ITO-Announce December 2005 / January 2006

The following resources were added to ItrainOnline during December 2005 and January 2006:

1. Technology Planning
2. Web Programming
3. Computer Maintenance
4. Internet Guides
5. Secure Online Communications
6. Free and Open Source Software

1. TECHNOLOGY PLANNING

Editor's Choice: STRATEGIC TECH TOOLKIT

These materials, developed by Summit Collaborative and Strategic Tech trainers, provide simple resources and background material such as fact sheets, sample agendas, surveys, check lists and assessment tools for technology planning. The toolkit covers all facets of technology planning - from building a technology team, understanding staff attitudes towards technology, working with a board of directors, to actually developing and then implementing the plan. Session outlines spell out the steps in collaborative technology planning, and instruct how the different resources can be employed in the overall process.
http://www.summitcollaborative.com/cwpm.html

eRIDER STARTER KIT

eRiding, a concept of traveling technology consultants for the non profit sector, is a way for civil society organisations to receive strategic technical support in a sustainable manner, and rooted in organisational goals. This Starter Kit outlines the eRider philosophy and helps potential eRiders through the five-step process of needs assessment, strategy development, training, implementation, and evaluation - key phases so that an eRider consultation does not leave an organisation without the necessary staff and technology capacity when he or she moves on to a new site (although the eRider model allows for long-term support as well). eRiders may come from a specific skill orientation (ie: on line campaigning, information specialists, or F/LOSS advocates) or with technology solutions for issue-based work (ie: health, gender, education). The guide contains recommendations for every phase of the eRider process, including tips on how to manage an entire team deployed in a country, all based on experiences from the global eRiding community. The appendix features several sample surveys, evaluation forms, contracts, and needs assessments.
http://www.eriders.net/docs/resource/366_eRider_starter_kit_V.1_3006_web.pdf

TECHNOLOGY INVENTORY WORKSHEET

As organisations grow their acquisition of technology may be ad hoc, with different people being responsible for different pieces of hardware, and basic anti-virus and file maintenance done by the individual operator rather than according to an organisational policy. Security measures will vary depending on each user as well. Easy access to such information can be further complicated by staff turnover. This series of simple worksheets by CompuMentor help inventory all hardware and software in an organisation, as well as service contracts, server providers, warranties, and security and maintenance processes.
http://www.techsoup.org/howto/worksheets/techplan/page2015.cfm

TECH ATLAS FOR NON-PROFITS

This on line tool takes you through Tech Atlas' technology planning process: Envision, Inventory, Assess and Act through the use of on line forms. You must register to use the tool and have access to the on line space, which you personalise by answering a series of questionnaires on your organisations' mission, vision, inventory, staff needs, etc. All of your inputs are maintained in project summaries and work plans on line. There are options for downloading or emailing information during the different stages of the process. The staff needs assessment is an interesting tool, which allows you to assess staff computer skill and software knowledge. While there is no fee associated with the "basic" package, there is if you wish to register for the "enhanced" package which includes customised project recommendations.
http://techatlas.org/tools/>http://techatlas.org/tools/

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY PLANNING: BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS

A clearly written manual to facilitate decision-making and implementation of broadband networks in local communities, specifically in this case, Aboriginal communities in Canada. Easy to read, the manual explains common technical terms and characteristics of broadband connectivity. It guides readers through community technology assessment and also in the development of a basic business plan, as well as a sample business plan. It examines tower placement and tower construction possibilities, especially with rural communities in mind. The manual considers local community broadband as a business opportunity, either as an asset to community income or for individuals in the community. It provides checklists and a glossary and was developed by the First Nations Technology Council.
http://www.fntc.info/files/documents/TechnologyPlanV1March292005.pdf

ON THE ROAD TO A GIGABIT BROADBAND: ARE WE THERE YET? A SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE FOR COMMUNITIES

