Agreement with Microsoft Will Allow DePauw-Led CTEP Expand its Community Outreach Through Technology

June 15, 2004, Greencastle, Ind. - Individuals and organizations that receive donated computers through DePauw University's Community Technology Enhancement Program (CTEP) are now getting machines that are equipped with operating system software. An agreement between DePauw and Microsoft Corporation means that the University can put the Windows operating system on donated CTEP computers at a nominal cost. One of DePauw's 361° technology initiatives, CTEP accepts donations of computers that are no longer needed by their previous owners, refurbishes them, and donates the machines to individuals and organizations who need them but may not have the financial resources to obtain them. To date, CTEP has donated more than 175 computers to the local community.

"This represents a big upgrade and a major coup for the people of Putnam County who benefit from our programs," says Bob Hershberger, assistant professor of Spanish and Film at DePauw and CTEP coordinator. "Until now, we had to find an operating system for each computer we donated, and because of the expense involved, it slowed our work and created a large waiting list and inventory of computers. This new agreement with Microsoft will help us get more computers into the local community and the end users will have access to Windows and all of its features from the get-go."

The licensing agreement now means that CTEP will be able to resume donations in July. This summer, the program is also in the process of forming requirements for eligibility and new applications for requesting computers. CTEP will begin charging a nominal fee for each computer donated to cover the cost of the operating system licenses and hardware purchases needed to prepare the computers for distribution.

Computers distributed by CTEP are generally Pentium II with 64MB RAM. Computers provided to individuals and families run Windows 98 SE, and computers provided to organizations run Windows 2000 with 128 MB RAM. All computers will include OpenOffice (a package comparable to Microsoft Office, but free) and a variety of other freeware including anti-virus, pop-up blockers, and other utilities.

In addition to helping bridge the digital divide in Putnam County communities, CTEP's activities are also helping to protect the environment. Computers contain numerous poisonous toxins that, if disposed of in a landfill, can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater. CTEP's efforts keep computers out of the waste stream, and the program is exploring relationships with area recycling companies to ensure that any equipment that CTEP receives that cannot be refurbished and donated is safely disposed of.

Learn more about CTEP by calling (765) 658-5920 or clicking here. You can also stop by CTEP at 806 South Lincoln Street. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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