Message-ID: <199605131849.AAA13265@mos.com.np> Date: Tue, 14 May 1996 00:34:41 +0545 From: Rudolf Guthier <mailto:guthier@MOS.COM.NP> Subject: Re: Computers to Africa To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
that is alright in single cases. But say there are local computer dealers and repair shops what will the principle applied in excess do to their trade and to the level of technology they are dealing with? Is this then aid?regards
Rudolf Guthier mailto:guthier@mos.com.np mailto:guthier@@super.zippo.com Small Business Promotion Project of GTZ and Industrial Enterprise Development Centre Kathmandu, Nepal
<---- Begin Forwarded Message ----> Date: Sun, 12 May 1996 08:58:27 -0500 Reply-To: mailto:daym@zeus.candw.lc From: Marcus Day <mailto:daym@zeus.candw.lc> Subject: Re: Computers to Africa To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
To me this is a difficult question. To some extent I agree with both participants. I live in the developing world and I have seen first hand both sides of this issue. I have seen in the past two years a weird old Wang network with 8" floppies sent do here, with propriatary operating system that litterally went straight to the land fill. On the other hand my wife and I own a montessori preschool and use 3 XT 8088 computers with 20 meg hard drives and CGA monitors to run 1989 versions of share ware eductional software. The kids love it and more important I have the technical expertice and alot of junk for spare parts to keep them running.
If the human resourses and spare parts are present to keep the "old" equipment running it will work. Sending any technologhy (new or old) to a place with out manuals, spares parts and support is a waste of money. Most governments do not have the money to maintain donor gifts so when they break down, its either off to the landfill or more likely the object rots in it place with people saying "oh thats a good _________________, (fill in the blank) it just needs something, we wrote to the name on the plate but they haven't written back"
I recently saw a 60 cycle generator burn out a 50 cycle UPS (both 220v) both generously donated by the Gov of Canada, the generators souced in Canada and shipped down, the UPS purchased locally. The "Consultant" should have known better. They replaced the UPS with a 60 cycle US model. Then the 60 cycle generator burnt out and they used a stand by 50 cycle generator that then blew the 6o cycle UPS. see a pattern yet.
And so the North / South debate continues.
Marcus Day St. Lucia
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