Ho hum, four times a day and getting really boring. But now I've got it down to a fine art.
Quick How To:
Prepare fluid bag (use heater and timer to get it right)
Reveal catheter
Wash Hands with antibacterial scrub
Dry with paper towel
Avagard bench area
Use avagard on hands
Open fluid bag
Prepare the lines
Mix solution
Avagard hands again
Take off plastic seal
Open line
Take off own catheter cap
Make the connection
Open white clamp
Open own clamp
Drain for 10ish min
Close own clamp
Open blue clamp for 5 secs/Close white clamp (clears the line of air bubbles)
Check for air
Open own clamp
Drain in for 10ish mins
Close blue clamp
Close own clamp
Avagard again
Disconnect from line
Open PD cap
Replace PD cap
Weigh everything
Do paperwork
Clean up (lots of mess and rubbish generated)
Done!!!
The whole process takes about 30ish minutes and will depend on how much fluid I have to drain out. I usually ultrafiltrate, which means I produce more fluid out than was put in. One time while doing this I forgot to mix in the glucose. On that occasion I absorbed heaps of the fluid. I'm not sure what it means, I'll ask the nurse when she calls.
So much plastic rubbish is generated at each exchange but at least the waste fluids can go onto the garden. Speaking of which...time to go and do some bag slashing. :)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Training for Peritoneal Dialysis
I had my first session around doing Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). It seems like a lot to do but once I've done it heaps it shouldn't take too long to get the hang of.
The big thing is contamination. I have to be ultra careful not to touch my catheter cap while doing 'exchanges'. An exchange is what we call the process of taking out fluid and putting it back in.
Towards the end of a drain it gets a little uncomfortable for me. Apparently as I am young, this is common. You kind of feel a little bloated when the fluid is in. The fluid can come out with a tinge of yellow or it can even be darker. A cloudy fluid indicates infection. Peritonitis is something i really don't want to get.
I have anti bacterial hand wash and some avaguard lotion. Before connecting and disconnecting I need to use the avaguard.
I have plenty of PD supplies, they take up a lot of space at our house. Each fluid bag is 2L. I think I am shipped supplies on a two week basis. I am using the Gambro solution.
I'm planning on writing up a PD how-to, I'll post it here when I am done. I receive more training tomorrow so should have it down pat by then.
The big thing is contamination. I have to be ultra careful not to touch my catheter cap while doing 'exchanges'. An exchange is what we call the process of taking out fluid and putting it back in.
Towards the end of a drain it gets a little uncomfortable for me. Apparently as I am young, this is common. You kind of feel a little bloated when the fluid is in. The fluid can come out with a tinge of yellow or it can even be darker. A cloudy fluid indicates infection. Peritonitis is something i really don't want to get.
I have anti bacterial hand wash and some avaguard lotion. Before connecting and disconnecting I need to use the avaguard.
I have plenty of PD supplies, they take up a lot of space at our house. Each fluid bag is 2L. I think I am shipped supplies on a two week basis. I am using the Gambro solution.
I'm planning on writing up a PD how-to, I'll post it here when I am done. I receive more training tomorrow so should have it down pat by then.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Asus eee PC sold out in Australia ... a sign of better things to come
This is most certainly a positive thing for the free and open source community in Australia. A laptop for $500 and it is running a streamlined version of GNU/Linux. Not that I have used one, but It seems to include all the basics and appears really simple to use. Reports also confirm this.
I've always thought simplicity over complexity would mean greater uptake of GNU/Linux on the desktop. Computerbank's own distribution tries to incorporate this aspect. If people are happy and don't encounter problems or set up issues they are more likely to stay with what works. I feel that another area where GNU/Linux excels is reduced virus risk which means less time is required for system maintenance. The same applies to threats of malware and spyware. It makes perfect sense for GNU/Linux to be the 'safe family computer.'
The eee PC includes a range of software, some of which we include in the Computerbank distribution. There is the super fun kid magnet "Tux Paint." I hear many schools are now using this. It is perfect for teaching young kids (and adults) basic computer skills. Potato Guy has also been included, Computerbank uses this to teach mouse skills. Everyone can relate to it.
For more information see this link to the Australian Age news item - 'Australia's cheapest laptop sells out'
or visit the eee PC website at http://eeepc.asus.com/
I've always thought simplicity over complexity would mean greater uptake of GNU/Linux on the desktop. Computerbank's own distribution tries to incorporate this aspect. If people are happy and don't encounter problems or set up issues they are more likely to stay with what works. I feel that another area where GNU/Linux excels is reduced virus risk which means less time is required for system maintenance. The same applies to threats of malware and spyware. It makes perfect sense for GNU/Linux to be the 'safe family computer.'
