Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still receive a computer if I do not meet the eligibility requirements?
A: Possibly. The eligibility information collected on the application is designed to serve as guidelines. If you do not meet one of the stated eligibility criteria you can still submit an application for a computer. CTEP's staff will review such applications on an individual basis.
Q: Are CTEP computers free?
A: Not quite. CTEP charges a small fee for each computer to cover the expenses incurred by the program while refurbishing computers. The charge per computer covers CTEP's cost of purchasing operating system licenses and necessary hardware upgrades, such as modems and increased memory. The charge per computer is $20 for individuals/families and $10 for organizations. There is no additional charge for extra peripherals such as printers or computer speakers.
Q: Does the computer come with a keyboard and mouse?
A: All CTEP computers are donated with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cables. Speakers, printers, and other peripherals must be requested separately on the application.
Q: Do CTEP computers have CD-rewritable (CD-RW) drives?
A: Computers donated by CTEP do not have CD-RW drives. CTEP may have a few CD-RW drives in stock which can be installed upon request. At this time, this offer is only open to qualifying organizations. An applying organization should indicate its need of a CD-RW drive on its application and provide explanation for how the CD-RW drive would benefit the organization's operations.
Q: Why does CTEP not provide ink with printers?
A: When CTEP receives printers, the printers often do not have ink cartridges or the cartridges are empty. Admittedly, ink cartridges can be expensive (usually $25-30 each). The program cannot afford to purchase ink for each printer. The best that we can do is to inform each recipient as to what ink cartridges they need and where they can be purchased. This information can be found on the handout "An Introduction to Your Computer" which is provided to each recipient.
Q: I lost the "An Introduction to Your Computer" handout. How do I figure out what ink cartridges I need for my printer?
A: Wal-Mart has a guide to match printers to cartridges and manufacturers such as Epson and HP usually allow customers to search by the printer model for ink supplies at their websites. If you have trouble finding the information you need, feel free to contact CTEP and our staff will look up the information for you.
Q: What software programs come on the computer?
A: CTEP computers come with the Microsoft Windows 2000
Operating System.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (for viewing PDF files)
- Avast! Antivirus Home Edition
- Java Runtime Environment
- Lavasoft Ad-aware Personal SE (a spyware removal tool)
- Microsoft Internet Explorer (a web browser)
- Mozilla Firefox (a web browser)
- OpenOffice (word processor, spreadsheets, presentations)
- QuickTime
- Spybot Search & Destroy (a spyware removal tool)
- Windows Media Player
Q: I do not have transportation, or I work during the day. Can I send someone else to pick up my computer for me?
A: Yes. CTEP will allow you to send a relative or friend to pick up your computer. In order for your proxy to pick up your computer he or she will need to bring the payment and a note with your signature granting him or her permission to pick up the computer. The proxy will also be asked to provide you with two copies of the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher Program Eligible Recipient Agreement. One copy should be signed, dated, and promptly returned to CTEP in the addressed envelope provided.
Q: I want to donate a computer to CTEP, but I have personal files and information stored on the computer. How do you prevent future owners from accessing this information?
A: CTEP always insures that previous information is removed from the computer's hard drive. Before preparing a computer for redistribution, CTEP staff reformats the hard drive and runs a program called Killdisk. These processes render all existing information irrecoverable.
If you have any other questions, please e-mail them to ctep@depauw.edu or call the office at (765) 658-5920.