Guest Blog: Permanent data erasure – are concerns about security alarmist?

Today we’re happy to host a guest post from Dr.DataRecovery at Kroll Ontrack. Computer Aid uses Kroll Ontrack’s Eraser software to data wipe all equipment received in donation from our supporters in the UK. The software holds NATO, US & various European government accreditations – find out more at the official website.

Businesses face multiple challenges when disposing of their end-of-life data and hardware. One reason is the need to meet a range of legal requirements or else face a hefty fine of up to £500,000 from the Information Commissioner’s Office. With this considerable fine in mind, data deletion and destruction should be carefully reviewed and implemented in all companies.

What are your thoughts on data security?

We’ve put together a quick five-question survey on data security to help us understand and allay concerns you may have about donating computers to charity – if you have a few minutes to spare this afternoon it would be greatly appreciated!

Click here to take part!

October round-up at Computer Aid International

Successful first open-day at the warehouse

We refurbish computers at our warehouse in North London

We opened up the warehouse to our donors to see exactly what goes on at our warehouse. Guests took a tour of the warehouse, saw the data wiping and refurbishment process from start to finish and heard from our projects team about where our computers go. If you would like to attend the next workshop on the 21st November, you can register by visiting http://computeraidopenafternoon.eventbrite.co.uk/

Setting up a stall at the National Archives

On 12th September, The National Archives kindly asked us to exhibit at their eco-day. Green suppliers were invited to share with staff and the public about how they are supporting the National Archives with their sustainability programme. The day proved to be a great way of engaging with all manner of stakeholders on the topic of ICT refurbishment.

Latest receivers of computers In October

Our donated computers departed for a number not-for-profit organisations including to:

• Schools in Zimbabwe through our partner the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet). UNESCO ASPnet was Founded in 1953, it is a global network of more than 9,000 educational institutions in 180 countries. Member institutions – ranging from pre-schools, primary, secondary and vocational schools to teacher training institutions – work in support of international understanding, peace, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development and quality education in practice.

• Computers For Schools Kenya (CFSK) where they are being used for schools in Kenya.

Students receiving Moodle training on Computer Aid computers at Stella Maris

• Stella Maris Polytechnic where they are being used to encourage and train students in ICT in Liberia.

• Advocacy Initiative for Development (AID) where they are being used to provide computer and ICT trainings to junior and senior secondary school students in Sierra Leone.

• Bwafwano Integrated Services Organisation (BISO) where they are being used for to provide an internet resource for the school and to assist teachers with preparation of lessons in Zambia.

Farewell CRTs We have now made the decision at Computer Aid International to no longer accept those large, cumbersome monitors, also known as CRTs. They have now become largely obsolete and the transportation costs have ensured that we can no longer send them over. They are also more expensive to recycle and so for these reasons we have to turn them down. To see what our current minimum spec for donated computers is please visit our website for equipment accepted.

Season’s Greetings from all at Computer Aid International

We wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Many thanks to all those who supported our work in 2011. We look forward to working with you in 2012!

Computer Aid’s offices will be closed from 3pm on the 23rd December until 9am on the 3rd January.

If you’d like to support our Christmas appeal it is not too late, please click here for more information

With best wishes

Computer Aid International team

Info sharing & training workshop in the DRC a success!

Across much of Africa, healthcare provision faces a number of barriers to improving services. Health clinics are few and far between. Where they do exist, they lack specialist doctors and access to vital services such as lab tests. Attrition is high as doctors feel overburdened, isolated from their peers and see no opportunities for training and development and in many countries, the majority leave for better opportunities in cities.

One aspect of Computer Aid’s work involves sending computers as well as e-health equipment such as scanners, digital cameras and printers to rural healthcare practices to facilitate knowledge sharing sessions between healthcare professionals. For example, having scanners enables doctors to send images of patient cases to specialists in urban centres and seek advice as to how best treat them.

Another way in which ICT can help doctors is by providing a way for them to document cases and, this is important for doctors treating cleft lips since this is required by the reconstructive surgery sponsor Smile train to fund projects.