The eee PC includes a range of software, some of which we include in the Computerbank distribution. There is the super fun kid magnet "Tux Paint." I hear many schools are now using this. It is perfect for teaching young kids (and adults) basic computer skills. Potato Guy has also been included, Computerbank uses this to teach mouse skills. Everyone can relate to it.
For more information see this link to the Australian Age news item - 'Australia's cheapest laptop sells out'
or visit the eee PC website at http://eeepc.asus.com/
Friday, December 07, 2007
Forgot to mention - I have lupus SLE
Oh. I guess by now you are wondering what could be wrong with me and my kidneys? I haven't mentioned that yet. Or have i?
I have Systemic Lupus Ereythemotosus...it is an autoimmune disease where my body attacks itself. In my case it is my kidneys. I also have a blood disorder, antiphospholipid syndrome.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus_erythematosus and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiphospholipid_syndrome for more information.
I have been diagnosed with this condition since 1996 but have probably had it longer than that. It results in weird symptoms. I have had a minor stroke from the blood condition and a retinal occlusion. I have been in hospital over 14 times. It seems we just can't get the lupus to stop attacking so now it has nearly destroyed my kidney function.
I am down to less than 10% now hence the preparation for dialysis. Eventually I will have a transplant, we are unsure if the new kidney will also be attacked by lupus. At the moment there is no cure for Lupus but people are working on it.
I have Systemic Lupus Ereythemotosus...it is an autoimmune disease where my body attacks itself. In my case it is my kidneys. I also have a blood disorder, antiphospholipid syndrome.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus_erythematosus and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiphospholipid_syndrome for more information.
I have been diagnosed with this condition since 1996 but have probably had it longer than that. It results in weird symptoms. I have had a minor stroke from the blood condition and a retinal occlusion. I have been in hospital over 14 times. It seems we just can't get the lupus to stop attacking so now it has nearly destroyed my kidney function.
I am down to less than 10% now hence the preparation for dialysis. Eventually I will have a transplant, we are unsure if the new kidney will also be attacked by lupus. At the moment there is no cure for Lupus but people are working on it.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Tenchoff update
Well it has been over a week now and I am on the mend. I have had my dressings removed and my wound is healing up nicely.
I was shown how to clean the exit site so as to keep it free from infection. Eventually i will learn the art of taping things nicely, I'm trying all sorts of different configurations.
The hospital in the home folks 'discharged' me today, although I'll still need to do blood tests to keep on top of my INR. I have a whole heap of medical supplies for cleaning my wounds and exit site, the hospital provides everything I need, all for gratis. This is also the case for the dialysis equipment and fluid. St V's have been really great. I am so glad I live in a country that still provides free medical care.
I found another cool link on Peritoneal Dialysis - see http://www.kidneypatientguide.org.uk/site/pdanim.html - you'll need flash installed to see this one as it is an animation of the process. I'm still not 100% on how I will do my PD - overnight or 4 times a day, I might have to give both a go.
Sometimes the catheter causes discomfort, I can feel it inside me. Hopefully I will get used to it and eventually won't notice at all.
Photos? Yep, soon I'll upload.
Extra Info:
INR: See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prothrombin_time
I was shown how to clean the exit site so as to keep it free from infection. Eventually i will learn the art of taping things nicely, I'm trying all sorts of different configurations.
The hospital in the home folks 'discharged' me today, although I'll still need to do blood tests to keep on top of my INR. I have a whole heap of medical supplies for cleaning my wounds and exit site, the hospital provides everything I need, all for gratis. This is also the case for the dialysis equipment and fluid. St V's have been really great. I am so glad I live in a country that still provides free medical care.
I found another cool link on Peritoneal Dialysis - see http://www.kidneypatientguide.org.uk/site/pdanim.html - you'll need flash installed to see this one as it is an animation of the process. I'm still not 100% on how I will do my PD - overnight or 4 times a day, I might have to give both a go.
Sometimes the catheter causes discomfort, I can feel it inside me. Hopefully I will get used to it and eventually won't notice at all.
Photos? Yep, soon I'll upload.
Extra Info:
INR: See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prothrombin_time
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Tenchoff catheter ready to go
Last week I had a tenchoff catheter put in so I can start dialysis in a few weeks.
I spent two days in hospital and was quite sick. I was also mostly out of it. My blood pressure hit the roof, people were worried I was going to have a heart attack.
