Beyond Disability Inc
Colin Richmond - Former Technical Support
1953-2015
“Another busy year has come and gone. Where does the time go? For me, well BDI had a large number of Pentium 200 computers with USB as well as monitors donated and most of them now have been overhauled and ready to be used.
That has kept me quite busy as well as doing the normal breakdown repairs.
Computers are not supposed to breakdown, so they tell us. There have been a few problems that have had me stumped, but in the end, we manage.
I have also been working on another exciting project, On-Screen tutorials, showing in real time how to use the software that is installed on BDI computers. This has been a big challenge. I have been trying two different programs, to see which one will give the best results. I have been lucky enough to acquire licenses, donated by the makers, for BDI to use these programs.
These are large companies in America, and they can see what the BDI program can do for disabled people, and have donated these licenses, so we can make these tutorials, which when finished, will be copied onto CD-ROMs for members and volunteers to use. I haven’t finished doing these yet, between the repair work, tutorial work, learning how to create DVDs, (another project) and my own ill health, there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Better to be busy, than not. Colin Richmond, Volunteer
Beyond Disability Inc 2007-2008
Another year has flashed by and I am sure there are some tasks that I haven’t completed from last year, such as, the update and remake of the BDI Tutorial CD to keep up with some of the newer software that we have.
I have had some new equipment to set up, and a number of new members to set up machines and equipment. This keeps me fairly busy apart from the cranky computers that need to be repaired. Some of these repairs are quick; others do take some time, just to figure out what the problem is.
I have compiled a promotional self running tutorial program, using material supplied by Richard, to be sent to prospective corporate identities, to promote Beyond Disability Inc. This particular task will be continually updated to show newer aspects of how BDI works.
Like the rest of the BDI volunteers, I have enjoyed helping our members achieve what they want, as far as using their BDI equipment and learning to navigate the internet. I am looking forward to the challenges and tasks of this coming year.
Colin Richmond
BDI 2009
Another year has whizzed past, leaving me wondering where it went. As the technical fixer-upper, I have had a busy year, with still plenty to do. I must admit that the past few weeks have seen some lazy days, and 1 week that I had my elderly father come down from Sydney to stay. We didn’t go out, deciding to stay in and talk. There is so much I can still learn from my father. I am sure he would have liked to have had a go at computing a few years back, he now thinks he is too old to learn the new technology. We all know how challenging and frustrating computers (and internet) can be, but also recognise that for some, their computer is their door to the world, and without it, some tasks could not be done. This is where the Beyond Disability program and the volunteers make such a difference for them. Mine is such a small part, compared with that of some of our volunteers, but every little part when combined, makes the whole program work. I am proud to be able to do my part and be part of the team. I have enjoyed another year as a BDI Volunteer, and look forward to the challenges that will present themselves.
Colin & Mary Richmond with Richard Stubbs
From the Workshop (2010)
Well, another year has zoomed past at what seems supersonic speed, but in the workshop everything progresses at a much slower speed. I have had plenty to do, with repairs and maintenance and also picking up donated machines from a few different donors.
Recently, Richard and I met with a very pleasant lady at South East Water, and they had a number of machines ready for us to collect. These needed to be cleaned (internally) and have our BDI software installed plus some minor hardware upgrades which will bring these machines into line with our other Pentium 4 computers.
This year has seen a big change for many of our members, switching from Windows 98 machines to Windows XP, there are still a few who have the older machines and we will endeavour to have them changed over soon. One
disadvantage with Windows XP, is the large system updates which need to be done, and is
not always easy on dial-up internet. Hopefully this issue will be resolved in the near future as we change to broadband internet. The present internet server equipment we have cannot provide broadband internet, and we have needed to look to outside broadband suppliers and with the myriad of plans/deals available, we need to get the right
plan that will suit everyone’s needs. There is no doubt that broadband is the way of the future for our internet communications and to help our members get outside their homes, surfing the internet.
With recent changes at the Pearcedale workshop and still more changes yet to come, we will be busy moving equipment, while at my workshop, there is plenty of work to keep me busy for quite a while and I look forward to the new challenges that will crop up this coming year.
Colin Richmond (BDI Technical Support)