Official OLPC FAQ: Difference between revisions
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=== How can I |
=== How can I obtain an laptop? === |
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See [[Buying XOs]]. |
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=== Will OLPC be offering Give One Get One (G1G1) again? === |
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We have no plans to do so at this time, sorry. You can get an [http://one.laptop.org/about/olpc-tablet OLPC Tablet] though. |
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=== How will my donation be used? === |
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Other than this brief fundraiser that ended as of December 31st, 2007, there is, unfortunately, at this time, no way for an individual to purchase an XO laptop. The XO laptop is not for sale commercially. (If that ever changes, certainly it will be noted on our website at www.laptop.org.) |
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If you participated in Give One Get One, thank you! A needy child will receive a laptop because of your generosity and we hope you enjoy the laptop that you receive. Many orders are still being filled, the response was great, so please be patient for your XO to arrive. |
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'''If you have a question about your Give One Get One order, please either see the website www.laptopgiving.org for tracking or email service@laptopgiving.org.''' |
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When you email service@laptopgiving.org, please make sure you get the bounceback reply soon after. If you do not see this email, please check the Bulk or Spam folders in your email program to see if the reply was caught there. The Give One Get One customer service will get back to you with an answer to your inquiry within a few business days. |
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'''Give Many:''' |
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If you are interested in purchasing 100 or more laptops for donation to a designated recipient, please read more about our Give Many program: |
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http://www.laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/givemany.shtml |
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::or |
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http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/group-giving.php |
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Please email to inquire further about Give Many! |
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Email: givemany@laptop.org |
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'''If you are a government entity looking to buy the XO laptops in bulk, please email: countries@laptop.org''' |
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=== Who do I contact if I have a question about my Give One Get One order? === |
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Please contact the Give One Get One customer service: |
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* email service@laptopgiving.org |
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* Call 1-800-210-7144 (or 1-949-608-2865 if outside the U.S.) |
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When you email service@laptopgiving.org, please make sure you get the bounce-back reply soon after. If you do not see this email, please check the Bulk or Spam folders in your email program to see if the reply was caught there. The Give One Get One customer service will get back to you with an answer to your inquiry within the timeframe mentioned in the bounce-back. |
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=== If I have a technical question about the XO laptop I received, what can I do? === |
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Please understand that since the XO is not a commercially available product, if you need technical help in using it, we strongly encourage you to seek support from friends, family, bloggers and the links we provide below. One goal of the G1G1 initiative is to create an informal network of XO laptop users in the developed world who will provide feedback about the technical aspects of the XO and its utility as an educational tool for children. People may also want to participate in the worldwide effort to create open-source educational applications for the XO laptop. We urge participants in the G1G1 initiative to think of themselves as members of an international educational movement rather than as “customers.” |
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Helpful technical links for your XO: |
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http://laptop.org/start |
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http://laptop.org/start/troubleshooting.shtml |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Support_FAQ |
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If you still have questions, please email help@laptop.org The team there, comprised almost entirely of volunteers, has done an amazing job answering questions. |
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=== When will we receive a laptop purchased through the G1G1 or Give Many program? === |
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We made every effort to deliver XO laptops by the holidays, but quantities are limited. Because the laptops are manufactured based on demand, we cannot guarantee timing. We hope you agree that this is more about the giving. |
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Your donation will be used to cover the cost of manufacturing, sending and setting-up laptops in some of the most remote and isolated parts of the world. This may also include power and connectivity infrastructure, teacher preparation and other technical and educational support. |
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=== Who do I contact if I have a question about my 2007 Give One Get One order? === |
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Write to {{help@laptop.org}}. |
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=== Will these laptops be available for purchase in retail stores? === |
=== Will these laptops be available for purchase in retail stores? === |
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No, we have no plans for retail sale of the XO laptop at this time. The OLPC Tablet is available for retail sale though. |
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No. Other than the Give One Get One campaign, which was over at the end of 2007, the laptop is not for sale on the commercial market at this time. Please understand that launching the laptop is an ongoing process. Have patience, and someday we hope it may be more widely available at the cost of production: around $180 right now and decreasing over time. Surely it will be noted on our website if the laptop does become commercially available. |
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=== Can I or my organization be a recipient of the XO laptop? === |
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Yes, but there is a minimum order quantity, see [[Buying XOs]]. |
