Donated Computers in Canada and elsewhere

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Profile Michael W.F. Miles
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Message 1523354 - Posted: 1 Jun 2014, 20:20:46 UTC

To any one who is on a fixed income or very low income there is some help in Canada.

Go to here
http://www.era.ca/

They have a recycling computer depot that does donate computers to those who qualify.
You might get low or medium quality computers. Nothing high end.

What they have in stock can and will be given free of charge

I once approached the bottle depot a couple of years ago and they had a contract with the government to send these systems to places like Africa and third world countries but now ERA has been approved to take computers from the bottle depot and give them to charities and people with low income or fixed income status.
I build systems here in Victoria for the disabled but the only source was the garbage and certain thrift shops that would give low or medium range computers to me to place new OS on and get them ready for people who need them FREE of charge.
Now ERA is doing this for Canadians

Give them a email if anyone who might need a computer.

Have a great day


Michael Miles
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Message 1523383 - Posted: 1 Jun 2014, 21:48:50 UTC

That's good news that organizations like this exist. Thanks for the information, Michael.

Also, the link posted in your first Thread by Candorchasma seemed to have good information in it; as well.

I wish I knew of such an organization in the US; but, I don't.

I'm glad that you and I were able to find support here; and in my case, also a good friend locally. Being on limited income is a huge struggle; sometimes, with help from friends, and sometimes kind strangers, we do manage.
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Message 1523409 - Posted: 1 Jun 2014, 23:30:42 UTC - in response to Message 1523383.  

That's good news that organizations like this exist. Thanks for the information, Michael.

Also, the link posted in your first Thread by Candorchasma seemed to have good information in it; as well.

I wish I knew of such an organization in the US; but, I don't.

I'm glad that you and I were able to find support here; and in my case, also a good friend locally. Being on limited income is a huge struggle; sometimes, with help from friends, and sometimes kind strangers, we do manage.


There was a PM by Candorchasma that did help people in USA only
I contacted them and because I was Canadian no help
Give her a PM and she will let you know. I think they were in Nevada but don't quote me on that.
I had the PM but I cleaned up my mail box and unfortunately that was deleted.
Contact her and she will turn you on to them
She apparently did volunteer work for them.

In a poverty situation it is very hard to get systems that are able to crunch seti at home without taking too long.

When I started computing it was back in the Commodore Vic 20 era. Like 500 dollars for 3.5k ram 8 bit system with a tape deck
Then the c-64 with wow 38k free. BIG step up
Then the Amiga 2000 which cost over 2000 dollars for a 68000 processor and 1 meg ram.
I had a Amiga 3000 with 68060 accelerator card and that system was over 3000
Video toaster with lightwave 3d animation another 1500

I think we are fairly lucky these days to see a 6 core machine and a 1 tera flop video card all for 600 bucks or so and have tons of ram to boot


Things sure have changed eh!!!!!

Michael
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Message 1523818 - Posted: 2 Jun 2014, 20:19:26 UTC
Last modified: 2 Jun 2014, 20:19:56 UTC

Two locations in the Toronto area I like are FreeGeek and Reboot Canada.

Reboot no longer has a retail store but takes donated computers and parts, in any condition working or not. The working parts/machines get built into computers for charitable causes/foundations, and the non-working are recycled properly.

FreeGeek is very similar, and also has a retail store chockablock with computers and parts. Scored some nice parts and even small systems from there at prices as good as anything you'll find on Kijiji or Craigslist.
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Message 1524073 - Posted: 3 Jun 2014, 14:04:37 UTC - in response to Message 1523383.  

[quote]That's good news that organizations like this exist. Thanks for the information, Michael.

Also, the link posted in your first Thread by Candorchasma seemed to have good information in it; as well.

I wish I knew of such an organization in the US; but, I don't.

snip...


For those in the Washington DC area there is Project Reboot, which is run by the Capitol PC Users Group, Inc (CPCUG) in DC. Project Reboot sells donated pc's (with a new fully licensed copy of Win7Pro (32-bit)) for $25 USD. "Sells" because Microsoft won't let them give away their software.

The website is http://reboot.cpcug.org/index.html.

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Message 1533733 - Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 19:52:38 UTC
Last modified: 29 Jun 2014, 20:06:30 UTC

Hello all

I have been asked to get a thread going on the possibility of getting a list of companies and Non profit organizations that will help low and fixed income people to get computers world wide.

This would be a very helpful list to obtain as a lot of companies that do this are not advertizing or in some cases being hidden from the public.

If any participants in Setiathome or any of the other distributed computing projects know of non profit organizations and would like to let the public in on it then list here.

There are many people in North America and other countries that have incomes so low the idea of owning a computer is a pipe dream.

