More Computers for Less Money?

You can build a computer center with fewer computers. Compared to typical arrangements, Windows MultiPoint Server (WMS) costs surprisingly less to adopt and maintain, saves electricity, and gives administrators group controls. For NGOs with many different missions, it’s helping people access technology . . . for much less.

Donations of Office Are Now Available

 

The latest version of Microsoft Office is here!

Eligible NGOs and charities can now request Office Standard and Professional editions through the Microsoft Software Donation Program at TechSoup Kenya.

Microsoft Office offers a number of new features and benefits over Office 2010, including direct integration with SkyDrive, new graphics options, the ability to open and edit PDFs in Word, and to sync across several devices. This means you can start working on a document on your desktop and then continue where you left off on another computer, laptop, or tablet because Office saves your work in the cloud as you go.

If you have received a donation of Microsoft Office through TechSoup Kenya that included Software Assurance (and it is still current), you can upgrade to the latest version of Office at no additional cost.

What’s New in Office?

One of the most interesting new features of Office is its integration with the cloud. Microsoft Office Web Apps let your staff and volunteers create, edit, and share documents online. For example, you can add comments to a Word document, and colleagues can respond to them directly within the document or via email or Skype. Plus: You can start working on a document on your desktop, then continue right where you left off on a different computer or tablet.

Should You Upgrade to Windows 8? Questions to Consider



Windows 8 is unlike any operating system Microsoft has ever released — and that's a good thing. The bigger, bolder user interface is built for touchscreen tablets and PCs, as well as traditional desktop and laptop computers. The new Start screen resembles what you'd find on a smartphone or tablet with clean font, bright colors, and dynamic images. But Windows 8 also retains many of the features from Windows 7, so your staff should have no trouble getting used to the new interface. Looks aside, Windows 8 also offers some new features that may help your staff's productivity as well as the performance and longevity of your organisation's computers.

How to Upgrade to Windows 8


If your organisation decides that it's ready to switch to Windows 8 and has verified that it meets the technical requirements to do so, it is time to make an upgrade plan. This article will walk you through steps to take before and during an install.

This article is geared toward the accidental techie who is comfortable installing software and who has only a handful of computers (fewer than 10) to upgrade. Those looking for tips on virtualized environments, unattended installs, or network-wide mass deployment can find support on Microsoft TechNet Windows 8 Technical Library Roadmap.

Alin and Techsoup Global announce results of Global Cloud Technology Survey

Technology and the NGO Sector

In March of 2012, Alin, in partnership with SANGOTeCH and TechSoup Global, conducted a survey of NGO's around the world to better understand the current state of their IT infrastructure and how they’re adopting cloud technologies. The survey garnered more than 10,500 respondents in 88 countries. We’re pleased to add this data to our ever-evolving resources for NGO's, charities, foundations, and those who support them.

The Results Are In! 

Good news! Updates to the Microsoft Software Donation Program

Organisations now have more flexibility regarding when they can request Microsoft software donations and in the product donations available. And, to make navigating the programme easier, we’re introducing the Microsoft Donation Centre, where eligible organisations can easily track their Microsoft requests, see the value of donations received to date, and more.

Register for the Techsoup Kenya Technology Donations Programme

The Techsoup Kenya programme aims to assist NGOs in Kenya by providing software for very low fees in conjunction with ICT donor partners (currently Microsoft and ICWFD), as well as by supporting NGOs to make the most of their ICT purchases and infrastructure.

The Techsoup Kenya programme is brought to Kenya by Arid Lands Information Network (Alin) in partnership with SANGONeT  and TechSoup Global.