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=== How will the laptop computers be marketed? === |
=== How will the laptop computers be marketed? === |
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Our policy at the moment is to sell the laptops directly to governments or non-profit endeavors willing to order in volume. |
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Our policy at the moment is to sell the laptops in bulk orders directly to governments. Developing countries are the most actively engaged with OLPC but we have not excluded wealthier nations, states or cities. We certainly understand that there are needy children even in the wealthiest nations; indeed, all children are deserving. The idea in the long run is to have one laptop per child—everywhere! It is up to the relevant officials of a country or government entity to contact us, and we begin negotiating from there. The participating governments will then distribute the laptops to their schools. (The link below shows which countries are in what stages of negotiation.) You are welcome to lobby any government you wish on behalf of our laptop or simply the idea of one laptop per child. We regret we cannot assist you in this lobbying, but we appreciate it. |
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Bulk orders will get the manufacturing process rolling and drive the price down. Please be patient: we hope that our efforts, along with market forces in general, will contribute to affordable laptops being widely available in the near future so that everyone may benefit. |
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We receive inquiries from worthwhile causes and lone individuals from around the world, doing amazing and noble humanitarian work. We applaud all these efforts and regret we cannot fully collaborate or donate laptops at this time. Feel free to participate in the Give Many campaign--see links in the question "How can I buy a laptop?" Or, hopefully, the government of the region you are interested in may be purchasing the laptops. Again, feel free to lobby. Please have patience; getting low cost laptops distributed throughout the world is a process. |
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To see which countries are involved, go to: |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Countries |
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To see a map of these countries: |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Map |
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Volume orders will get the manufacturing process rolling and drive the price down. Please have patience: the launch and distribution of the XO laptop is a process. We hope that our efforts, along with market forces in general, will contribute to affordable laptops being widely available in the near future so that everyone may benefit. |
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We receive many inquiries from worthwhile causes and lone individuals from around the world, doing amazing and noble humanitarian work. We applaud all these efforts and regret we cannot fully collaborate or donate laptops at this time. Hopefully, the government of the region in which you are interested, or a non-profit working in the area, may be purchasing the laptops. Again, feel free to lobby. |
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=== Why do children in developing nations need laptop computers? === |
=== Why do children in developing nations need laptop computers? === |
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The XO laptop as not merely a piece of equipment, but as an educational opportunity. Laptop computers can be a window and a tool: a window into the world and a tool with which to think. Computers are a wonderful way for all children to learn through independent interaction and exploration. |
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=== Why are these laptops going to children in developing nations when there are needy children in the U.S.? === |
=== Why are these laptops going to children in developing nations when there are needy children in the U.S.? === |
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In the U.S., the average expenditure for education is $7,500 dollars per child. In developing countries, the average expenditure is typically less than $300 dollars per child. One Laptop per Child is initially focused on where the need is most urgent. |
In the U.S., the average expenditure for education is $7,500 dollars per child per year. In developing countries, the average expenditure is typically less than $300 dollars per child per year. One Laptop per Child is initially focused on where the need is most urgent. |
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However, wealthier nations and organizations are certainly not excluded. A number of U.S. states and cities have approached OLPC and expressed interest in the program. It is up to the relevant officials of a government entity or organization to contact us by emailing countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue. The participating governments or organizations will then distribute the XO laptops in a non-profit manner to their schools or participants. You are welcome to lobby any government or organization you wish on behalf of the XO laptop or simply the concept of one laptop per child. We regret that we cannot assist you in this lobbying, but we appreciate the efforts of those who share our vision. |
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=== Why not a desktop computer, or even better, a recycled desktop machine? === |
=== Why not a desktop computer, or even better, a recycled desktop machine? === |
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While desktops are cheaper, mobility is important, especially with regard to taking the computer home at night. |
While desktops are cheaper, mobility is important, especially with regard to taking the computer home at night. Children in the developing world need the newest technology, especially rugged hardware and innovative software. |
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=== Why is it important for each child to have a computer? What's wrong with community access computer centers? === |
=== Why is it important for each child to have a computer? What's wrong with community access computer centers? === |
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One does not think of community pencils—kids have their own. They are tools with which to think, sufficiently inexpensive to be used for work and play, drawing, writing, and mathematics. A computer can be the same, but far more powerful. Furthermore, there are many reasons it is important for a child to own something, like a football, doll, or book, not the least of which being that these belongings will be well maintained through love and care. |
One does not think of community pencils—kids have their own. They are tools with which to think, sufficiently inexpensive to be used for work and play, drawing, writing, and mathematics. A computer can be the same, but far more powerful. Furthermore, there are many reasons it is important for a child to own something, like a football, doll, or book, not the least of which being that these belongings will be well maintained through love and care. |
