional, but check out the Wired
for Good book.  Not only does it provide guidance for how to think through
these policies, but it has templates and examples.

You can get it through Amazon, or I believe NTEN is offering a discount for
its members.  You can also get it directly from the publisher at the link in
my signature.

Good luck!

-Joni

***********************************************
Joni Podolsky
Author, Consultant, Project Leader, and Trainer

jonipo@...
650-594-1902

Author, "Wired for Good:  Strategic Technology
Planning for Nonprofits," Jossey-Bass, March 2003.
http://www.josseybass.com/cda/product/0,,0787962791,00.html



-----Original Message-----
From: Jon Voss [mailto:jon.voss@...]
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 4:52 PM
To: Information_Systems_Forum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: (Information Systems Forum) security, computing policies


Hi all,

We’re currently re-thinking and strategizing various computing policies and
procedures at SF Zen Center, including data backup, firewalls, security,
password policy, etc etc.  I recently came upon this resource, though it’s
probably a bit more than we need:
HYPERLINK
"https://techrepublic-secure.com.com/5106-6242-26-22218.html?part=tr&subj=22
218#Preview%20a%20Policy:"TechRepublic Customizable Templates

Does anyone have any other ideas for templates or sample policies of this
nature?  Or best practices?

Thanks, Jon

All,

I've been lurking (and occasionally posting) on this forum for too long
without a proper introduction.  So here goes...

I'm Ramsey, and I'm the IT person for The Food Project.  We're a nonprofit
based in the metro Boston area (offices in Lincoln, MA and Dorchester), and
are most simply (and perhaps best) described by our vision and mission.


Vision:
Creating Personal and Social Change Through Sustainable Agriculture


Mission:
The  Food Project's mission is to create a thoughtful and  productive
community of youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to
build a sustainable food system. Our community produces healthy food for
residents of  the city and suburbs, provides youth leadership
opportunities, and inspires and supports others to create change in their
own communities.


We're about 20 people full-time in two offices, and expanding both of those.

IT-wise we're an all-Mac shop.  As such I have a good bit of experiences
managing this environment and am glad to offer help to any fellow mac-users
out there who need.

My biggest challenge right now--and one that I'll look to this group for
help with--is not immediate, but long-term.  Cut one way, there are three
related parts:


     1) What's the best way of setting up a scalable infrastructure that's
cost effective now, but scalable enough for me to easily manage maybe 2
times the people in 3 to 5 offices?

     2) As we grow as an organization, what tools (IT, of course) should we
put in place to help (senior) staff effectively manage such as disparate
organization?  And how do we integrate that into what we use now? (I'm
thinking project manaagement tools and the like.)

     3) What tools should we put in place to help staff members do their jobs
easier and better?  (Above and beyond email, Micosoft Office, and our
database systems).


I, like probably all of you, have neither the time nor the $$$ to take on
initiatives that either won't work OR won't be really useful--so I have to
choose wisely.  :)

Thanks for reading if you've made it this far, and an ongoing thanks to this
wonderful group!

Ramsey

--
Ramsey Tantawi
IT Coordinator
The Food Project
P.O. Box 705/10 Lewis St.
Lincoln, MA  01773
Phone:  781-259-8621 x25
Fax:  781-259-9659
rtantawi@...

Hello.  I am the web person for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
and once a year, I like to pay one of those services to resubmit our url to all
the many search engines, etc.  In the past, I have used trafficmagnet.com but
they seem to be having trouble with their site. Is there any other companies
that you would recommend?

Thank you,
Alexandra Gonzalez

Alexandra Gonzalez
National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
1776 Mass. Ave, NW Suite 200
Washington, DC  20036
P: 202-478-8516
F: 202-478-8580
W: http://www.teenpregnancy.org

If you use a web hosting service, they will normally do it; I use
addr.com, and they provide it as a free service.