This guide allows communities to assess their level of current access and readiness for broadband, and helps envision what a fully connected community might mean for shared decision-making and community-building in the future. The tool first helps assess network infrastructure and then examines each community sector one-by-one, such as schools, libraries, government offices, hospitals and clinics, or community-based organisations. The highlight of the guide are its \"Stages\", established for each sector, which provide benchmarks in a variety of aspects: which places might be networked, what types of services and applications might a particular sector provide given a higher level of connectivity, their leadership role. The tool can be used in small presentations or for a townhall strategising session, and includes tips for a community access workshop.
http://www.cenic.org/guide/pdfs/guide.pdf

2. WEB PROGRAMMING

USING THE .htaccess FILE

"Web designers often ask how to handle redirects or to password protect directories. The .htaccess file can do these things and more." This article by Miraz Jordan shows you how.
http://www.wise-women.org/tutorials/htaccess/

MASTERING AJAX, PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO AJAX

Ajax - "Asynchronous JavaScript and XML" is a web architecture which uses DHTML (Dynamic HTML) and the DOM (Document Object Model) for creating interactive web applications. This guide introduces Ajax, how it works, explains what it is useful for, and includes links to a wealth of other Ajax learning resources.
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/web/library/
wa-ajaxintro1.html?ca=dgr-lnxw01MasterAJA

3. COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

PC Magazine runs through a list of 10 practical tips to help yourself when a computer problem arises. Focussed on Windows and PC solutions, the tips vary from checking cables to using basic Windows features to update or roll back versions of drivers or operating systems. It also provides simple diagnostic tips. Finally, depending on the problem area, there is a list of helpful support sites listed by software types (Word, Excel, Word Perfect, Adobe, Windows, etc).
http://www.pcmag.com/print_article2/0,1217,a=120845,00.asp

HOW TO MIGRATE TO A NEW PC

This article explores three programmes for migrating vital computer information (ie address books, documents, e-mail, photos, links to preferred sites, specialised applications, etc.) to a new computer. It suggests thoughtful steps for planning a migration before launching into the how-tos of migration for two for-purchase specialty applications (Alohabob and Desktop DNA) as well as the Windows XP migration tool.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1819031,00.asp

4. SPECIALISED INTERNET GUIDES

TIME TO GET ONLINE

Kabissa's Time to Get On line learning materials are designed to be both a self-learning curriculum and to be distributed during hands-on internet training workshops with African Civil Society organisations. The 150-page curriculum is appropriate for both persons new to the Internet and Web experts. It includes snapshots of useful Web sites, lists of practical resources that can be found on the Web, tricks and tips on using the Internet, and case studies on how other organizations are using the Internet to further their mission. The materials cover: Connecting to the power of the internet; Accessing information and opportunities; Interacting with like-minded organisations; Establishing your web presence; Advocating for your community; Integrating the internet into your organisation;
http://www.kabissa.org/learning_materials.html

THE NET FOR JOURNALISTS

A practical guide to the internet for journalists in developing countries, the main focus is on effective searching using Google and other search engines; text, audio and video searches; translation and conversion tips; as well as suggestions to ensure the quality of sources.
http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/file_download.php/
5733565b43a86e9408818f66ef2742b3net_for_journalists.pdf

5. SECURE COMPUTING AND ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS

SECURING PUBLIC ACCESS PCs WITHOUT SHUTTING OUT USERS

A librarian experienced in maintaining a public access network provides basic suggestions for maintenance and security to ensure that public terminals are functioning optimally and so that all citizens can freely and safely access information. Though initially written for librarians and library systems, the information is relevant for community telecenters.
http://www.techsoup.org/howto/articles/techplan/
page4252.cfm?cg=searchterms&sg=secure

WI-FI FOR DUMMIES: SECURING NETWORK ACCESS WHILE ON THE RUN

If you are chatting, emailing, or just browsing while at an wireless internet hotspot, you'll want to read this article to understand the risks and ways to protect your personal information when you're on the go. The article provides recommendations on the most secure software to use, as well as plugins to further enhance security. It looks at web browsers, instant messenger services, and email.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/02/10/wifi/

6. FREE AND OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE

AVG FREE FOR LINUX

AVG Free for Linux is the Linux desktop version of the popular AVG Free antivirus tool. Although Linux viruses are less prevalent than viruses targeting Windows, Linux is not immune to malware threats, and as the use of Linux grows the risks increase.
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1