I'm still not feeling that great and I have limited mobility. Now I am at home my blood pressure has mostly settled. I have the 'hospital in the home' service visit me for a week. That has been great...not having to travel around for tests and so forth. St V's Hospital was a great place to recover, the nursing staff and doctors looked after me well.
Next week i go to get my dressings attended to. I think they also flush my lines as well. I don't start dialysis for about two-three weeks. The area where they put the catheter in needs time to heal.
For those who want to know more see these links:
Cute baby with tenchoff catheter
Wikipedia info on peritoneal dialysis
I'll post a picture of my tenchoff catheter in the next few days.
The dialysis is for the short term, in the longer term I am looking to have a kidney transplant. Members of my family (mum) are having tests to see if they will be a suitable living donor.
I'll try and keep people posted via my blog.
I spent two days in hospital and was quite sick. I was also mostly out of it. My blood pressure hit the roof, people were worried I was going to have a heart attack.
I'm still not feeling that great and I have limited mobility. Now I am at home my blood pressure has mostly settled. I have the 'hospital in the home' service visit me for a week. That has been great...not having to travel around for tests and so forth. St V's Hospital was a great place to recover, the nursing staff and doctors looked after me well.
Next week i go to get my dressings attended to. I think they also flush my lines as well. I don't start dialysis for about two-three weeks. The area where they put the catheter in needs time to heal.
For those who want to know more see these links:
Cute baby with tenchoff catheter
Wikipedia info on peritoneal dialysis
I'll post a picture of my tenchoff catheter in the next few days.
The dialysis is for the short term, in the longer term I am looking to have a kidney transplant. Members of my family (mum) are having tests to see if they will be a suitable living donor.
I'll try and keep people posted via my blog.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Unofficial Election Campaign Video - Go for Growth
An entry in the ABC Sledge competition. See http://abc.net.au/unleashed/sledge/ for details.
Just brilliant. Great work Cyrius01.
Just brilliant. Great work Cyrius01.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Databasing like mad
I've been playing around with databases. We are looking to revamp or replace the Computerbank database (postgres/mysql/qt app) so I wanted to get a feel for what is out there.
My foray into LAMP has begun. I turned my lappy into a LAMP server even though I was warned against doing such things (it's my only computer). So far so good, the Computerbank distro is cool to build on.
I installed apache, plone, mysql, postgres 7.4 and 8.1, phpmyadmin, ruby on rails, probably some other stuff and some databases. Tiny erp, Bizar Shop, Free Geek Db and Zen Shopping Cart.
I couldn't get the Free Geek db to fully work, so I hope to catch up with the free geek folks. Maybe I don't have a full copy. Who knows, I have never used ruby, so I may not have it configured correctly. I just followed a how to. As Free Geek are similar to us it makes sense to see if their database can be modified to suit our needs.
I still need to play with Tiny erp, it seemed to have lots in it. So much I was overwhelmed. Bizar shop and Zen Shopping cart both look nice and easy to use but don't meet our needs enough.
I'll be looking at PHP Myinventory next and any others that people might suggest. One thing I don't plan on doing is writing a database from scratch. Sounds like too much work for me right now. :)
My foray into LAMP has begun. I turned my lappy into a LAMP server even though I was warned against doing such things (it's my only computer). So far so good, the Computerbank distro is cool to build on.
I installed apache, plone, mysql, postgres 7.4 and 8.1, phpmyadmin, ruby on rails, probably some other stuff and some databases. Tiny erp, Bizar Shop, Free Geek Db and Zen Shopping Cart.
I couldn't get the Free Geek db to fully work, so I hope to catch up with the free geek folks. Maybe I don't have a full copy. Who knows, I have never used ruby, so I may not have it configured correctly. I just followed a how to. As Free Geek are similar to us it makes sense to see if their database can be modified to suit our needs.
I still need to play with Tiny erp, it seemed to have lots in it. So much I was overwhelmed. Bizar shop and Zen Shopping cart both look nice and easy to use but don't meet our needs enough.
I'll be looking at PHP Myinventory next and any others that people might suggest. One thing I don't plan on doing is writing a database from scratch. Sounds like too much work for me right now. :)
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Inner city decor, when will it fall?
For around 3 months or so I've seen a pair of sneakers dangling from overhead wires across Barkly Street. Eventually the wind and elements will cause the shoelace to break. But when?
