1. A laptop computer equipped with a CDROM burner. Even with extensive planning, on the day of the event, software and drivers need to be downloaded from the Internet. Many software programs needed for the project will not fit on a 3.5” floppy disk. Some of the computers are not new enough to properly support USB Jump drives. CDs are the “Rosetta Stone” of today.
2. Monitors, keyboards, mice, sound cards, video cards, and modems. Approximately 80% of the people being served are seniors, many on limited incomes. To make the clinics as accessible as possible for them, they are asked to bring only their CPU to the event. Their CPU is attached to a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or printer, as needed to solve the problem. Because RAK is operated at no cost to the recipient, spare parts are essential to make the event viable.
Computer systems are also built and donated for worthwhile causes such as a local museum, a learning disabled child, etc. It is difficult to keep the necessary equipment on hand to perform RAK because TBCS members often donate the necessary spare parts to RAK attendees as well as other worthy causes. Often the supply does not keep pace with the demand. Funding for this additional equipment would be helpful.
The Tampa Bay Computer Society is currently preparing for the 22nd “Random Acts of Kindness” Computer Clinic. By partnering with local libraries, civic groups, computer user groups, and the national Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, members with the necessary expertise repair computers for those in need.
Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) is an event that has been celebrated worldwide for the past eight years. The major objective is to perform small acts of kindness for others in order to uplift them. It is hoped that some of the recipients will be moved to pass similar acts on to others.
A day is scheduled at a community venue and the event is publicized in the local media. Attendees register online. Our crackerjack troubleshooting team uses email to perform “triage” on their problems. A plan of attack is devised to correct the problems. Any software that may be needed to correct the problem is downloaded prior to the day of the event.
The team of troubleshooters may assist 3 to 6 people per hour and accommodate walk-ins when time permits. The problem computers are attached to the appropriate equipment, the problems diagnosed, and the repairs made on the spot when possible. The few people who have problems that are unsolvable by the technicians receive suggestions for their solution.
Over 275 computers have been repaired during the 6 years that our clinics have been conducted. Future RAK Clinics are currently being scheduled.