Awareness of these places that will help is far and few as their own budgets leave no room for advertizement so people are not getting the information they need.

I posted a previous thread called "Donated Computers in Canada" and this thread is meant to replace that to include USA and other countries

Any ideas or knowledge of companies that do this service will be greatly appreciated.

For Canada this company services 11 cities Canada wide
http://www.era.ca will help in the areas of

Calgary Alberta
Edmonton Alberta
Vancouver, Richmond BC
Victoria BC
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Winnipeg Manitoba
Montreal Quebec
Toronto Ontario
Ottawa Ontario
Barrie Ontario
Dartmouth Nova Scotia



Thank you very much

Michael Miles
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Message 1533744 - Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 20:35:57 UTC
Last modified: 29 Jun 2014, 20:40:12 UTC

Great to see this thread reactivated...
In the UK there are several groups who are active in the "live recycling" of PCs, mostly in the larger towns, I'll post links to them as I find them.
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Message 1533746 - Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 20:48:27 UTC - in response to Message 1533742.  
Last modified: 29 Jun 2014, 20:54:20 UTC

Chris S.


I completely understand where you are coming from and I always find that learning comes with need.
I myself can and do help others with their computers VIA remote computing.
Team viewer is free to use and an excellent way to remote in and control another computer

http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx

Anyone who needs help can PM me direct and after downloading Teamviewer and giving me the user and password I will come in and help for any needs


Internet connections are getting to the point now that for one they are cheap and a lot of companies offer extremely low connection fees. Most already have free internet with your cable TV connections or at least discounts on the internet end of a cable account at least here in Canada.
I have seen a lot of low income housing developments with 100% free internet for their tenants.


I absolutely applaud you for what you are doing with helping people.

Where there is a will and a need there is always a way to obtain what you need whether it is getting a computer or learning how to use one.

Good for you bro

Also it would seem my original thread has been changed from
Donated Computers in Canada, USA and other countries to
Donated Computers in Canada and other countries



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Message 1534056 - Posted: 30 Jun 2014, 16:33:18 UTC - in response to Message 1533911.  
Last modified: 30 Jun 2014, 16:40:19 UTC

Teamviewer does not have to be installed. It can run only and the same result. As far as being busy that is okay.
I am on Disability and need things to do while I watch my medication grow (ha,ha)

I saw the post change right when I was posting. I tried to send the post and the system came up with no such thread.

Thanks for doing that Rob. Freaked me out at first but thanks for the work.

I am wondering something though.
Companies like Nvidia and AMD ATI have a huge inventory of old cards. To them the 500 series and 400 series GPU would be ideal to donate as they are not generally sold anymore and their business is now tied up with more advanced cards.
I will write both companies to find out if they do donate through their PR program.
To them having Setiathome volunteers endorsing their products would be great for us and a boom for their business.
I will feel it out and see if they do have a PR program like this

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Message 1536011 - Posted: 4 Jul 2014, 17:14:04 UTC

I have had some dealings with ERA and am finding out the computers they have are corporate donated systems.
That means low end.
Dual cores with win 7 installed but very low HD space and low ram.
Not suitable for any real Seti work
If people want a computer for internet and basic viewing then these systems will work no problem but a cruncher is not what you will find here.

They do have lots of laptops. Dual cores with 120 gig or more HD space and 4 gig ram DDR2
Those may be another thing entirely.


Two laptops have been donated to 2 lucky disabled people here in Victoria BC that I arranged for them. So ERA is the real deal and help is there

http://www.era.ca

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Message 1536015 - Posted: 4 Jul 2014, 17:17:12 UTC
Last modified: 4 Jul 2014, 17:19:07 UTC

That is so fine to hear, Michael.
I love to hear about those who would be if they could.

I just cannot support them all by myself.

And I have given to a few.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1536042 - Posted: 4 Jul 2014, 17:46:57 UTC - in response to Message 1536015.  
Last modified: 4 Jul 2014, 17:50:58 UTC

Good to hear from you Mark.

You are in my thoughts. I always embrace my inner kitty. I have no choice in the matter.
They always say to me when I am late getting home
"Your late slave"

Love it.

Michael Miles
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Message 1536060 - Posted: 4 Jul 2014, 18:42:38 UTC - in response to Message 1536042.  
Last modified: 4 Jul 2014, 18:43:40 UTC

Good to hear from you Mark.

You are in my thoughts. I always embrace my inner kitty. I have no choice in the matter.
They always say to me when I am late getting home
"Your late slave"

Love it.

Michael Miles

I have only my 'inner kitty' to rely on.
I do hope my little contribution has allowed you to move on and prosper.

It's been so since that gurl dumped a couple on my bed years ago.
The gurl is long gone, but the kitties remain.

