I have enrolled us in the TechSoup program based on our 501©(3) status, and we have been approved. This paves the way for us getting a lot of software for Makerspace computers for nominal administrative fees. The catalog is extensive.
First up, Windows / Microsoft products. I think we need to think a bit strategically here. Our computer systems are pretty sub-par, and I think that has some implications for our ability to proceed with confidence on the software acquisition front. Please go to http://www.techsoup.org/microsoft-catalog?cg=002-test-d and then choose “Microsoft Get Genuine Windows Full PC Operating Systems” from the dropdown, and read the text that gets presented, especially that under the heading of “Special Rules for Get Genuine Product Requests.”
Then click on the “View Details” button which takes you here, and read the (somewhat repetitive but not all) information under the three tabs: “Description”, “System Requirements”, and “Rules, Eligibility, and Restrictions”.
I’m not sure how we should proceed, and would like to hear from others who want to help with this process administratively. I’m thinking at least @Blaise, @marty, and @Bez should be involved based on past experience and such. We need to answer the following questions and take action:
- Should we make our “one request ever for Get Genuine products” at this time?
- If so, how many and what mix of Genuine products should we request?
- Do we need to invest in better computer systems first? Other considerations?