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=== What is the laptop called and what can it do? === |
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The laptop is an amazing machine, designed for children, called XO. It is quite rugged, GNU/Linux based, has 2 or 3 USB ports, wireless connectivity, a built in camera, a sunlight readable screen, and many other interesting features. It runs on very little power and there will be peripherals that will allow the laptop to run on solar or human power for regions off the grid. |
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Please browse pages of information about the XO’s specs here: http://one.laptop.org/about/hardware |
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=== Can the XO connect to the internet? === |
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Yes, the XO comes with wifi. |
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=== |
=== Can I load Microsoft Windows onto the XO laptop? === |
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No. |
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It is an amazing machine, designed for children, called XO. It is quite rugged, GNU/Linux based, has 3 USB ports, gets the internet wirelessly, has a built in camera, a sunlight readable screen, and many other interesting features. It runs on very little power and there will be peripherals that will allow the laptop to run on solar or human power for regions off-grid. (These peripherals will be available to governments buying them in bulk, not to individuals who participated in Give One Get One. We have no plans to sell the peripherals commercially either.) We regret we do not have time to answer technical questions or lists of questions about the XO's specs; our engineers are too busy perfecting the XO. |
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OLPC maintains a firm and unequivocal commitment to open source software. Having an open system is fundamental to OLPC's mission, please see: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Core_principles/lang-en |
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Please browse pages of information about the XO’s specs here: http://www.laptop.org/en/laptop/ |
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Any software developed by or for OLPC is released under GPL v2. The open source community remains a critical success factor in the our mission. |
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=== Can I print from the XO Laptop? === |
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No, there is no built-in support. Some deployments add support from the Fedora Linux operating system. |
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=== How do I get upgrades for the operating system of my XO? === |
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See [[Releases]]. |
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The XO comes with wifi compatible networking capabilities. If there is an open access point within range, you can click on it to connect to it. If you have a password for a WEP access point, you can connect to that as well. If you need a wired ethernet connection to the Internet, you will need to purchase a "USB to Ethernet adapter", which can be found in most electronics retail shops. The XO does not have an internal modem and cannot connect to a telephone line for dial-up internet access. |
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=== Can I load flash on the XO? === |
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An [[Adobe Flash]] proprietary plug-in may be available, but is not supported by OLPC. |
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=== Can I load java on the XO? === |
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Yes, a Java environment is available as part of Fedora Linux. |
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=== Can I load Microsoft Windows or my own software onto the XO laptop? === |
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=== What can a $1,000 laptop computer do that the XO Laptop cannot? === |
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Currently, Microsoft Windows cannot be loaded onto the laptop. The XO laptop has a GNU/Linux based Operating System and features its own programs, specifically designed for children and the XO. There are thousands of software developers around the world currently developing content for the XO. For more information, visit [[Activities]]. |
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The XO laptop is a computer built for learning and designed specifically with children in mind. Because of this, the features deemed most valuable for its purposes are as good (and in many cases, better) than comparable features on a $1000 laptop. For instance, the XO’s screen can be viewed as clearly as a newspaper in broad daylight, and the wireless range of the XO is several times farther than your average laptop. It's also more rugged, resilient and power efficient than most other laptops on the market. While other features, such as power and speed, cannot compare to a $1000 machine, they are excellent for the XO’s $200 price point and meet the necessary requirements for learning. |
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===Can I get replacement parts for my XO laptop?=== |
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Deployments can order parts from OLPC in bulk, and would normally do so as part of the initial purchase. |
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=== Can I print from the XO? === |
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Individuals should see [[Support_FAQ#How_do_I_obtain_replacement_parts.2C_e.g._batteries_and_chargers.3F_Repair.3F|obtaining replacement parts and repairs]]. |
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At the time of first shipments, there is no printing support on the laptop. You can save your documents to a USB flash drive and print from another computer. We do expect to add some print support in later upgrades of the software. |
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=== If am a skilled technical person or content developer and want to help the project, what can I do? === |
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If you are thinking of offering your help, thank you! Please explore the wiki for collaboration possibilities. You can find project suggestions and projects under development for the XO laptop. Our [[Participate]] and [http://laptop.org/manual/XO_HowToVolunteer.html "How to Volunteer"] pages are the best places to start. The following are of particular interest to tech & content developers: |
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Home page: http://wiki.laptop.org |
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Getting involved with OLPC: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Getting_involved_in_OLPC |
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=== How do I get upgrades for the operating system? === |