I lost the first at a tender age of 5-1/2years. After almost a year long battle with CRF. It's a genetic kidney thing. I have never been the same since.
Her dear sister Squirrel passed on last fall.
I am working on a kitty memorial stone for both of them soon.
I think I have it sorted now.
It is hard, because I get really wrecked any time I try to deal with their memory. Just when I think I have it covered, some little memory comes back and slays me.
I walk back to Squirrel's grave most days when I can, and speak to her.
Is that odd of me?
I mean, she sat on my couch next to me for almost 18 years. Is my missing her really that unusual still?
And I STILL glance over in the dark of night and expect her to be there...
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1536087 - Posted: 4 Jul 2014, 19:50:06 UTC - in response to Message 1536060.  

Hey Bro

I know exactly what you mean Mark.
There is no more dear of a soul then that of a cat.
Leo my SON is now 12. I dread the day that he passes on but I must look at what relationship we have and how lucky I am to have that experience with him.

I was just diagnosed with Aids and I went insane with drugs and self abuse.
just could not handle the idea that my days were numbered. Short numbers.
A friend of mine saw was I was going through and gave me this kitten. He was only 6 week old and the runt of the litter.
My life changed at that point.
Looking after him and loving him has taught me how to be human.

My other friend Sam was an abused kitty.I was at a guys house that I did not know and I witnessed this little calico kitty being thrown against a wall.
I did what any self respecting human would do.
I broke his nose and took his cat.
He had the nerve to have the Victoria police come to my home.
The police heard the story, smiled at me and left.
So Sam and Leo had 5 litters over 2.5 years and now we have 4 cats in this house.
Surgeries were done to eliminate the possibility of more.
25 cats was enough.

They all have good homes. Two died due to Red blood cell problems but one that had the problem made it.
It was horrific to see this little girl kitten of 7 months not being able to lift her head. She was so weak.
After several dollars from vet bills she made it.
My mother was the owner.
She is not too well off but not poor. Thank God.
She went through hell with worry but the rewards are just so great.

I too have a grave yard in my back yard. Two a buried there.

Yes, your help was tremendous Mark.

You will always be in my thoughts.

Have a great day brother.

Michael Miles
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Message 1536501 - Posted: 5 Jul 2014, 19:28:51 UTC - in response to Message 1536060.  

I walk back to Squirrel's grave most days when I can, and speak to her.
Is that odd of me?
I mean, she sat on my couch next to me for almost 18 years. Is my missing her really that unusual still?
And I STILL glance over in the dark of night and expect her to be there...





Just means one thing Mark.
Your love for her will continue for your entire life.
That is called being a True Human Being

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Message 1536505 - Posted: 5 Jul 2014, 19:44:04 UTC - in response to Message 1536501.  

I walk back to Squirrel's grave most days when I can, and speak to her.
Is that odd of me?
I mean, she sat on my couch next to me for almost 18 years. Is my missing her really that unusual still?
And I STILL glance over in the dark of night and expect her to be there...





Just means one thing Mark.
Your love for her will continue for your entire life.
That is called being a True Human Being

Michael

This is what a part of my life has been.
It's a part of my history. My life.
A cat that became my world, at the time.
A simple animal that overtook my soul.
She became me. She was me.

Much as Jett overtook my soul.

Once you give up what you are to some other life, it's most amazing what becomes of you.
It is both gripping and frightening and the same time.

And most liberating.

Most of you condemn me for trying to express my true inner self.
You may have noticed that I don't apologize much.
That is because I have, over the years, come to know that I don't have to apologize to anybody for being who I am.

I am me, give or take a few notes that I can give or take at any time.

I walk the same earth that you do.
I make the same mistakes that you do.
My life is the Lord's to give or take on a whim.
I trust him with it explicitly.

I gave all my love to a kitty..........
She gave her's to me.
Every day for almost 18 years, her eyes were upon me.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1536522 - Posted: 5 Jul 2014, 20:48:06 UTC - in response to Message 1536505.  

Very well said Mark.

I too have given my life to Christ.

Having Cats as friends is a lot like having Christ with you.
Unconditional love. ( Only conditions are love, food, security)

There is a reason that the Egyptians regarded cats as protectors of man.
If only the rest of the world could understand.

I get a lot of ridicule telling people what is about to happen to our societies.
I'm called crazy, insane, you name it.
All I am doing is watching and telling people what I know will happen.
WW3 is about to take place. It must happen. The Anti-Christ is among us now. It's all Good and Evil, nothing more. The oldest battle in the world

My place in this world is secure. I may not have any riches or bank accounts with tons of false hope in them. I do understand what love is and how powerful the lessons of forgiveness that Christ gave us.
At times I look at what is now taking place in Israel and the Arab world and it's very hard to stay focused without anger. They are being guided into hating each other.