Perhaps I should start up a guessing game on my blog? I'll try and get a decent snap tomorrow...provided they are still up there. Prizes. Hmm. Maybe. :)
Perhaps I should start up a guessing game on my blog? I'll try and get a decent snap tomorrow...provided they are still up there. Prizes. Hmm. Maybe. :)
Saturday, February 17, 2007
ISP's that don't support Linux - Bah!
We've/I've/Computerbank has had to deal with the '"oh but they said it won't work with Linux, they won't support Linux" ISP blues for well over 9 years now.
I had a document that once explained not to worry. The sky won't fall down. You will still get connected to the net. Probably via a Linux server too. The many boxes you surf to read content will probably be running Apache. Yep. Apache, that free open source web server, the one that usually runs on a Linux setup. When you are tapping your search query into Google you'll be accessing a Linux computer farm.
But ISP's won't give any help. They say it's too hard to have documents on all the Linux internet utilities. It took one of the volunteers at Computerbank a day or so to write and test an internet setup utility using C code. Couldn't ISP's just do that? They could write an easy to use, we know what to expect configuration utility and ship it on a CD. I'm sure they could write simple documentation and phone scripts to talk people through connecting over the phone.
If they can't do that then the least they can do is write a proper phone info script that doesn't confuse people. "The internet works perfect with Linux systems. We can't provide help because we don't know what software you have on your computer and we didn't bother making any."
It really is a pity, and you are scaring potential customers away. Once a Linux user has an established net connection they'll probably never call for support again. Linux distributions are rock solid and not as susceptible to viruses, malware or spyware like Windows computers are.
Tip for new Linux users, if you do call your ISP for support (and it is not in relation to connecting) don't tell them you use Linux. Tell them you are using Firefox. Some ISP's have seen the light and recommend Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. These folks might be in more of a position to support you on web site access issues.
Very occasionally you might get a Linux friendly support person on the phone and they might help you out. On this note, if anyone knows of Linux friendly ISP's in Melbourne or with Australia wide local call access numbers please let me know. You could possibly help prevent a lot of confusion. Look forward to hearing from you. :)
I had a document that once explained not to worry. The sky won't fall down. You will still get connected to the net. Probably via a Linux server too. The many boxes you surf to read content will probably be running Apache. Yep. Apache, that free open source web server, the one that usually runs on a Linux setup. When you are tapping your search query into Google you'll be accessing a Linux computer farm.
But ISP's won't give any help. They say it's too hard to have documents on all the Linux internet utilities. It took one of the volunteers at Computerbank a day or so to write and test an internet setup utility using C code. Couldn't ISP's just do that? They could write an easy to use, we know what to expect configuration utility and ship it on a CD. I'm sure they could write simple documentation and phone scripts to talk people through connecting over the phone.
If they can't do that then the least they can do is write a proper phone info script that doesn't confuse people. "The internet works perfect with Linux systems. We can't provide help because we don't know what software you have on your computer and we didn't bother making any."
It really is a pity, and you are scaring potential customers away. Once a Linux user has an established net connection they'll probably never call for support again. Linux distributions are rock solid and not as susceptible to viruses, malware or spyware like Windows computers are.
Tip for new Linux users, if you do call your ISP for support (and it is not in relation to connecting) don't tell them you use Linux. Tell them you are using Firefox. Some ISP's have seen the light and recommend Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. These folks might be in more of a position to support you on web site access issues.
Very occasionally you might get a Linux friendly support person on the phone and they might help you out. On this note, if anyone knows of Linux friendly ISP's in Melbourne or with Australia wide local call access numbers please let me know. You could possibly help prevent a lot of confusion. Look forward to hearing from you. :)
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation money making investments...Grrr!!!
I've known it all along but didn't really know how big the investments were.
A bit behind the eight ball here but I recently read that Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has shares in pharmaceutical companies including Abbott Laboratories, Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer. See this article here: LA Times - Jan 2007
Intellectual property right protection allows companies to set prices for drugs and prevent others from developing generic medicines. Strategies like these lock the consumer market to one company and one product only. The company is guaranteed a consumer base for the product as it is essential. Guaranteed captive market.
This model is very similar to the Microsoft software model. A lot of people believe Windows is an essential item. I guess that's why B&M have chosen to invest this way. Their model works, why not get involved with companies that have similar opportunities. Relate it to 'gift giving' and your really getting ahead. Making profit on gift giving, not only for your own foundation but for big multinationals too. Kind of makes you mad don't it?