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Software projects under development or completed: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Software_projects |
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OLPC provides OS upgrades on a regular basis. You can get the upgrade directly from us, or possibly from a local country server or school server. For more details go to the olpc wiki: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home (Eventually we will have a more exact link going to pages with upgrades information.) |
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Ideas about contributing content: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributing_content |
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=== May we work with OLPC on a research project or collaborative venture? === |
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We are very grateful for your offer, but need to concentrate on the launch of the laptop and regret we do not have the human resources available to collaborate in the many creative ways that are suggested. Feel free to lobby your government officials or other organizations who may be able to purchase a large bulk order of XO laptops. They may email countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue with OLPC. |
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If you are a vendor, marketer, manufacturer, importer, wholesaler or distributor, we have filed your company information and will get back to you if we need your services. Thank you. |
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=== Can I load flash on the XO? === |
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Please see this question for collaboration possibilities as well: |
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Yes. You can load Adobe flash on the XO. It is a free download from their website. |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Official_OLPC_FAQ#If_am_a_skilled_technical_person_or_content_developer_and_want_to_help_the_project.2C_what_can_I_do.3F |
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===May we fundraise on behalf of OLPC?=== |
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Thank you very much for your very kind thoughts of fundraising! We truly appreciate it. |
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Because we are such a small team and are entirely concentrated on launching the laptop, we regret we have no personnel to monitor, assist or collaborate in such endeavors. Nor do we have any printed material we can send you, but you are welcome to print out pages for yourself from our website: http://www.laptop.org and http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home |
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=== Can I load java on the XO? === |
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Yes. |
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Please remember that all materials must be reproduced with proper attribution and none of the information, images or other content can be use for commercial purposes or for your personal benefit. |
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There are some pictures you may use here: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Pictures |
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=== What can a $1,000 laptop computer do that the XO Laptop cannot? === |
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There are some presentations here, scroll down to where it says Slides, posters and materials: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/XO_roadshows |
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The XO laptop is a computer built for learning and designed specifically with children in mind. Because of this, the features deemed most valuable for its purposes are as good (and in many cases, better) than comparable features on a $1000 laptop. For instance, the XO’s screen can be viewed as clearly as a newspaper in broad daylight, and the wireless range of the XO is several times longer than your average laptop. It's also more rugged, resilient and power efficient than most other laptops on the market. While other features, such as power and speed, cannot compare to a $1000 machine, they are excellent for the XO’s $200 price point and meet the necessary requirements for learning. |
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=== What comes with a G1G1 order? Can I get the solar panel or hand crank? === |
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There is a growing archive of presentations(slides & video) as well at http://download.laptop.org/content |
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You will receive one XO laptop, the battery, and a US/Canadian electrical power adapter. At this time, none of the peripherals, such as the solar panel or hand crank are for sale. |
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=== What if am a skilled technical person and want to help the project, what can I do? === |
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If the idea you have proposed raises funds for us, we are very grateful! |
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If you have offered your technical help--thank you! Please explore the olpc wiki for collaboration possibilities. You can find project suggestions and projects under development for the XO laptop. The following links may be of particular interest: |
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Checks for simple donations, *not* related to receiving any computers, can be sent to: |
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Home page: [[Home]] |
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Software projects under development or completed: [[Software projects]] |
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One Laptop per Child Foundation |
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Getting involved with OLPC: [[Getting involved in OLPC]] |
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PO Box 425087 |
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Guidelines for developing activities: [[OLPC Human Interface Guidelines]] |
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Cambridge, MA 02142 |
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There is a process for serious Developer applicants to go through to be reviewed to receive a test machine. Please fill out the application thoroughly, including all the contact information asked for and follow the directions carefully about where to email. |
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[[Developers program]] |
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It is also possible to give directly with a credit card through the link here on our website, *not* related to receiving any computers: |
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http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/ |
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=== How do I access Tech Support for the XO that I have received? === |
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At this time, any donations made in the above manner cannot be designated to a specific school or country. |
