The “Tech” in TechResort is a vital part of everything we do.  From professional quality networking gear and a file server to keep files safe but available, to the laptops that we take out whenever we run drop-ins or fun sessions for young people – it’s this kit that ensures we’re able to do our work in the community safely and reliably.  We buy the best quality kit we can afford so that it’s used for the longest possible time.

We also give our computers names so that we can identify them on the network and it ensures we’re also sure which computer we’re talking about.

Some of our equipment has been with us since 2015 which has given it a really good working life and supported three different bases of operation.

We were prompted by the news that Microsoft would cease security support for Windows 10 in 2025 and so we made an application to the Clothworkers Foundation to help us finance a kit refresh that would ensure that we could continue to do our work safely, and professionally.

We were so grateful that they agreed.

Once key aspect for us is that our team of young staff and work experience students got involved in choosing the equipment and deciding how it needs to be set up based on their direct knowledge of all the different services we provide.  Besides, it’s great experience for any future jobs they might have.

Even the old machines which will no longer be suitable to use in our hub or outreach sessions will be repurposed by switching them to ChromeOS Flex to give them a new lease of life in a low-income household that really needs access to the internet.

As well as helping choose the machines, our young team have been setting them up consistently and securely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’ve now been able to separate laptops for use by young people in workshops, from those used by adults in drop-ins and from the laptops staff take out for their outreach sessions.  This improves everyone’s online safety, and helps with the logistics of all our work.

We’ve now deployed two new desktop machines for staff to use at base, brand new laptops have already been used in some holiday workshops in Hastings.  It’s been all go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re really grateful for the grant that allowed all this to happen and it should be helping our community of young and no-so-people for a many years to come.

Thank you so much!