Tail Dog Wag

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Tail - Dog - Wag Information Technology and
Non-Profit Organisations
Darrell Burkey president_at_case.org.au
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IT Resources for the Communityby the Community
CASE was formed to assist individuals and
community organisations in making better use of
information technology to accomplish their goals.
We do this through education and advocacy. We
also offer technical support and a venue for an
Internet presence.
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We work in challenging times
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Limited resources
Viruses and malware
Outdated equipment
Unpatched software
Staff issues
False authority
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Tools to meet the challenges
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The network is the computer
SUN Microsystems
The CASE Acid Test Can you put an axe through it
and continue to work without loss of data or
productivity?
How To Pass The Test Establish a robust, fault
tolerant server-to-peer network based on best
practice solutions.
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Free Open Source Software
"Choosing and Using Free and Open Source
Software A Primer for Nonprofits"
http//nosi.net/projects/primer
Describes what open source software is and what
impact this type of software may have on the
nonprofit sector.
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Free Open Source Software
Open Source is arguably the most significant
movement in the software world of the past
decade. Its impact is both pervasive and
disruptive, and the importance of Open Source
solutions to government and business
organisations of all sizes continues to
grow. Prof. Bob Williamson, Scientific
Director www.nicta.com.au
http//census.waughpartners.com.au
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What Works for Us

• Servers based on open source software have the
  potential to address the most critical of issues
• Reliability
• Security - firewall, monitoring, reporting
• Timely technical support
• Low initial costs
• Low ongoing costs
• Services to meet a variety of needs

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False Authority
I swear this is true. It happened to my brother.
He opened the email and not only did it erase his
hard drive but all his house plants died and the
food in his refrigerator went off! Make sure you
send this message to everyone in your address
book to warn all your friends so it doesnt
happen to them.
I dont know anything about IT but heres what
we are going to do because...
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Improved Decisions

• Ask for qualifications
• Ask for examples of work
• Ask about membership to professional bodies
  such as the ACS and SAGE
• Be aware of possible bias
• Consider an IT audit

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Support Your Staff

• Do you have an Acceptable Use Policy?
• What training do you provide?
• How well is your IT documented?
• Do you have a password policy?
• Knowledge empowers!
• Ensure you have appropriate support

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Questions?