INFORMATION FOR AID ORGANIZATIONS AND SHELTERS:

If you need to talk to someone about getting internet web stations or kiosks in your organization, please call 916-899-1400 or email steve.hargadon@gmail.com.

If you are looking for volunteer technical/computer help, go to TechVolunteers.com.

In a nutshell, we're working on deploying to shelters free, zero-maintenance, secure, tamper-proof, virus-proof computers that are Internet connected. We're also working on coverting the machines that are already at the shelters to a more secure, low-maintenance format that's easier to maintain.

For the past week, volunteers from across the Internet and all over the country (and the world), sponsored by our California technology company, have been developing a custom Linux release for deployment in the shelters. This software is being constantly modified in response to feedback from volunteers on the ground, and it has the following general properties:

1. It boots and runs directly from a CD-ROM, so there's no need to install anything on a hard drive, or to even have a hard drive. This makes the machines very easy for us to process on our end. All we have to do is pop in a CD.

2. It provides basic Internet functionality--Web, email, etc. using the familiar Firefox web browser.  In fact, the first thing a user will see upon boot-up is the Web browser that opens to a default page of disaster information and database links.

3. It has a standardized, easy to use interface. Having a standard interface/desktop environment will make the machines easy to support.

4. It runs across a wide range of donated hardware, including very low-end equipment.

5. It's Linux-based, so there will be no problems with viruses, trojans, adware, spyware, and the like.

6. It's completely free and open source.

7. We have a version that only allows visiting sites listed on the home page, if your organization is concerned about internet filtering.

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We also have many technical people who are looking for ways to help, including installing computers or maintaining existing web station areas and just giving help.  If you need help in that regard, please post a request here with a subject line that starts "Aid Organization Needs Help."  You will get help.