Alexandra Gonzalez wrote:
> Hello.  I am the web person for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen
Pregnancy and once a year, I like to pay one of those services to resubmit our
url to all the many search engines, etc.  In the past, I have used
trafficmagnet.com but they seem to be having trouble with their site. Is there
any other companies that you would recommend?
>
> Thank you,
> Alexandra Gonzalez
>
> Alexandra Gonzalez
> National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
> 1776 Mass. Ave, NW Suite 200
> Washington, DC  20036
> P: 202-478-8516
> F: 202-478-8580
> W: http://www.teenpregnancy.org
>
>
--
Thomas A Webb
http://www.ospueblo.com - Open Source and Educational Resources
http://wordwonder.com - For Readers and Thinkers

Re:  Search Engine Submittal Companies

I wonder about these consultants?  Are they really performing a valuable
service?  And once you have used them, why would you have to do it a second
time?

Has anyone done any followup on these efforts?  Is there really any benefit?



Ward Bell

First, a disclaimer.  I provide online marketing services that include site
usability, search engine optimization (SEO), and online ad campaign management.
Now that we have that out of the way, search engine submittal is a waste of
money.  Why?

    Once your are listed on the major search engines, it's virtually unheard of
to be removed unless your site is offline for a while or you abuse search engine
policies (more on this below).
    Repeated submittal has NO effect on your ranking.  None.  Zip.  Zilch.  Nada.
    Resubmitting to some engines used to somewhat penalize you if you were still
"in the queue" of sites to be removed by moving you back to back of the line.
    Submitting to the big engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN, AllTheWeb, Inktomi, etc)
is free.  The other "big" players are either served by the one of these, you may
get picked up anyway for free, or you can pay a whopping $35 to get listed
(Teoma/Ask Jeeves).
    Then engines listed above account for more than 95% of all online search. 
The other search engines just don't matter.
    Let me say again, resubmitting does NOT affect ranking.
    Most sites that have incoming links from other already indexed sites get
listed faster than those submitted by hand, especially through free submittal. 
Getting a link from a listed site is the fastest way to get included for free. 
(Teoma/Ask Jeeves being the only notable current exception.)

Thus, the question becomes, what are you trying to accomplish?  If the goal is
to increase traffic to your site, there are three principle strategies:

    Offline efforts - Advertising, PR, and other marcom techniques that drive
people to your site.
    Search Engine Optimization (SEO) - Improving your website's ranking on search
engines (how high they appear in search results for various terms) can have a
dramatic impact on how many people find you and visit your site.  There are
numerous techniques for making your site rank better.  (more below)
    Online advertising - Banner ads (yuck) and search ads (much better for a host
of reasons I won't discuss here unless asked) help generate traffic.

You probably want SEO and possibly to consider online advertising (far cheaper
than many people expect).  SEO is a professional service that involves site
alterations, often not drastic at all and that often result in better usability
and enhanced content.

There are some "dirty tricks" employed by SEO that can get you in trouble, so be
careful who you work with.  Instead, using these techniques might get your site
blacklisted by search engines that see these tactics as abusive.  (It's rare,
too rare, but it happens.)  If someone claims they know how search engines work
and guarantee you #1 ranking, don't walk away, run.  The search engines don't
divulge their algorithms, and they make every attempt to keep their results as
honest and accurate as possible because that's what we as users want.  They
don't accomplish this by telling people how to take advantage of them.

SEO is a professional service, and you should expect to see it priced as such. 
$20 or $99 deals are almost always useless, or worse, they are scams.

Hope this helps.  I'm happy to answer any questions about this topic off-list.

Regards,

Josh Freedman
Freedman Consulting
www.joshfreedman.com
206-355-6838

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

For a free to low cost alternative, try
http://www.addme.com.
They have a lot of search engine knowledge
functionality for a very reasonable price.




=====
Kris MacKay
Computing Solutions for Business Problems
TekSavvy Services - http://www.teksavvyservices.com

If you go to searchenginewatch.com, they featured an article today on their
daily SearchDay newsletter that talks about how to find a good company to
help with this.  If you have problems finding it, please email me off list.

