 NOTE
FROM SUE:
For those of you that wouldn't know, KCnet accepts donated computers with the goal of fixing them and presenting them to deserving individuals. Sometimes the donated computers just need
re-formatted (to remove all the old files and re-load the operating system
and a few necessary programs) and they are ready to go. Often it
is necessary to put several computers together to get one workable computer.
KCnet is always on the lookout for people who
have a computer that is inadequate to use on the world wide web.
Here’s an example of how this can happen:
We got a call from one of our members.
He has been a KCnet member since 1996. His dot matrix printer quit
working and he wondered if we had one. Dot matrix printers are the
older type that use ribbons, not cartridges of ink, and print via a series
of dots instead a swoop of ink. And, they aren’t easy to find.
A visit to his house by KCnet employee Mike
Foust who volunteered to go, determined that, yes indeed, the dot matrix
printer was dead. While Mike was there, our KCnet member voiced concern
about the way our home page displayed on his monitor, lately. When
Mike checked it out, he found a 486 computer, Windows 95 and a 7-year old
version of Netscape. Windows 95 was all this old computer could use – the
computer was too old to upgrade. Our home page – and most other pages
– looked AWFUL. But e-mail was the important thing for him.
Wheelchair bound, the Internet allows this member to have contact with
the world that he would never have otherwise. Hold that thought.
Jon Diehl got a new computer. His old
one had crashed. The hard drive needed replaced. He decided
to donate the old computer, minus the hard drive, to KCnet.
Bonnie Haines, from BONNIE’S HAIR AND NAILS,
donated a computer (actually Bonnie and her husband donated 6 computers!).
One of the computers was an older computer but had a good, big hard drive.
So, the operation began.
KCnet technicians combined Jon’s computer with
Bonnie’s hard drive. Working as a team, Tim Snyder, Ken Dale and
Steve Stewart formatted the new hard drive, loaded Bonnie’s Windows 98,
checked all components to make sure everything worked and loaded a few
other necessary programs. They put the Windows 95 hard drive in as
a second hard drive so that he did not lose his financial records and other
documents. Then they ran the computer through a series of tests to
make sure all worked well.
Meanwhile, KCnet Volunteer Gary Clark brought
in a newer model, working, dot matrix printer.
Mike delivered the computer, set it up and
then installed the printer, making sure everything was explained and everything
worked - including the dialup to KCnet.
After a couple days, our member called and
said there must be something wrong with the floppy drive. It ran
often, even when there was no
disk in it. It was a concern and really
bothered him. So, KCnet Volunteer Director Bill Raco, President of
the Board, stopped in and picked up the computer, brought it in for a "look-see."
KCnet Technician Tim Snyder was familiar with
the problem and fixed it quickly. It was actually a setting in Office
Suite that had the program periodically looking for information on A drive,
even tho' there was not disk there. Tim turned off that feature and
all was OK.
Bill Raco returned the computer the same day
- the Saturday that his art work was on display at KCnet for the Art Walk,
last Saturday.
You may have wondered what makes KCnet different
from other Internet Service Providers. I hope I have given you one
of the reasons we’re different! Jon Ahrens, a member of the KCnet
Board of Directors, calls us the ISP with a heart.
Until next week,
KCnet Board Of Directors Officers:
President Bill Raco, Vice President Bob Rolley, Secretary Jon Ahrens,
Treasurer Don Miller and Past President Judy Yoho. Other members
of the board: Carolyn Carl, R. Keith Kelly, Paul Korn, Donna
Lannan, Amy Lapriola, Tom Livingston, Ray McGill, and Rich Wykoff. |