Windows 7…why now?

Why are you writing about this again…well there is new information and extended deadlines that may have a major impact on your decision to upgrade…Windows 7, does offer a number of benefits. However, it’s important to consider if upgrading makes sense for your organization and how to implement. Decide whether Windows is a good fit for your organization, and here are some tips on how.

First, if you’re running Vista you can run Windows 7. Windows 7 is available in a 32-bit and a 64-bit version. These versions do have different requirements: Check your computer\'s specifications, go to My Computer on your desktop or on the Start menu, and right-click Properties. You can also use Microsoft’s downloadable Windows Upgrade Advisor.

You should also find out if your programs are compatible with Windows 7. Determine what software you have. Inventory all your computers for all your software programs.  Check if your software is compatible with Windows 7. The Windows Upgrade Advisor can help identify potential issues. You should also check your vendors\' websites to make sure your programs run on Windows 7.

Windows 7 has a number of widely praised user interface enhancements, including better search functionality and more intuitive navigation. More importantly, it also includes many “under the hood” improvements: improved program compatibility, more flexible security options, simplified networking, backup and restore features that are vastly improved over XP\'s, new power-management features, easier IT support.

Once you decide to make the leap to Windows 7, you have two options for implementing it: an in-place upgrade or a custom install. Note that an in-place upgrade is only available for current Vista users; XP users will need to perform a custom install.

Support for Windows XP does not retire until 2014.  If Windows 7\'s new features aren’t relevant at the moment, if your users aren’t ready for it, or if you haven’t budgeted for the new hardware or software, Extended Windows XP could be a viable option.

For additional detailed information on this topic along with a number of helpful links go to www.techsoup.org and click on Learning Center.

Hopes this helps! If you need to ask a question that is more immediate, just email David Fowler at executivedirector@computerbanc.info.

Tech Talk: Database decisions

Is the following something you might say? We’re a small organization who needs to keep better track of its many contacts. Our volunteers, partners, donors, other contacts…We need to file the information in a central place so we can find contact information, types of contacts, run email and mailing lists, etc. Just keep track of what is really going on!

Almost every small organization is looking for an inexpensive way to manage contact data. You’ll need to think through how important this system will be to your organization. Typically spend 0.25 to 0.5 percent of your annual budget on a data management system. There will likely be additional costs for customization, training, updates, and maintenance. Don’t assume that the cheapest are the best for you. Contact data is the soul of most organizations.

How you plan to use the data. The more clearly you can define how you plan to use contact data, the more likely you are to choose a good database for you. Who are you going to track in the database: Donors, volunteers, board members, community partners, vendors, media, and business supporters? Any others?

What do you need to track about each of these constituents? How will you interact with them? What reports and outputs are needed: the information for summaries, mailings, and other lists? If you have plans for growth, consider investing in a more sophisticated database so that you won’t have to go through the process again soon. How will it integrate with other sources, such as other databases, email tools, or information gathered online?

Do you have simple needs that won’t likely expand over a reasonable time? You might be able to use tools you already have in but a new way. Spreadsheets: Shared Excel files might work fine for simple needs. If the spreadsheet needs to be shared or used by people while on the road or at home, consider using a Google Spreadsheet. Contact Management Software: Do you already have a tool that stores contact information, such as Outlook? If so, can it be shared within your office? Database Software: If you have very simple needs and a staff member who is proficient in Access or FileMaker Pro, creating a small and basic database might be a reasonable solution. Inexpensive Packaged Tools

There are many inexpensive packaged tools available to track nonprofit constituents. If you’re looking for more options you can Google Robert Weiner’s list of Inexpensive Donor Databases.

Can’t forget the tech humor story. Especially after discussing database decisions!

Tech Support: "Are you reading an error message to me?"
Customer: "No, I\'m reading an error message to you."

If you a particular tech question, just send it to David Fowler at executivedirector@computerbanc.info .

Many non-profit organizations can potentially benefit from registering with www.uscommunties.org This site offers significant discounts on a variety of products, ranging from facilities solutions, office and classroom supplies, state of the art technologies, and recreation and athletic solutions.

Also reccommmended is the website www.grassroots.org for free web design, development, and hosting services if needed.

Networked Nonprofits are simple and transparent organizations. They are easy for outsiders to get in and insiders to get out. They engage people to shape and share their work in order to raise awareness of social issues, organize communities to provide services or advocate for legislation. In the long run, they are helping to make the world a safer, fairer, healthier place to live.

Networked Nonprofits don’t work harder or longer than other organizations, they work differently. They engage in conversations with people beyond their walls -- lots of conversations -- to build relationships that spread their work through the network. Incorporating relationship building as a core responsibility of all staffers fundamentally changes their to-do lists. Working this way is only possible because of the advent of social media. All Networked Nonprofits are comfortable using the new social media toolset -- digital tools such as email, blogs, and Facebook that encourage two-way conversations between people, and between people and organizations, to enlarge their efforts quickly, easily and inexpensively.

Find more information, including a slide show presentation, by visiting:
http://networkednonprofit.wikispaces.com/

After years of research, web analysts have concluded that there is a technological gap between the present internet culture and nonprofits. Some smaller nonprofits still are of the view that internet is an expensive medium and requires a lot of expertise. Therefore, they are a bit reluctant to develop their web presence. 
 
With an escalating number of technology providers and cost-effective online applications, it has become easy to access the medium and reach out to a global audience. Web technology providers these days offer the much needed Web 2.0 tactics, tailored specifically to suit the needs of nonprofits.

Some benefits that the online medium has to offer include: cost-effectiveness, timely updates, wider reach, more participation, and raising funds.

More: http://www.nonprofitcms.org/2010/05/internet-technologies-%E2%80%93-a-must-for-nonprofits/

With the economy hurting nonprofits\' donor bases, it is more important than ever for charities to reduce expenses and allocate the optimal amount of resources to achieving their missions.

By evaluating the existing information-technology environment, nonprofits can identify inefficiencies and develop a road map that will lead them to significant cost savings and increased productivity.

1.    Look for excess and inefficiencies
2.    Evaluate the user experience
3.    Review existing vendor contracts

By examining your organization’s current IT structure, future needs and user experience, you can save money, become more efficient and allocate an increased percentage of resources to achieving your mission.

More: http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/resources/managementleadership/reducing-nonprofits%E2%80%99-it-expenses

A good executive dashboard pulls together a number of different, perhaps disparate, metrics into a visually appealing, easy-to-understand interface that can help your organization see how well you’re achieving goals or reaching a project’s objectives.

A dashboard doesn’t have to be technically complex to set-up if you’re already collecting data.  It can, however, provide a visually powerful and persuasive way to communicate your progress and identify areas that need more attention.

Read about three examples of successful dashboards in a new article at Idealware by clicking here.

Can nonprofit boards vote by mail and email? As is true of so many matters, there are legal answers and sensible answers to this question, which may not be the same.

According to Attorney Gene Takagi and Emily Nicole Chan discuss discuss the legalities, then take a look at the advantages and disadvantages, and finally, offer guidelines and a sample policy for using email voting.  Get the scoop from Blue Avocado at  http://www.blueavocado.org/node/458.