TECHNOLOGY
ASSISTING
PEOPLE
IN
NEED
Home | Operations | History | Financial | Volunteering | Requests | Donations | Environmentally
Operations
Technology Assisting People In Need (TAPIN) is certified as a Microsoft® Authorized Refurbisher. This means that Microsoft® has recognized TAPIN as a refurbisher of computers and authorizes TAPIN to install the Windows® Operating Systems.
Technology Assisting People In Need’s 6,800 square foot facility has been modified specifically to accommodate its operations, with separate workstations located in the repair lab, which is devoted to the repair and refurbishing of computers. In the repair lab, there are 9 workstations for computer repair, 6 workstations for testing parts such as the Random Access Memory (RAM), modems, video cards, sound cards, and hard drives, as well as 2 workstations for monitors, and 2 workstations for printers. These workstations are supplied with Random Access Memory Testers, Picture Tube Rejuvenators, as well as testing and diagnostic software, such as a hard drive data removal program that meets the United States Department of Defense standards (5220.22-M). TAPIN has high-speed Internet access for downloading drivers for the computers and other such components. This Internet access greatly aides TAPIN in its ability to reconfigure and refurbish the computers.
Technology Assisting People In Need and its volunteers
strive
to repair as many of the donated computers as possible. This includes replacing
defective components and upgrading the systems. Computers may be upgraded with
additional RAM, and/or a second hard drive, which were recovered from
unrepairable systems. Video cards, telephone modems, sound cards, and network
interface cards are also recovered from unrepairable donated systems, and are
installed and tested in the refurbished computers for our clients’ continued
use. Slightly problematic monitors, which would otherwise be discarded, can be
rejuvenated by TAPIN’s special purpose equipment. Donated computers and other
related technology which cannot be repaired are then dismantled for parts and
the remaining materials are separated out for environmentally friendly
recycling. Thus TAPIN’s separation, reusing, recycling and disposal processes
help prevent used or slightly outdated computers and technology from becoming
hazardous waste that inevitably overburdens landfills. Technology Assisting
People In Need’s repairing operations leave the 3 R’s, or 3 distinct groups of
materials.
1) Repairable technology used for putting together computers for TAPIN’s clients.
2) Reclaimed parts from unrepairable machines that are reused.
3) Remaining materials which are broken down and separated for environmentally friendly recycling.
Technology Assisting People In Need’s facility also has a training room, which includes 16 networked computers, complemented by a digital projector and screen, and a VCR/CD/DVD player with a large screen monitor. Internet access is available at each computer for teaching email usage, conducting Internet research, teaching basic Windows® and Office® products. In TAPIN’s 6,800 square foot facility, there is a well-organized warehouse, which has a loading dock, as well as an overhead, roll up door. All of these key features, tools, and space enable TAPIN to “Bridge the Digital Gap” and help the community and the environment.
Last Modified on 01/10/2008