Our Beginnings
The idea started in the 1990s, and then officially started as Computerbank SA at Aldgate in early 2003, and later that year the name was changed to ITShare SA. For a while there was also a base at Victor Harbor.
Why We Exist and How We Operate
In a world where the cultural norm is for more interaction electronically it is increasingly important to have ready access to a computer.
Education is now dependent on computers, job-hunters without computer skills and access are at a disadvantage. Effective Access to Government and private sector services increaingly requires digital tools.
In fortunate societies many of us upgrade machines or parts rather than put up with slow systems, while governments, businesses, and institutions upgrade frequently to run increasingly demanding software. We may not give a thought about what happens to our outdated parts or systems.
ITShare sees a way to use computers and parts that might otherwise be discarded; ITShare accepts donations of appropriate hardware, refurbishes machines, installs open source (Also known as unencumbered free software), and spreads the advantages of computers at low cost to people who would not otherwise be able to afford a computer.
But doesn’t software cost money? No, software doesn’t have to cost money. ITShare uses Linux Mint, allowing us to customise and distribute systems that fit our recipients needs. In a world where the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is increasing there are ways to reduce inequalities.
Does Linux collect your data like the more popular operating systems? No, the Linux operating system does not, and it allows you to do what you want to do.
ITShare contacts businesses, governments, and institutions to get computers or parts that might otherwise be discarded (ITShare SA works hard to recycle responsibly any computer components that cannot be re-used). We have a group of people who build systems to allow people to access the internet, do word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as many other tasks.
If you have hardware for us, please contact us. If you would like to apply for a computer, contact us.
ITShare SA is made up of volunteers from varied walks of life, ranging from IT professionals to people with no experience at all with computers. While we currently have enough volunteers, we occasionally have a vacancy, so contact us if you feel that you have a skill we can use.