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Because OLPC is a non-profit organization, we highly encourage people to troubleshoot the XO laptop themselves and subsequently use their experiences to help others. Information can be found in an online support community, as well as via a wiki and the web, email lists, and IRC channels, see the Support links below for exploring these options! |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Support |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Support_FAQ |
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=== If I have a question about content, or want to contribute to it, what should I do? === |
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http://laptop.org/start |
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Please direct your well summarized email to content@laptop.org |
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You may also email help@laptop.org with questions about using your XO laptop. In the near future there may be a phone number support line, this is still being determined and we will let you know here. |
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Or visit this web page: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributing_content |
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=== May we work with OLPC on a research project, fundraising event, or collaborative venture? === |
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The content team will get back to you if they are able to collaborate. Otherwise, they thank you very much for the idea and will keep your email on file. |
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We are very grateful for your offer, but need to concentrate on the launch of the laptop and regret we do not have the human resources available to collaborate in the many creative ways that are suggested. Feel free to browse the olpc wiki/online community or lobby your Department or Ministry of Education on behalf of One Laptop per Child or just the concept of one laptop per child. |
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If you are a vendor, marketer, manufacturer, importer, wholesaler or distributor, we have filed your company information and will get back to you if we need your services. Thank you. |
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=== Can someone from OLPC come speak with us or participate in our event? === |
=== Can someone from OLPC come speak with us or participate in our event? === |
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If you do not receive an additional email from us other than |
If you email OLPC and do not receive an additional email from us other than the automated reply within a few weeks, then we regret we will be unable to attend or participate. We are sorry that, for now, our staff is simply too small to be able to attend all the interesting events to which we are invited, as much as we would like to. |
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Good luck with your event and we do thank you very much for thinking of us! |
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=== May I (or my group or institution) visit your office? === |
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Unfortunately, we are not set up for public visits. |
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=== May I (or my group or institution) visit your office? === |
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=== If I have a question about content, or want to contribute to it, what should I do? === |
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Unfortunately, no, we are not set up for public visits. |
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Please direct your well summarized email to content@laptop.org |
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Or visit this web page: [[Contributing content]] |
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The content team will get back to you if they are able to collaborate. Otherwise, they thank you very much for the idea and will keep your email on file. |
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=== How is it possible to get the cost of the laptop so low? === |
=== How is it possible to get the cost of the laptop so low? === |
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First, by dramatically lowering the cost of the display. The first-generation computer will have a novel, dual-mode display that represents improvements to the LCD displays commonly found in inexpensive DVD players. Second, we have also worked to get the fat out of our software systems. In other words, our laptop computers operate more efficiently. The XO’s operating system is based on a free and open source version of GNU/Linux. Third, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization that is not obligated to any investors. Finally, One Laptop per Child uses large scale orders to minimize marketing and distribution costs and to bulk order components to drive prices down. |
First, by dramatically lowering the cost of the display. The first-generation computer will have a novel, dual-mode display that represents improvements to the LCD displays commonly found in inexpensive DVD players. Second, we have also worked to get the fat out of our software systems. In other words, our laptop computers operate more efficiently. The XO’s operating system is based on a free and open source version of GNU/Linux. Third, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization that is not obligated to any investors. Finally, One Laptop per Child uses large scale orders to minimize marketing and distribution costs and to bulk order components to drive prices down. |
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=== Why is the laptop over $100? === |
=== Why is the laptop over $100? === |
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$100 is our target price and “The $100 Laptop” a nickname. Currently, the XO’s cost around $180 to make. The manufacturer makes a small profit of a few dollars since they are a commercial business. However, |
$100 is our target price and “The $100 Laptop” is a nickname. Currently, the XO’s cost around $180 to make. The manufacturer (Quanta) makes a small profit of a few dollars since they are a commercial business. However, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization and will not make any profit on the laptop. The price fluctuates depending on the cost of materials and the occasional addition or subtraction of a feature. We expect the price to fall with mass production, hopefully reaching $100 within the next few years. |
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=== How do I make a donation? Can a donation be made for a specific country or school? === |
=== How do I make a donation? Can a donation be made for a specific country or school? === |
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'''Donating over the internet:''' Simple monetary contributions of any dollar amount in which you do *not* receive any XO laptops may be made here: http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/ |