A bit behind the eight ball here but I recently read that Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has shares in pharmaceutical companies including Abbott Laboratories, Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer. See this article here: LA Times - Jan 2007
Intellectual property right protection allows companies to set prices for drugs and prevent others from developing generic medicines. Strategies like these lock the consumer market to one company and one product only. The company is guaranteed a consumer base for the product as it is essential. Guaranteed captive market.
This model is very similar to the Microsoft software model. A lot of people believe Windows is an essential item. I guess that's why B&M have chosen to invest this way. Their model works, why not get involved with companies that have similar opportunities. Relate it to 'gift giving' and your really getting ahead. Making profit on gift giving, not only for your own foundation but for big multinationals too. Kind of makes you mad don't it?
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Computers from charities and other rip offs
So I'm a little bit angry today. I'm going to blog about it because i think other people should know.
It was a pretty good move by Green PC to discontinue their $99 PII 366Mhz system. At the place I work and volunteer, we recycle this level of computer. While this computer came with a modem, it still wasn't worth $99.
Today I discover that another group, Charity Computers, are offering a PII 266Mhz>, 4gig+ HDD, 64MB RAM, 15" monitor, CD/SND and modem for $100. We had someone call up to find out if this was a misprint. It sure was. The price was supposed to be $125. Why the high price? It came with a 12 month warranty.
The computers Computerbank give out come with a three month warranty. We charge $15!!! for a PIII 450-500Mhz, 192 RAM, 4.3G HDD, CD/SND, 15" monitor. A modem is $10-15 extra. We also have (buzzword warning) product stewardship, this means we will recycle the PC's we distribute. So, a person could buy 4 * $15 computers from where I work/volunteer, under warranty, plus an external modem for $15 and still save money.
When we look at the prices of P4's we see:
Green PC Pentium IV 1.6+ Ghz , 256 MB RAM, 20 GB HD, CD/SND, 17" CRT = $425. For this you get a modem and speakers. The system comes with a 3 month replacement warranty. Prices for higher spec PIV's go up and up. The dearest computer is $550. For that you get a PIV 1.6Ghz, 512Ram, 20G HD, DVD Burner, Sound, 15" LCD, 56K modem, speakers. Support costs are higher than Charity computers, IXA Assist once published the costs of support. I think it was around $40 an hour. Packages were also available. Green PC were running a Victorian State Government funded Community Jobs Program (CJP) which gave them funding to employ trainees. I'm not sure if they are still running CJP.
Charity Computers PIV 1.3GHz, 256 MB ram, 20 gig HD, CD burner, sound, 17” monitor and 56k internal modem = $350!! 12 month warranty. Reasonably priced inhouse after support option of $25 an hour. Has Work for the Dole (WFD) participants and volunteers. Possibly students as part of a fee paying course.
WorkVentures PIV 1.8Ghz, 256RAM, 40G HDD, 17" CRT, CD/SND. No mention of modem or speakers. = $350. 3 month warranty. Unknown after support costs. Possibly WFD and trainees.
Wesley Mission PIV 1.6GHZ, 512 RAM, 40G HDD, 17" CRT, CD Burner/SND, modem and speakers = $420. 3 month back to base warranty. Unknown after support costs A PII, 128 RAM, 3-4G HDD, CD/SND and monitor is $50. Unknown participation.
Computerbank PIV 1.4Ghz, 256 RAM, 20 GB HD, CD/SND, 17" CRT monitor, 56K modem, and speakers = $125 with 17" LCD = $185. We give a 3 month warranty and have very affordable after support costs, $22 flat fee inhouse support, doesn't matter how long it takes. We also provide free training, free internet/email support and a free user guide. Our users can attend 'Show Me How' days for free no matter how long they have had their computers.
Computerbank's dearest computers are around $300. That gets you a PIV 2.0Ghz, 512 RAM, 40G HDD and DVD Burner (new), modem, and speakers. Add a 17" LCD for $60.
Surely the costs of recycling computers can't be that high for these well established groups and charities? Why do they need the outrageous profits?
We use Open Source Software...maybe thats the reason we can keep prices so low. No paperwork. No licenses. Not having to deal with Microsoft.
We have 4 part time and casual staff, as well as a core (8) team of dedicated volunteers who manage our operations. We have another 6 or so volunteers who help out on a regular basis. We have been around for 9 years, we have been the longest running, nationally spread community computer recycler. We have had great success in Victoria, activity in other states has been varied. Computerbanks and affiliates are autonomous.
Last year we gave out 465 computers. We recycled even more. We have around 300 computers in stock and receive a regular stream of donations and e-waste. Rather than charge an arm and a leg for our computers, we are building up other fee based services (with reasonable charges).
