Computers, Computing, ICT, IT

Feel free to browse this section but if you are looking for something specific, you may prefer to go straight there by clicking on the link below:

• What's it all about? (demystifying computing terminology)
• Computers and Accessibility
• Free Software (online - nothing to install!)
• Free Software (open source/freeware)
• Help with computing issues (where and how to get help)
• Self-help: online resources and helpsheets
• Internet Access (where and how)
• Recycling an old PC (where and how)
• Self Help: on-line guides and help sheets for computer issues
• Stay safe on-line

What's it all about?!

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Jargon Busting IT/Computing Glossary (Knowledgebase - December 2007)
Definition and explanation to explain techno-jargon.

What is a Blog / Weblog? (Wikipedia - April 2007)
Definition and explanation about blogs / weblogs.

What is a Podcast? (Wikipedia - April 2007)
Definition and explanation about Podcasts

What is an RSS feed? (Wikipedia - April 2007)
Definition and explanation about RSS feeds

What is a Wiki (Wikipedia - April 2007)
Definition and explanation about wikis.
A wiki is a website that can be edited/added to by anybody, without the need for any techical expertise. If you can use a PC for word-processing or sending e-mails, you are not likely to have many problems using a wiki. For a Plain English short video explaining wikis, click here.

Online Software (free to use, without having to install anything)

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Google Docs enables you to create, save (online) and share (protected) documents, spreadsheets and presentations. It's free! There is no need to install any software onto your PC. Great for collaborative working.


iGoogle enables you to create a personalised homepage. Why bother? You can have all your bookmarks (to favourite websites), headlines from sites you view frequently, calendar (even games!) etc. in one convenient place. It's free.


Delicious - access your website favourites list from anywhere… (del.icio.us)
A free service that lets you keep your favourite (bookmarked) websites in a place where you can always find them (from any PC, anywhere). Group your favourites to find things quickly and save research time by seeing what other people have stored as their favourites.

Open Source Software (truly FREE software)

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Open Source Software (LASA Knowledgebase)
Resources relating to Open Source Software, including articles about software available and pros and cons of using Open Source Software.

OpenOffice - free Download site (OpenOffice)
OpenOffice is open source software (free) that is very similar to Microsoft Office and you can import Word/Excel documents. It can be used with Windows. You can download it here.

Review of OpenOffice2 (vnunet.com)
A brief summary of OpenOffice and what it can do

Remote Access to your PC from anywhere (free version) (LogMeIn - April 2007)


SlickRun - instant access to any programme/website (Bayden Systems)
A free application (only 170Kb) that allows to to create 'MagicWords' so you can type a few letters to access any programme on your PC instantly. Saves loads of time!

Safe Surfing

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Get Safe Online (Get Safe Online)
Expert advice for Everyone. Get Safe Online will help you protect yourself against internet threats. The site is sponsored by government and leading businesses working together to provide a free, public service.

Get Help - find an IT volunteer

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IT 4 Communities - IT professionals volunteer for Voluntary/Community Organisations (IT 4 Communities)
Find a 'Virtual Volunteer' to help with your organisation's IT needs.

Online Resources and Helpsheets

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Knoweldgebase - online sources of practical help. (LASA Knowledgebase)
A comprehensive, online source of practical help, information, and independent advice on ICT, for small and medium sized voluntary and community sector organisations.


MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR PC - WORKING EFFICIENTLY


Accessibility Skillsheets (AbilityNet)
An extensive range of user-friendly fact sheets which provide step-by-step instructions on how to make the most of your PC. These resources are primarily aimed at computer users with disabilities. However, they are of great value for ANYONE wanting to make the most of their PC and work as efficiently as possible. A few examples are listed below but follow this link for the full list of Skillsheets.

How to save phrases (and save time!) in MS Word (AbilityNet)
Simple and clear step-by-step instructions on how to save phrases in MS Word (a real time saver!)

Using MS Word's Outline Feature as a Planning Tool (AbilityNet)
Simple and clear step-by-step instructions on how to plan a document using MS Word's Outline Feature


OTHER USEFUL HELPSHEETS

IT For Charities (IT for Charities)
An IT resources guide including available software, product reviews etc.

Phone calls over the Internet (London Advice Services Alliance (LASA))
A concise and user-friendly guide to making calls over the internet, what you need and how to do it.

ICT Induction Manual (London Advice Services Alliance (LASA))
Advice and guidance about what to include in an induction manual, what do new staff/volunteers need to know about your IT set up.

Calculating your Technology Budget (London Advice Services Alliance (LASA))
What to include when devising your IT budget

Remote Control - accessing a PC from another location (London Advice Services Alliance (LASA))
What do you need to access a PC from another location? How do you do it? This article will answer your questions

On-line Back-up Services (London Advice Services Alliance (LASA))
What is available, how does it work and what does it cost.

On-line Payment Processing (London Advice Services Alliance (LASA))
An overview of what is involved if you are considering setting up a system where clients pay for services on-line.

IT Training Pack (RAISE - Regional Action & Involvement South East )
IT Training Pack - includes guides to getting started

Computing for Community Orgs - Manual (John Mayhew - Computing for Community Organisations )
The Manual comprises six chapters; Intro to Word processing; Designing a Web Page (for publicity) in Word; E-Mailing; Internet info searching; Developing a membership database; Setting up a cash book. Demonstration available on-line. CD costs £21 (incl. P&P).

Arabic Language Computing (Resource Centre, Brighton)
Information for community groups on using your computer to produce Arabic documents

ICT/Computers & Accessibility

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A guide to making your PC accessible (AbilityNet)
User friendly guide to making your PC accessible

Accessibility Skillsheets (AbilityNet)
An extensive range of user-friendly fact sheets which provide step-by-step instructions on how to make the most of your PC.

Accessibility Factsheets (AbilityNet)
An extensive range of user-friendly fact sheets about ICT (computer) accessibility

My web, my way - from the BBC (BBC)
User friendly guide to making your PC accessible

Dasher (Inference Group)
Free downloadable software appropriate for computer users who are unable to use a two-handed keyboard. One-handed users and users with no hands love Dasher. The only ability that is required is sight. Dasher can be driven using a mouse, a trackpad, a touchscreen, a rollerball, or a joystick - any two-dimensional pointing device that can take over the role of a mouse. A foot mouse and a head mouse are additional options. It can also be driven using an eyetracker, giving a completely-hands-free writing system. After one hour's practice, some users are able to write at more than 20 words per minute using Dasher with an eyetracker. Experienced users reach 30 words per minute.

Internet access points (getting on-line)

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Find your nearest on-line centre (UK Online)
UK online has internet able computers and friendly staff to help you. Find your nearest centre online or call UK Online free on 0800 77 1234 to find out the address and phone number of your nearest UK online centre

Computer Recycling (giving or receiving)

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Disposing of old computer equipment (London Advice Services Alliance (LASA))
Overview of things to think about when disposing of your old PC/s

Recycle your computer (Oxfam Computer Recycling)
Website lists specifications they will accept

Find your nearest PC recycling centre (Waste Online)
List of organisations recycling PCs and associated equipment in SE England