There are better ways to optimize your site than simply adding the URL to
various search engines.

Regards, NHR

Norman H. Reiss
Technology for Nonprofits
www.technologyfornonprofits.com
nhr@...

Information Technology Solutions and
Internet Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations

Alexandra,

Once your site is listed in a given search engine there is generally no need
to "resubmit" your pages - your site listings will remain in the engine's
directory indefinitely. Also, only a handful of major search engines (e.g.
Google, Yahoo, and MSN) account for the overwhelming majority of all search
traffic right now
(see: http://searchenginewatch.com/reports/article.php/2156451). However,
there may be some specialty directories/search engines relevant to your
organization worth investigating as well.

FYI, watch out for companies like trafficmagnet that claim to submit your
site to "hundreds of search engines" - they don't usually deliver anything
of value and result in lots of spam. (see:
http://www.traffick.com/article.asp?aID=140).

Best,

-Jason

..................................
Jason Summerfield
Human Service Solutions
Waltham, MA
Phone: 781-209-0590
Fax: 928-244-6629
Web: http://www.hswsolutions.com
----------------------------------

It has to be interesting for every IT person

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Register today for this upcoming Jupiter Webcast:
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March 16, 2004 -- 2:00pm EST / 11:00am PST

Registration is FREE for qualified attendees. This
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The deployment of Citrix(r) and Microsoft(r) Terminal Services
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Join noted author and industry expert Brian Madden and RTO
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Registration is FREE for qualified attendees. To sign up
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This Webcast is sponsored by RTO Software. RTO Software is
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks for your candid answer, Josh.  I seemed to remember that there was at
least one SEO participating on this list and I was hoping my question would
draw you out.

What is interesting about this question is the unusual twist that sometimes
come into play:  do you really want to have search engines indexing your
site?  As I try to explain to some customers who ask me why I've not
recommended SEO services:  you may wish to try to keep your site under the
radar for a variety of strategic reasons so you might include the
appropriate tags that discourage indexing.



Ward Bell

As the Chairman of the Board for a national youth-led crime prevention program
in schools and communities, I found the lastest digest consisting of 7 responses
to the subject, "Looking for good search engine submittal company" to be very
useful and informative.  I also function as our website liaison person and this
question has always been on my mind.  The responses received set me
straight...thx to all who responded...jerry


---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Search - Find what you’re looking for faster.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dialogue-Producing Consortium, 5605 Woodrow # 9, Austin
TX 78756 Tel 458.2085
                             501 C 3 nonprofit , http:
//www.dialoguemakers.org

Attn: Deborah @ the Info Sys Forum

Dear Advisors:
          Can we put Linux on our old laptop Dell Inspiron 7000 [built
about 1999]? Today I ran the list for Dell linux installs in hopes we
can convert the inspiron 7000 using an operating system like that
described at http://www.linux-laptop.net/. I don't see our laptop in the
list that you find for the inspiron 7000. Do you believe we can install
the linux for Dell Inspiron 7500 on the 7000. Previously we used Win XP
and Office XP, but while loading the many patches and updates, we ended
up with insormountable problems and a false notice from a Dell by phone
defect analyst that the video card in the mother board was shorted,
requiring a $699.00 repair in Memphis, Tennessee. After saving the data
on the hard drive and replacing the battery, a normal requirement and
re-seating the video card, the inspiron passed a bunch of tests and
shows no sign of the defect.
        Please advise as there are plans for the inspiron in Central
America where investigative forensic research is being done  on violence
and lynchings in Guatemala without a grant, on a senior's retirement
income; every dime counts; and a less virus vulnerable operating system
would greatly aid the heavy work load. We wish to use this sys through
as we return to the "jungle" where 817 lynchings took place from 1996
when the Peace Accords were signed and the end of 2002; in three months
this year about 18 lynchings have occurred, one of whom was a 33-year
old justice of peace named Cesar Q; another who was nearly burnt at the
stake, is the father of seven year old twins.
      It would be nice to get up and run using what we own, using Linux
and Open Office 1.1 or 1.02, to make daily entry of findings; and to
bring back the information so we may publish a blog and a book
describing the full story.
        Advise us if it is efficacious to use Linux on a 1999 Dell
inspiron 7000 as the in-the-field grunt.
Thanks & Cheers,

Sincerely yours,
Kenneth Koym, NGO Founder, Advocate & Psychotherapist, Tel 512.458.2085

Hi Folks!