This life is just the beginning. It's what we do in this life that will determine what the next will be for us.

You are not alone Mark. Your place is secure and you are among friends.


Lots of Love bro

Michael Miles
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Message 1537566 - Posted: 7 Jul 2014, 22:04:07 UTC
Last modified: 7 Jul 2014, 22:10:09 UTC

As I hunt around I am finding a lot of places that do offer computers for free

Here is what I have so far....



Computers For Classrooms 315 Huss Drive, Chico, CA 95928 (530)895-4175

CFC provides good working computer systems for those who cannot afford to buy new ones. As Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers they can only place MS licensed computers with low-income families.

http://www.computersforclassrooms.org/html/low_income.html


Computer Recycling Center

CRC Computer Recycling provides refurbished computers to Foster Youth, Home-Bound Elderly, Teachers, Community Nonprofits, and more.

http://www.crc.org/apply/


PC’s for People

PCs for People creates new opportunities by providing personal computers and education to people who have limited experience with technology due to social, physical and/or economic circumstances.

http://www.pcsforpeople.com/index.php/receive/eligibility
http://www.pcsforpeople.com/index.php/receive/how-it-works



FreeCycle

Freecycle is an online network of charitable individuals who post gifts and donations of many things, including computers, so that others may benefit from their gifts.

http://www.freecycle.org/



World Computer Exchange

World Computer Exchange is a portal for rescuing used computers, refurbishing them and distributing them throughout the world. This company has benefited many communities and organizations that otherwise would not have been able to afford a computer or laptop. Visit their website for more information on donating or receiving a free computer.

http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/


Alachua Free-Net Computer Recycling Program

[Florida] Requests for computers are considered on a case-by-case basis by the AFN Computer Recycling Program volunteers. Some of the areas used for determination are as follows: Priority is given to local community organizations, schools, and non-profit organizations. Individuals with disabilities or hardships where it is demonstrated that the computer would enhance the person’s life.

http://www.afn.org/~recycle/


Castaway Computers, Inc.

[Wisconsin] We accept donated computer equipment and software from companies, refurbish the equipment, load available software, and upgrade the equipment. Castaway donates the computers to individuals, families, schools, charities, and agencies including religious, scouting, genealogical, historical, and other nonprofit entities. Call for more info (414) 221-3442

Computers for Families (CFF)

[Virginia] Computers for Families is a not for profit organization founded to place computer systems with and provide computer information access to individuals who can not afford a computer system. Currently we are only able to help families in the SW Virginia localities. 540-745-6340


First Chance Project

First Chance will locate used computer equipment and transfer it to rural women who do not have computers in their own home. Telephone: 720 855 0501

Free Computers

[Michigan] We place computers in homes (in low-income Grand Rapids neighborhoods) that could not otherwise afford one. To qualify for a computer, you must complete ten (10) hours of service to your community

http://www.wherevergodwills.org/free_computers.htm

FREE GEEK


[Oregon] FREE GEEK is a 501(c)(3) not for profit community organization that recycles used technology to provide computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those in need in exchange for community service.

http://www.freegeek.org/

Santa Barbara Computers for Families


[California] The Computers for Families project is providing computers, Internet access and training for Santa BarbaraCounty students whose families cannot afford to purchase them. We believe that access to technology at home is critical to building the skills essential for success in the 21st century. (805)964-4711 x5400

http://www.sbceo.org/~sbceocff/

Southern Arizona’s Computer Bank

[Arizona] SACB is a community-based, non-profit 501(c)(3), charitable and educational organization, that helps those who are less fortunate. We acquire, upgrade and donate computers, and printers to under-privileged students K-12, who live in Southern Arizona.

http://www.sawcb.org/

Technology Assisting People In Need

[Ohio] TAPIN focuses on serving individuals who are economically disadvantaged or disabled, and who could benefit by owning a computer, and the agencies which serve them.

http://www.tapin.org/

Micrecycle

Rochester, NY- Free and Low-cost Refurbished Computers Available Now Through Micrecycle:

Computers for Education Back-To-School Promotion Location: Micrecycle, 98 College Ave., Rochester, NY14607 Media Contact: Debra Jacobson (585) 697-1944 • Email: debra_jacobson@rmsc.org

Computers will be available for pick-up a week or two after applications are processed. For more information about the program or to request an application, call Alex Johnson at RMSC/Science Linkages, (585)256-3170.

Computers for Children

(no website available) 2550 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 874-3350 Hours: Monday - Saturday 10-6 pm


That's it for now

Michael Miles
Team New Mexico
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