Capturing the East Riding

Capturing the East Riding, a set on Flickr.

October 15th #BAD09 – Blog Action Day 2009 – On Climate Change

Blog Action Day 2009 takes place on Thursday October 15th and Bloggers across the globe are asked to unite on that day in blogging about Climate Change. Will your Blog be ready for this challenge!?

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Blog Action Day is an annual event that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day on their own blogs with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Blog Action Day 2009 will be the largest-ever social change event on the web. One day. One issue. Thousands of voices.

Broadband – we could not live without it says Communications Consumer Panel research findings

Nearly three-quarters of people with broadband at home say that they couldn’t live without it and soon it will be essential for everyone, new research from the CCP (Communications Consumer Panel) has found.

The not online not included CCP Report report based on a survey of 2,000 adults identifies which services people use the internet for. 9 out of 10 (90%) internet users say that they use it for finding information, more than three-quarters use it for communications, 7 in 10 (71%) use it for transactions such as online banking and more than half (55%) use it for newer entertainment services such as downloading TV content.

In a significant comment Anna Bradley, CCP Panel Chair said:

“Government must make it clear what services and activities people will and will not be able to carry out with a download speed of 2Mb/s – and will need to keep this under review so that it does not become outmoded.”

The report is to be submitted to Lord Carter’s Digital Britain Review.

Source: The Hedon Blog

Other information: Communications Consumer Panel

Related blog post: Digital Britain – who pays?

Skype – Free computer to computer calls

Skype is free software that makes computer-to-computer phone calls possible. It is not the only VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol – for delivery of vocal communication) system out there, but it is the most well known and widely available.

You can use Skype as a chat facility, like you might do with MSN Messenger, but its real power is when it’s used for serious networking. It can enable free calls between members of the same organisation in different locations (including different countries), and also allow free communication between different organisations. Skype can also cater for calls to landlines at a cost.

It’s not just calls either – Skype can enable speedy transfer of large files between Skype users in manner that e-mail just can not achieve.

Skype, perhaps, is one of the solutions that will enable virtual networking to take place for those organisations that are prevented from meeting physically for whatever reason.

Try Skype out. You won’t be canceling your landline services in the short-term, but you just might save some money and network in a way that has not been previously possible.

Government seeks views on digital inclusion

The Yorkshire and Humberside Regional ICT Champion has reminded us that the Government is still seeking views on its ‘digital inclusion strategy‘

We have covered this earlier on BCN, but since then the government has adopted a more interactive method for views to be conveyed through online forums. You have to sign-up first.

Incidently the North West ICT Champion has recently been appointed. A warm welcome to Peter Dunn. We can expect to hear more from Peter in the New Year.

Disability no bar to using ICT

AbilityNet is a national charity that specialises in helping people adapt and adjust their ICT. They are unique in what they do, working across the UK and beyond.

Their special expertise is ensuring that whatever your age, health condition, disability, additional need or situation, you are able to find exactly the right way to adapt or adjust your ICT to make it easier to use.

There are a confusing number of adaptations that change frequently, and a huge range of prices. The charity aims to point out the low cost and free solutions first and let you try various solutions, so you avoid making costly mistakes.

There are a series of free factsheets and resources to download at Factsheets/free resources.

On the AbilityNet Website there is also a special Christmas promotion taking place to help children with additional identified needs who are prevented from enjoying many toys and games because they can’t operate the controls.

IT Volunteer Awards 2008

The iT4Communities IT Volunteering Awards 2008 hosted by the British Computer Society are seeking nominees.

The Awards celebrate the best and most innovative IT volunteers and IT volunteering projects in the voluntary and community sector. And the winning charities each get £500. So If you know someone whose voluntary IT skills have made a huge difference to your organisation then have a look at the IT4Communities Website – the deadline is 19th December 2008.

Source Twitter @Watfordgap

UK Community Awards for ‘Social Technology’

25 Innovative Projects up for  The UK Catalyst Awards: Short List

and the winners are….. here!

“We believe social media can be used to tackle current social challenges, from knife crime and youth gang culture through to climate change and poverty. It can provide simple and effective solutions to make a difference to the lives of individuals and communities, by connecting marginalised groups and giving those who struggle to get their voices heard a platform to communicate.” About the Awards

A study of this shortlist will prove very rewarding.

Advice and Information Management System – free version

LASA aims software

AIMS is a contact management database that LASA says will help you deliver an even better service, giving you the information you need to be more effective and efficient:

“The system enables you to collect information relating to your service users, the issues and matters they raise with you and the services you offer them. You can decide the level of detail you want to go into, about the work you do with people or other organisations and the outcomes associated with that work.” LASA website.

The software is easy to use, and can be customised by you to meet your requirements.

Best of all, the entry level package is completely FREE of charge. There are some free support contracts available to win for every 1 in 20 organisations that download the software.

“Last weeks announcement that the AIMS software is available free has generated an amazing response from the sector. 100 organisations registered in the first week alone, and 5 of these were lucky winners of a free support contract for the first year.” LASA website.

As with all free software, you should consider the costs of admin, maintenance and training required.

Find out more at the LASA website.

You might also be interested to note that LASA’s Chief Executive, Andy Greg has his own Blog at Andy’s Blog.

BCN signs up with Amazon Associates

Following signing-up to the Amazon Associates Scheme the BCN website aims to promote the books and software found to be most useful in its design and production.

See Rough Guide to Blogging.