Buying Computer Hardware? New computer hardware is expensive. Make sure that you don't purchase equipment that is capable of far more than you actually need. Machines capable of playing the latest computer games are not really required for homework or for typing up the community group's newsletter. Buying second-hand from a reputable retailer or maintenance technician is an option. Another option is to purchase from businesses set up specifically to recycle computers. They often offer a warranty, and their equipment is excellent value for money. Your first point of contact should be the Rotorua Community ICT Trust. You might also like to check out the ARK in Auckland for their latest pricelist. The Megabyte Store in Tauranga also sometimes has excellent prices on used computers.

http://www.recycledtechnology.co.nz
www.the-ark.co.nz
www.megabytestores.co.nz

Your computer hardware – software fixes for problems

Free Drivers (for setting up printers, modems, sound cards, CD-ROM, etc). Finding the right device driver can be a tedious, time consuming, often impossible task! The Driver Guide was created to make finding driver updates a whole lot easier. With the help of thousands of members, the site contains a massive archive of drivers and resources.

http://www.driverguide.com/

Virus protection tools

Free anti-virus. AVG Anti-virus Free edition is not quite as up-to-the-minute as the expensive commercial products – but it can update automatically, and is extremely user-friendly. It scans incoming email as well – try it, you will like it!

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

Email virus protection. Microsoft's free Outlook Express is a great email programme, but it is the target of hackers, and many viruses can come into your computer through Outlook Express. Eudora offers a free email programme which is different – but just as useful as Outlook. The free version has a little web adds box but this is unobtrusive and never has inappropriate material.

http://www.eudora.com/

ZoneAlarm – safe, free, and easy-to-use software firewall. This stops crackers from "entering" your computer while you are online.

http://www.zonelabs.com

Spyware – the stuff that loads onto your computer when you visit unsafe websites – can track your movements online and record credit card keystrokes, among other things. Ad-Aware is free and detects and removes spyware.

Search and Destory http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Free application software (email, browsers, etc)

E-mail programme. Microsoft's free Outlook Express is a great e-mail programme, but it is the target of hackers, and many viruses can come into your computer through Outlook Express. Eudora offers a free email programme which is different – but just as useful as OE.

http://www.eudora.com/

Search engine. Everyone has their favourite search engine, and Google is one of New Zealand’s favourites. To quickly find relevant information on World Wide Web, go to the ‘advanced search’ function and type in your key words.

www.google.co.nz

Web browser. Mozilla – free web browser with heaps of cool features like email, irc chat and more.

http://www.mozilla.org

Web browser. Opera – an even better web browser.
http://www.opera.com

Advice for your community group – policy guidelines, internet safety

Web Safety. If you think this is an issue for you or yours, visit the website of the Internet Safety Group of New Zealand. All the New Zealand based resources you will need.

http://www.netsafe.org.nz/home/home_default.asp

Code of Practice for Internet Use in Organisations. The Department of Internal Affairs has a Draft Code of Practice that organisations can adapt for themselves. It covers topics such as ‘staff use of the Internet’, ‘standards of conduct’ and ‘prohibited activities’. To find the Code of Practice, go to the DIA website and search for “code of practice”. The DIA website also has information on how to monitor Internet activity, child safety online, Censorship and the Internet, and various other related topics.

link

E-Government Portal. This is your one-stop-shop for finding Government services. Looking for funding? – click on ‘C’ for Community Development Group. Looking for health statistics? – click on ‘H’ for the Ministry of Health. Anything to do with Government, this is where you’ll find it!

www.govt.nz

Setting up your own community website

One of the initiatives the Rotorua Community ICT Trust will be looking into is the possibility of hosting and supporting the establishment of websites for Rotorua not-for-profit and community-based organisations. In the meantime there are a number of ways to get started.

Xtra / MSN Community Groups

There isn’t an easier way to set up a community website than to use Xtra / MSN. All the tools are online, and it's FREE!

http://groups.msn.com/

For the more experienced – Free Web Hosting on Orcon Internet. Create a free website, including information about your organisation, photos, links, resources, discussion groups, etc. The service includes a free, permanent e-mail account. You also don’t have to put up with too many annoying pop-up advertisements.

www.orcon.net.nz

Educational resources

Free Educational Software. This site has heaps of free New Zealand educational kits and resources, and also includes information about setting up computer systems and programmes in schools. It was designed for teachers, but is also very useful for commf="http://www.in2edu.com/nz_free_kits.htm" target="openlink">www.in2edu.com/nz_free_kits.htm

GOKIWI

http://www.gokiwi.net.nz

Educational resources

Free Educational Software. This site has heaps of free New Zealand educational kits and resources, and also includes information about setting up computer systems and programmes in schools. It was designed for teachers, but is also very useful for commf="http://www.in2edu.com/nz_free_kits.htm" target="openlink">www.in2edu.com/nz_free_kits.htm