As of today, 575 people have registered for the Nonprofit Technology
Conference – that means that we only have 100 spots left!  Register today to
reserve your spot before we sell out, and join us March 25-27 in
Philadelphia!

Thanks to support from the Kellogg Foundation, N-TEN is able to provide
scholarships to nonprofit staff members to allow them to attend the 2004
Nonprofit Technology Conference. THERE ARE JUST 35 SCHOLARSHIPS REMAINING!
These scholarships will reduce the cost of the three-day conference to just
$125. Kellogg Foundation Scholarships are available to nonprofit staff from
organizations that:

<> Provide services in any of the following communities: people of color,
women or youth.

To register with this scholarship, use our online registration system, and
indicate that you are eligible for the scholarship when prompted. Applicants
will be able to register for the conference at the scholarship rate
immediately, but eligibility will be verified.

We will sell out the conference this year, so don't wait to register!  Join
us March 25-27 in Philadelphia -  register now at:

http://nten.forms.soceco.org/33/

Here's why you can't miss this event:

<> Comprehensive agenda.  With 42 breakout sessions, there's something for
everyone.  We've designed sessions specifically for nonprofit management and
program staff, nonprofit tech staff, and nonprofit technology assistance
providers, and session cover everything from nuts and bolts technology
implementations to sector-wide issues you should be thinking about.  And
we're amassing an incredible array of speakers.  Check out the agenda at:
http://www.nten.org/ntc-agenda

<> Meet your colleagues.  This is the only conference that brings together
people from across the globe with the same two passions: nonprofits and
technology.  Whether you're new to the community or you've been tuned in for
years, this is a valuable opportunity to meet all those people you've
conversed with via email.  We're expecting more than 600 attendees!  And,
we're busy planning more ways for you to get to know each other.  From
receptions to evening activities, you'll have plenty of chances to get to
know each other.

<> Science Fair.  Exhibitor halls are lonely places.  That's why we invented
the Science Fair.  It's a chance for all kinds of companies and
organizations to show off their products and services in a fast-paced, fun
environment.  Learn more about the Science Fair at:
http://www.nten.org/ntc-science-fair

<> Day of Service.  How many other conferences give their attendees a chance
to do something good, and leave the local nonprofit community better off
than when they got there? This year, Day of Service will serve over 30
Philadelphia organization with on-site technology assistance.  Learn more
at:
http://www.nten.org/ntc-dos

<> Padfolios.  That's right, attend the 2004 Nonprofit Technology Conference
and you'll get your very own, limited edition, conference padfolio!  Perfect
for taking notes at sessions, and storing your handouts.  Don't worry, we
won't tell your geek friends you still use paper and pens.

Join over 600 of your colleagues and peers this March!  To learn more about
the conference, visit our web site at:

http://www.nten.org/ntc

I hope you'll be able to join us for a productive and fun-filled event!

Best,
Holly

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
SAVE THE DATE: 2004 NTC
Philadelphia, PA
March 25-27
Details at www.nten.org/ntc
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Holly Ross, Director of Programs, N-TEN
Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network
http://www.nten.org
holly@..., 415.397.9000

While I appreciate your need to re-cycle your existing equipment, my own
experience is such that I cannot recommend that you re-use it for anything
important.   In my own business I have been through 2 Dell Inspiron Laptops in
less than 24 months.  Both had electrical issues and burnt pieces of the
motherboard, even more extensive than what you experienced.

Your issue does not seem to be a software/virus one, but a hardware issue - with
DELL equipment.  For true security, you don't really need the Linux but a
reliable hardware device that will endure the travel.