We are mostly volunteer based, but in time, hope to employ more people (like our sister organisation, Free Geek, in the US). We get a regular turn out of volunteers each week. We train unemployed people via a WFD project we run. Lots of people have obtained jobs due to their experience at Computerbank.
Visit our website, you can access it from my blog links. :)
It was a pretty good move by Green PC to discontinue their $99 PII 366Mhz system. At the place I work and volunteer, we recycle this level of computer. While this computer came with a modem, it still wasn't worth $99.
Today I discover that another group, Charity Computers, are offering a PII 266Mhz>, 4gig+ HDD, 64MB RAM, 15" monitor, CD/SND and modem for $100. We had someone call up to find out if this was a misprint. It sure was. The price was supposed to be $125. Why the high price? It came with a 12 month warranty.
The computers Computerbank give out come with a three month warranty. We charge $15!!! for a PIII 450-500Mhz, 192 RAM, 4.3G HDD, CD/SND, 15" monitor. A modem is $10-15 extra. We also have (buzzword warning) product stewardship, this means we will recycle the PC's we distribute. So, a person could buy 4 * $15 computers from where I work/volunteer, under warranty, plus an external modem for $15 and still save money.
When we look at the prices of P4's we see:
Green PC Pentium IV 1.6+ Ghz , 256 MB RAM, 20 GB HD, CD/SND, 17" CRT = $425. For this you get a modem and speakers. The system comes with a 3 month replacement warranty. Prices for higher spec PIV's go up and up. The dearest computer is $550. For that you get a PIV 1.6Ghz, 512Ram, 20G HD, DVD Burner, Sound, 15" LCD, 56K modem, speakers. Support costs are higher than Charity computers, IXA Assist once published the costs of support. I think it was around $40 an hour. Packages were also available. Green PC were running a Victorian State Government funded Community Jobs Program (CJP) which gave them funding to employ trainees. I'm not sure if they are still running CJP.
Charity Computers PIV 1.3GHz, 256 MB ram, 20 gig HD, CD burner, sound, 17” monitor and 56k internal modem = $350!! 12 month warranty. Reasonably priced inhouse after support option of $25 an hour. Has Work for the Dole (WFD) participants and volunteers. Possibly students as part of a fee paying course.
WorkVentures PIV 1.8Ghz, 256RAM, 40G HDD, 17" CRT, CD/SND. No mention of modem or speakers. = $350. 3 month warranty. Unknown after support costs. Possibly WFD and trainees.
Wesley Mission PIV 1.6GHZ, 512 RAM, 40G HDD, 17" CRT, CD Burner/SND, modem and speakers = $420. 3 month back to base warranty. Unknown after support costs A PII, 128 RAM, 3-4G HDD, CD/SND and monitor is $50. Unknown participation.
Computerbank PIV 1.4Ghz, 256 RAM, 20 GB HD, CD/SND, 17" CRT monitor, 56K modem, and speakers = $125 with 17" LCD = $185. We give a 3 month warranty and have very affordable after support costs, $22 flat fee inhouse support, doesn't matter how long it takes. We also provide free training, free internet/email support and a free user guide. Our users can attend 'Show Me How' days for free no matter how long they have had their computers.
Computerbank's dearest computers are around $300. That gets you a PIV 2.0Ghz, 512 RAM, 40G HDD and DVD Burner (new), modem, and speakers. Add a 17" LCD for $60.
Surely the costs of recycling computers can't be that high for these well established groups and charities? Why do they need the outrageous profits?
We use Open Source Software...maybe thats the reason we can keep prices so low. No paperwork. No licenses. Not having to deal with Microsoft.
We have 4 part time and casual staff, as well as a core (8) team of dedicated volunteers who manage our operations. We have another 6 or so volunteers who help out on a regular basis. We have been around for 9 years, we have been the longest running, nationally spread community computer recycler. We have had great success in Victoria, activity in other states has been varied. Computerbanks and affiliates are autonomous.
Last year we gave out 465 computers. We recycled even more. We have around 300 computers in stock and receive a regular stream of donations and e-waste. Rather than charge an arm and a leg for our computers, we are building up other fee based services (with reasonable charges).
We are mostly volunteer based, but in time, hope to employ more people (like our sister organisation, Free Geek, in the US). We get a regular turn out of volunteers each week. We train unemployed people via a WFD project we run. Lots of people have obtained jobs due to their experience at Computerbank.
Visit our website, you can access it from my blog links. :)
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