Free PCs
Recycling PCs
Building a free community wireless network

Tech for All

We believe that networked computer technology should be available to as many people as possible and at minimal cost. Using donated computers, people can communicate and work together within our communities without having to spend great amounts of money. Tech for all.

Free PCs

We believe in making computers available to members of the local Hillsborough community at zero or very low cost.

Recycling PCs and Tech

We believe in securely wiping surplus and defunct home and business PCs and refurbishing them, finding new homes for printers, scanners, fax machines, phone, modems and other tech, and giving new life to older discarded computers in your home for use by your children and other family members.

Free Wireless Internet

We believe in developing and extending a free wireless local computer network, with a connection to the full Internet.

Community Content

We believe in supporting the creation of community focused content and services using that free network.

Everyone in our community can be involved.

Free PCs

We want to offer a free computer to families and members of the Hillsborough community who do not already have access to a PC in their home.

The computers are pre-owned: we refurbish them and install the best software on them.

Features:
  • Internet-ready: surf the web safely without having to worry about viruses or spyware.
  • Complete word processing and spreadsheets package: read and write Microsoft documents and spreadsheets.
  • Work with photos: the computer comes loaded with a powerful graphic design package which you can use to re-touch or crop photos or images.
  • Ideal for children: contains several entertaining games as well as programs to assist with homework and school projects.
  • Chat online: using messaging software for MSN, Yahoo Chat and many others.
  • Access to thousands of other programs all for free!

The computers all come with the Linux operating system. They will run many, but not all, Windows programs and games. If you want to run the latest games you should buy the latest PC.

If you need additional components not available as part of the standard free PC package, these will need to be purchased either through us or independently.

Email us to discuss your requirements.

Recycling PCs

We are appealing for homes and businesses to dispose of their old computer hardware though our recycling project so that we can reuse the hardware within the Hillsborough area. We will responsibly dispose of any hardware that is no longer serviceable. We will certify the secure wiping of data or provide you with the tools to do it yourself or do it under your supervision. A small charge may be made for work done on site.

This means that we are able to offer a complete service: we will take all obsolete computer equipment. You can also be sure that any waste will be dealt with in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. By re-using as much of the hardware as possible in the local area we minimise transportation CO2 emissions.

As the software that we use runs very efficiently on older computers we can make use of machines that may be considered obsolete by most recycling operations.

Email us to arrange drop-off or pick-up or to discuss further.

HillsboroughNet - Free Wireless Internet

We support the development of a free wireless community network. Already we know that neighbours share computers; we encourage you to approach your neighbour and see if they would share their broadband with you wirelessly. As clusters of wireless networks form, these can be linked together to form a network covering an ever wider area. For a small initial investment, everyone can benefit from having a shared wireless connection.

Even if you already have broadband access yourself, you may wish to have wireless access and be prepared to share some of your network access with your neighbours and the community. This can be done securely and safely.

As more devices like laptops and cellphones support wi-fi, the fun and convenience grows. Imagine being able to connect anywhere in the community, including from parks and beaches.

Email us to learn how you can be part of the wireless community.