Hi everybody,

I'm very new to Tribe and really excited about being here. I'm also a lot like people “of a certain age” when it comes to computers— knowledge comes hard for me. So that's two-strikes against me: a newbie and a techno-idiot. Hope you don't get offended.

I've been corresponding with a Ugandan who works as an assistant in a computer center at a girl's high school. They're connected to the Internet through a program of the World Bank called SchoolNet. Nathan has some exposure to computers and the Internet.

Nathan has also started a local community development organization in his district near Iganga. Starting from scratch is a long row to hoe, although they've doing some good things. Using computers for communication is important to the organization's success. I know that, and Nathan knows that. It's a problem that I'm dull when it comes to the subject. I've got tons of questions, but won't spring them all at once.

For starters I'd like to ask about constructing web pages. We have a web site www.busogashining.org I'll admit it's awful, because it's my first attempt at doing anything like that and I'm so not comfortable. The bigger issue is that it's something that they should be doing in Uganda anyway. So I'm interested in hearing about suggestions about software that would make it easier for them.

I used Easy Web Editor because it was inexpensive. I'm not sure I'd recommend it. But I would point out that money is an issue; I don't have any and they don't either. Money not withstanding, some of the professional software for building web sites seems to have a pretty steep learning curve. What would be great is something they could use to launch pages quickly and learn as they go.

I'd be interested in hearing any comments about personal computers and software in an African context. There is so much potential for their usefulness, but also many barriers to unlocking that potential.

One last thing is if anyone has any experience with Alpha Smart school computers. Nathan has a Neo model. It's quite limited in functionality, but I'm sure there's ways of making it more useful, particularly in an educational context. It's an off-chance, but maybe someone has used them in a school setting and has some advice.

Thanks for making this tribe. Working to bridge the digital divide is one way that people here can help people in Africa, a way where information is as valuable as money. It's also a pleasure to be linked with wonderful African people.