I want to say that this is my own personal opinion based on my own experience -
not a professional,  statistics-based opinion.



Susan H. Mann
SW Software, Inc.
phone: 212/875-1495
fax:   212/875-1498
swolman@...
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-----original message-----

From: jistein8@...
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2004 17:33:39 -0800
Subject: [501techclub-ny] Call for Accidental Techies
To: 501techclub-ny@...

Greetings,

As part of a project through CompassPoint Nonprofit Services
in San Francisco, CA, I am looking to conduct brief
interviews with "Accidental Techies" working in nonprofit
organizations,preferably OUTSIDE of California, but within
the state as well.

[Accidental Techie: staff member in nonprofit organization
who fills the role of in-house technical support, though
said role is not necessarily in his/her job description.]

If you, or someone you know, fits this description, please
contact me (at the address below) at your earliest possible
convenience. Your involvement/experience may help to provide
guidance to potentially thousands of nonprofit organizations
across the country.

Thank you for your time.

____________
Jonathan Stein
Nonprofit Technology Consultant
http://www.techunderground.org
jistein8@...

Yes, can install a modern version of Linux on your Dell Inspiron 7000. If
your hardware doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for a full-blown
Linux distribution, you might want to look at one of the more lightweight
distributions, such as Knoppix Lite. That's where the good news ends.

Most Linux distributions are not optimized for mobile use. Power management
features (ACPI) are not included in many (all?) default distributions, which
means the battery meter won't work, and the laptop cannot "sleep",
exhausting the battery more quickly. Without ACPI, the OS will crash if you
shut the laptop, which means you have to shut down any time you want to
change locations.

There are solutions to this, of course. You can download the source code for
the Linux kernel and recompile it with ACPI support to enable the battery
meter and standby. There is a daemon called cpudyn that automatically scales
back processor power when the load is low, extending battery life. There are
other add-ons that make Linux on a mobile system more usable. But the point
is, this solution is non-trivial to implement.

Once Linux on your laptop is set up, you could have an extremely stable,
high-performance system with high security. But it might take an expert to
set it up. Don't expect to be able to install from a CD and be on your way.

This is based on my experience with a Dell Latitude D600 and Red Hat Linux
9. If someone knows differently, please let us know. I realize this isn't a
Linux list, so a post to the linux-laptops list may render more information
on this topic. For example, Mandrake or some other distro may include ACPI
support and all kinds of bells and whistles. Especially now that the 2.6
kernel is out. But I wouldn't bet on it.

If your concern is primarily with viruses, however, you can do very well on
Windows--if it is managed appropriately. Keep the OS up to date with the
Automatic Updates control panel. Choose a reliable antivirus solution and
keep it up to date with the automatic update feature. Regularly patch
Microsoft Office at http://office.microsoft.com/, and you will have few
problems with viruses.

Since you will be operating for stretches of time without access to the
Internet, it will be even more important to employ good management practices
while in the field. That means when you do gain access to the Internet after
a week in the jungle, update your virus definitions *before* downloading
your email. It's a pain but it could save you a lot of trouble.

If you really want a reliable, high-performance system that is secure and
resistant to viruses, though, ditch the Dell and consider an iBook running
Mac OS X 10.3. There are no viruses that affect Mac OS X. A user's documents
can be encrypted/decrypted on the fly. And if the laptop is seized by enemy
forces, they will have difficulty extracting information from it. That's why
this is a favorite platform of computer security professionals in the FBI.

Yours,

Zac

--
Zac Mutrux
Technology Consultant
CompuMentor
415-633-9437


> -----Original Message-----
> To: Information_Systems_Forum@yahoogroups.com
>    Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2004 14:05:29 -0600
>    From: Kenneth Koym <koym@...>
> Subject: on a heavily used Dell inspiron 7000
>
>
>                  Dialogue-Producing Consortium, 5605 Woodrow
> # 9, Austin TX 78756 Tel 458.2085
>                             501 C 3 nonprofit , http:
> //www.dialoguemakers.org
>
> Attn: Deborah @ the Info Sys Forum
>
> Dear Advisors:
>          Can we put Linux on our old laptop Dell Inspiron
> 7000 [built about 1999]?

