Unwanted Hardware

Community

Computers for Schools

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FAQs

About ACCRC

The Alameda County Computer Resource Center (ACCRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit electronics recycler (Tax ID 68-0395504) with a two part mission:

1. Keeping toxic electronic waste from landfills
2. Helping bridge the digital divide through free and open source software  

In order to achieve these goals, the ACCRC collects electronic waste from the public with out charging any fees and refurbishes discarded computer equipment with Ubuntu in order to be donated to schools, non-profits and economically and/or physically disadvantaged individuals.  The ACCRC's sister organization, the Marin Computer Resource Center, operates out of Novato, California.

About Untangle

Untangle was founded with the vision of untangling the complexities of technology, initially targeting network security and control for small and mid-size businesses. The company follows Open Source development practices to create better code and make it widely available. The Untangle Gateway Platform, the world’s first commercial-grade open source solution for blocking spam, spyware, viruses, adware and unwanted content on the network, provides a free and better alternative to costly, inflexible proprietary appliances. Untangle's applications are currently being used in thousands of businesses in a variety of industries, including financial services, real estate, education, bio-science, and professional services. Untangle is located in San Mateo, California.

Answers to FAQ:

The Open Source Definition was written by Bruce Perens and contains 11 criteria that software must meet in order to be "Open Source."  The first 3 criteria ensure that Open Source software is free to use and distribute, access to source code is available and that modifications and derived works are allowed.  GNU/Linux, and Firefox are popular examples of Open Source software.

Schools recieved desktops running Ubuntu 7.10 Desktop Edition.  Each school also had the option of getting a system running Untangle's Open Source Network Gateway in order to protect their students from spam, spyware, and maintain a safe learning environment by blocking porn, gambling and other inappropriate websites.  The No Starch Press and the Creative Commons also supplied content for each computer.  Ubuntu and Untangle both leverage many popular open source projects including: 

Ubuntu		Untangle		No Starch Press		Creative Commons
-GNU / Linux		-SpamAssassin		-Ubuntu for non-Geeks		-Pictures from Flickr
-Gimp		-PostgresSQL				-Music from Jamendo
-Firefox		-OpenVPN
-OpenOffice		-ClamAV
-Evolution		-Snort
-Gnome		-Vipul's Razor
-Pidgin		-FuzzyOCR
...and much, much more!

We believe that Ubuntu is the easiest open source operating system for anyone transitioning from Windows because its designed with non-technical "everyday" people in mind.  In fact, "Linux for Humans" has been a popular Ubuntu slogan.  Also, Ubuntu comes pre-installed with excellent email, productivity and multimedia applications in addition to the vast library of free software maintained in their online catalog that anyone can download and install at the click of a button.

Is there any tech support available?

Yes. Untangle and Ubuntu both have excellent free community support through forums, wikis, mailing lists and IRC.  Both companies also offer live phone support to paid subscribers.

Won't many schools just reinstall Windows?

First and foremost we are seeking out schools that are willing to try Open Source software.  And given how easy Ubuntu is to use vs. the days it would take to reinstall Windows on each computer... were hoping it won't be long they start converting their pre-existing Windows computers!  Ultimately, we believe that giving children access to computers and protecting our environment from toxic waste are the most important issues.

Why did Untangle and ACCRC do this?

Untangle has benefited greatly from the Free and Open Source software community and we're always looking for ways to give back.  The ACCRC recycles, refurbishes and gives computers to schools as part of their core mission.  They do this every day and we love them for it!

My School needs computers, how do we apply?

Its easy, just fill out the ACCRC's school application form and fax it back to them at (510) 528-4053.

What about non-profits?

This March 1st installfest is specifically for schools.  However, we're doing it again at LinuxWorld and the ACCRC regularly donates computers to non-profits.  Just fill out their non-profit application form and fax it back to them at (510) 528-4053... we'll try to help you out! 

I have an old computer, how can I recycle it?

Some of the schools that will be receiving computers from the installfest include:

• Ascend School (Oakland)
• Bella Vista Elementary (Oakland)
• Lockwood School (Oakland)
• Whittier Elementary School (Oakland)
• Casa Granda High School (Petaluma)
• Woodside Elementary School (Concord)  
• KIPP San Francisco Bay Academy (San Francisco)
• Mission High School (San Francisco)