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    Sources of IT information and support

    There are a number of websites around which offer various types of IT support to voluntary sector organisations. Here are some of the better-known ones:

    Free or discounted hardware and software

    Microsoft Office has a wealth of information and free downloads. It also has free templates and clipart and, a very useful ‘Help and How – to ‘ section

    Details on www.microsoft.com

    Charity Technology Trust distributes donated Microsoft and other software to charities. All popular Microsoft products are available for a nominal administration fee.

    Details at www.ctxchange.org/ctx/

    Google Documents is a free online word processor package. The package allows you to share, edit and store documents via an internet connection and web browser.

    Find out more at www.google.com/docs

    1001fonts.com is a website offering you fonts to download for free go to www.1001fonts.com and you can download free fonts for both Windows and Macs.

    Looking for professional ICT advice and support?

    ICT4Communities provide a matching service between organisations and ICT professionals who are willing to volunteer but there is a registration fee.

    One of the key points is that the IT professionals are suitable for specific, one off pieces of work rather than ongoing support which they may not be able to commit to. Some examples of projects a volunteer might be suitable for include: helping you plan what your IT needs are; training on using software; helping design websites and databases. Find out more at te www.it4communities.org.uk/it4c  

    Give your website an accessibility MOT

    AbilityNet, the charity that helps people with disabilities use the internet and computers and one of the ICT National Hub core partners and the site on  www.abilitynet.org.uk includes information that can assist in making your website more accessible.

    Looking for ICT information and guidance?

    London Advice Services Alliance  is a great source of IT information and guidance at http://www.lasa.org.uk/ict/

    Illuminate ICT has some good factsheets to download on www.illuminateict.org.uk

    IT for charities – Information on IT and technical matters from www.itforcharities.co.uk

    SCIP – IT services for Charities and Communities – produces a range of information and factsheets, for example 090107 Ten Top items for an IT budget. View the website at http://www.scip.org.uk/

    Need something more? Meet our IT volunteer

    Are you grappling with an IT problem? Are you thinking it’s not a website, information or a training course you need but a local troubleshooter who can work with you to try to find the right solution for your organisation? Well, maybe our IT volunteer can help. 

    Mike Turner has over 30 years’ experience  as an IT manager/trainer, system builder, database designer (specialising in SQL and web based systems), network trouble shooter and designer (wired and wireless), hardware (servers and PC’s ) upgrading, software installation and configuration.

    Mike also has several years’ experience in the voluntary sector, both at home and abroad via VSO, working with a range of different organisations on IT related projects.

    Mike says he is happy to do, or guide and or instruct others in, troubleshooting, upgrading PC’s, networking  including cable installations, designing and implementing networkable databases.

    If you think he might be just what you’re looking for, you can contact Mike via CaDVAS – just email sue@cadvas.org with an outline of what the problem is.

    As with any volunteer, we would expect you to cover the cost of any travel or other expenses that Mike may incur in the course of working with your organisation.