Dear Colleagues,

We want to announce the release of a new article in the
Nonprofit Quarterly titled: "Promising Progressions: Nonprofits
and Technology" which I wrote in collaboration with Ruth
McCambridge. It covers issues related to organizational
form, change management and technology. You can check it
out at:<http://www.summitcollaborative.com/npq.htm>

Also, we now offer electronic copies of our "From Obstacles
to Opportunity V.1.0" report which gives nonprofits insight
into how foundations deal with proposals that include technology
requests. Go to:
<http://www.summitcollaborative.com/report.htm>


Regards,

Marc Osten

<><><><><><><><><>
Marc Osten

Summit Collaborative
<www.summitcollaborative.com>
<www.dotorgmedia.org>

413.549.0014
<><><><><><><><><>

NOTE: If you do not wish to receive email announcements
like this from Summit Collaborative, please send an email
with the subject line "Remove" to hmcqueen@....

I work at a small nonprofit in Seattle and last week, we were graciously
donated a Lucent Partner phone system and 10 handsets.  We will be moving at
the end of this month into a new space in the same building that is already
wired for phone and ethernet, with the exception of one office.   Currently,
the Lucent system does not have voice mail/phone tree capabilities.

Therefore, the phone installation will consist of installing the control
box, configuring, wiring the new office, and switching our telephone lines
from our old space to the new space (in the basement telephone room).

For this task, we were quoted around $600.  It seems to me that this price
is a little steep but I really don¹t have any experience with this type of
thing.  Can anyone offer any insight into this bid, or perhaps suggest a
reputable phone installer in Seattle that offers competitive nonprofit
rates?

Lastly, we were quoted an additional $600 to install voice mail and I am
finding voice mail modules for our system on eBay for between $200-300 :
http://tinyurl.com/ytb9o.  Is this bid competitive?

Any insight is appreciated, thanks in advance.

Dave Manelski


One environment, one simple way to care for it
Earth Share of Washington
1402 3rd Avenue, Suite 525
Seattle, Washington  98101
Tel:  206-622-9840
Fax:  206-682-8492
eswinformation@...
http://www.esw.org




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

(This message is sent to all new members, and is also
periodically posted for distribution to the list.)


Dear Colleagues,

Just a few thoughts on the kinds of posts that we strongly
discourage here on the Information Systems Forum:


1) Flames, or rhetoric that might incite flames. Sometimes
members of the group have perfectly good points to make, but
choose language that is inflammatory. Posts that are simply
attacks on someone else's religion, operating system,
ethics, ancestry, internet service provider, or attitude are
usually deleted without comment.

2) Advertisements of products or services. Obviously, I
delete the blatant spam before the rest of the group ever
sees it, but there are some borderline cases. For example,
each newcomer is invited to introduce him/herself to the
group upon joining, and it's appropriate to mention any IT
products or services that he/she sells to the nonprofit
sector. That's fine, but thereafter it's best to let your
satisfied customers in the nonprofit sector recommend your
product or service. Another borderline case is announcements
about IT conferences and workshops. These are fine if they
are specifically tailored to the needs of nonprofit
organizations. Bulletins about IT workshops and conferences
given by nonprofits for other nonprofits are usually
approved; posts about for-profit organizations that offer
these events are approved on a case-by-case basis.

3) Solicitations of cash donations for organizations or
individuals. Requests by nonprofits for in-kind donations of
either products or services are approved on a case-by-case
basis.

4) Off-topic questions, out-of-office auto-replies, and
personal messages that were never intended to go to the
whole list. I try to catch these before they go out, and
they are usually deleted without comment.


In general, I'd say that while there is no such thing as a
question pertaining to nonprofit technology that is too
rudimentary for this forum, there is such a thing as a
question that is devoid of relevance to both the nonprofit
sector and the field of information technology.

