The computers are donated to the DOC by Delaware businesses and State agencies when they upgrade to new equipment. DOC services the computers in a training program at DOC’s Howard R. Young Training Center to provide marketable skills to soon-to-be-released inmates. CompEd has been supporting this program by providing a productive outlet for the work facilitating the continuing flow of computers.

This flow of computers has now stopped while newly elected officials review programs.

WHAT COMPED DOES

Broadly ---

CompEd makes the computers end-user ready by culling out defective components, installing modems to provide low-cost Internet access, speakers to provide audio output and computer maintenance programs so the recipients can do their own maintenance; also, one-on-one instructions on use of the computer.

In Detail ---

1. Receiving: CompEd receives computers, monitors and other peripherals, in batches of 20 or more units and stores these in a facility that is provided rent free.

2. Modem Installation: Computers requiring modems are transported to another location for that servicing and transported back. A CompEd member buys and installs modems, loads drivers and tests the system. This builds approximately $78 value into each computer (the cost of this service at a local Electronics Chain).

3. Culling/Setup: Computers are moved to a computer studio (provided rent free) as needed in preparation for a meeting with a recipient. About one in three monitors is faulty and needs to be replaced. About one in ten computers is faulty. Faulty computers are returned to DOC; faulty monitors are disposed of at a local recycle center. These are heavy CRT monitors. Powered speakers that we purchase are provided at no charge. Powered speakers cost $ 20 and up at a local electronics chain.

4. Software installation and adjustments:

1. Adjust monitor brightness, contrast, screen alignment. Degauss.
2. Copy utility folder and music folders from CD to My Documents.
3. Install and test music player (good collection of church music).
4. Install Background picture, set screen saver and power settings.
5. Correct Open Office icon names if needed.
6. Set folder options.
7. Install Windows update --- Windows2000-KB891861-v2-x86-ENU.EXE.
8. Install AVG --- avg_free_stf_en_8_100a1295.exe.
9. Install Ad-Aware --- aaw2008.exe.
10. Install Spybot --- spybotsd152.exe.
11. Install CleanUp --- CleanUp452.exe.
12. Install RegSupreme --- RegSupreme.exe
13. Install Firefox --- Firefox Setup 2.0.0.12.exe.
14. Create desktop icon of Defragmenter.
15. Set opening pages of both browsers to Google.
16. Test opening of Open Office Writer.
17. Set system date and time.
18. If a modem is required, Install 550access dialer --- 550AccessDialer.exe
19. and instructions --- 550access2.doc
20. Update data bases of AVG, Ad-Aware and Spybot on meeting date with recipient.

5. Instruction: The recipient is shown how to, and allowed to play Solitaire. This enables us to instruct beginners on the proper use of the mouse. True beginners are usually thrilled at their accomplishment. Successfully playing Solitaire increases the likelihood that the computer will be used by a beginner. We explain the purpose of each icon on the desktop, particularly the correspondence of Open Office with Microsoft Office (Writer = Word, Calc = Excel etc); also they are taught to run 3 maintenance programs (CleanUp, RegSupreme, Defrag) and the purpose and use of each of the remaining (AVG, Ad-Aware, Spybot) are explained. The facility and instruction are provided at no charge.

6. Administrative functions: receive calls from applicants, schedule visits, make follow-up phone calls, maintain the computer studio, prepare and distribute information about the program, maintain records to account for the disposition of each computer received from the DOC, prepare stewardship reports such as this.

CompEd is an all-volunteer organization; there is no paid staff or paid management. In addition to donating time, technical and purchasing expertise, non-intended fund donations result from non-reimbursement for facilities and transportation expenses. We are attempting to correct this by seeking funding from charitable sources and communities being served.

We estimate that we provide about $ 200 in added value to each placed computer and that the actual out-of-pocket cost for modems, speakers, facilities and transportation expenses amounts to about $ 50, the amount we seek in donations.

Thus donated funds are leveraged by four-to-one; that is, CompEd provides in-kind matching funds, $ 3 for each donated dollar, so the community receives $ 4 in value for each donated dollar.

To date, Nancy Weldin, a CompEd Board member, has donated $ 500, Inez Bailey, a former student $ 100, New Castle County Rotary Club $ 310, DP&L $ 1000 and the Odessa Library $120.. The Town of Middletown has donated $ 2500 for 50 computers to Middletown residents of which about 20 have been placed. The Christmas Club Foundation has funded placement of 25 computers.

The aforesaid funding covers the placement of 86 computers. We planned to apply to the three County governments for funding to cover already provided and future services to their citizens. This is now on hold.

If the DOC program is ended and we receive no more computers, the residual Middletown funding will be returned and any losses will be absorbed by CompEd members.