I hope that this reminder will help Information Systems
Forum members understand what sort of messages are out of
bounds. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns,
please feel free to email me off-list.

Many thanks and best regards from Deborah

Deborah Elizabeth Finn
Cyber-Yenta
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
deborah_elizabeth_finn@...

Dear Colleagues,

Many thanks to all who have sent me suggestions for wording
a (tactful but firm) standard private message that can be
sent to members of the Information Systems Forum who have
submitted off-topic messages for distribution to the list.

I should emphasize that this is a message for Information
Systems Forum members in good standing who are wildly
off-topic.  Spammers simply have their messages deleted
without comment; members in good standing who are only
mildly off-topic receive a more customized message.

Please feel free to take a look at this draft, and to send
any comments, edits, or other thoughts to me at
deborah_elizabeth_finn@... .

Many thanks and best regards from Deborah

Deborah Elizabeth Finn
Cyber-Yenta
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
deborah_elizabeth_finn@...
www.deborah.elizabeth.finn.com



-----DRAFT-----

Dear Colleague,

Thank you for your interest in participating in
Information_Systems_Forum@yahoogroups.com!

This list is for nonprofit professionals who are interested
in discussing how information technology can be used to
advance the social missions of their organizations.  Your
post was not relevant to the topic, so I did not approve it
for circulation.

I hope that you will not take this as a rejection of your
desire to contribute to this forum.  If you have a post
about information technology for the nonprofit sector, I'm
sure that we will all be pleased and grateful to read it.

Many thanks and best regards from Deborah

Deborah Elizabeth Finn
Information Systems Forum list administrator

-----END OF DRAFT-----

We have a number of teen programs that use "virtual consultants" where
teen participants address specific questions about their project ?
whether it is a work of art, starting a business or a community
project.  The Virtual Consultants are listed online (often using a
pseudonym) with a description of their expertise.  Participants choose a
likely consultant, and send them an email.

What we want is software that not only masks the actual email address of
both sender and recipient, but at the same time posts queries and
responses to a an online forum.  Other participants will be able to
contribute their ideas to the query as well.

Does anyone know of software I can use to accomplish this? I seem to be
able to find forum software without the email capacity, or email
software without the forum capacity.

Karen L. Michaelson, Ph.D., Director
TINCAN (The Inland Northwest Community Access Network)
1011 West First Avenue,  Spokane, WA  99201
(509)448-6664; FAX: (509)448-6849
email: kmichaelson@...

Hi, I'm new to the group. Just a little background on me: I'm an
AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in service to America) member and I'm
presently working at the American Red Cross of Loess Hills. My
responsibility for this year is to 1) Create a database to track
volunteer information 2) Recruit volunteers and 3) Train someone to
take over when I leave in a year. My question to you is I have
software from Volunteer Reporter (www.volsoft.com) which is
volunteer tracking software and it works great, however, not all of
our Red Cross chapters have the $650-$700 cost to buy the software
and are therefore creating databases using Access or Excel. Does
anyone know if there are any free software databases out there that
would work better?

Have you looked at the functionality of phpBB? See
http://phpbb.com/features.php

1) You could remove e-mail address from the sign up for the forum.
That way no one would know e-mail addresses.
2) You could modify the viewing of profiles so that it no longer
shows e-mail addresses. Only the admin or someone with DBA access
could see the data directly. This option would still allow for mass
mailings from the sys admin.

Kris MacKay
Teksavvy Service
Computing Solutions for Business Problems
http://www.teksavvyservices.com

Hello,

We have a new employee coming on board in a few days.  What I would like
to do is link her up with the previous email and staff account that the
previous person in her position had.  Does anybody know how to do this.
I was thinking of just going in and changing her over to a new account
but that would not give her the access to previous information.

Any help you could provide, would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Namorya S. Nelson
Office Mgr/Bookkeeper
PRA
1310 Broadway, Suite 201
Somerville, MA 02144
617.666.5300 x10
pra.admin@...