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Please see [[#How can I buy a laptop?]] for how to participate in the Give One Get One and Give Many programs. With G1G1, you specify where the laptop you are receiving is to be shipped within the US or Canada, but cannot specify where the donated laptop is going. With the Give Many program, buying 100 or more laptops, you can specify where the laptops will be sent. Again, see links at the very top. |
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Please see where it says "Amount to donate" and insert in the box next to it the amount you desire to donate securely through Google. |
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If you wanted to Simply Give in $199 increments, signifying one laptop per $199, also *not* receiving any XO laptops, please go to the link below and click on "Donate now": http://www.laptop.org/xo. |
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Also, simple monetary contributions in which you do NOT receive any laptops may be made online at: http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/ |
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Outright contributions by check or money order (NOT related to G1G1 or Give Many, that is, you will NOT receive a laptop by sending a check) may be mailed to: |
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'''Donating by snail-mail:''' Outright contributions by check or money order in which you will *not* recieve any XO laptops may be mailed to: |
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OLPC Foundation |
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OLPC Foundation |
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P.O. Box 425087 |
P.O. Box 425087 |
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Cambridge Massachusetts, 02142 |
Cambridge Massachusetts, 02142 |
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U.S.A. |
U.S.A. |
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We are a 501(c)(3) organization and if your company has a matching gift program, our EIN# is: 20-5471780 |
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We regret, to keep our logistics simple, any donations made by the above methods cannot be designated to a specific school or country. The laptops will go to recipients in one of these countries: |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Countries |
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For large bulk purchases, in which you may donate the laptops to a designated country or organization, please email countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue with OLPC. |
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=== Do you accept group or corporate donations (sponsoring over 100 laptops)? === |
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We are a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is 20-5471780. |
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Yes, please call our group donor line at 1-800-379-7017. When you purchase 100 or more XO laptops for donation, you can choose where you would like the laptops sent. Price depends on the quantity. Please read about Give Many here: |
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=== Are you a non-profit and do you have a Federal Tax ID number? === |
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http://www.laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/givemany.shtml |
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One Laptop per Child Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is: '''20-5471780''' If you make a donation and your company has a matching gift program, please see if they would be willing to match your gift to us. Thank you! |
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Our EIN# is: 20-5471780 |
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=== Is donating to OLPC, either outright, or by participating in Give One Get One tax deductible? === |
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Yes, in the United States. However, note that for G1G1, only half of the donation is tax deductible because you are receiving one of the laptops. If you live in a country other than the United States, please consult with your financial advisor to determine the extent of tax deductibility. |
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=== Do you accept group or corporate donations? === |
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We are a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is 20-5471780. |
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Yes, please see the questions directly above this one about how to donate. To donate stock, please email stockdonations@laptop.org |
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=== Is donating to OLPC tax deductible? === |
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=== If I have donated money to OLPC prior to the Give One Get One program, can I get an XO now? === |
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The OLPC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and our EIN# is 20-5471780. As such, financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. If you gave a straight donation, the entire amount should be deductible. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine the full extent of all tax deductibility. |
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We regret not. We sincerely thank you for your previous donation. Due to limited availability, we are only providing XO laptops to the general public during the Give One Get One program, which runs until 2008. |
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We apologize that OLPC is not currently registered as a non-profit outside of the USA. |
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To donate your XO laptop, details are below. |
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=== Can OLPC send me a letter verifying my donation? === |
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Unfortunately, OLPC cannot provide donation verification letters. For tax purposes, the e-mail containing your donation information and OLPC's EIN #20-5471780 should be sufficient. |
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=== What if I participated in Give One Get One and would like to donate my laptop back to OLPC? === |
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We thank you for your generous thought of donating back your XO laptop. [[Support_FAQ#How_can_I_donate_my_.22Get_One.22_XO.3F|Click Here]] for details. |
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=== Do you accept donations of stock? === |
=== Do you accept donations of stock? === |
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Yes. Please instruct your broker to transfer stock to the OLPC Foundation through our broker, AG Edwards. DTC Clearing #0201. For the Benefit Of (FBO): OLPC Foundation; Account 70038685. For more details and to receive the appropriate acknowledgment from the OLPC Foundation, please send an email to stockdonations@laptop.org. |
Yes. Please instruct your broker to transfer stock to the OLPC Foundation through our broker, AG Edwards. DTC Clearing #0201. For the Benefit Of (FBO): OLPC Foundation; Account 70038685. For more details and to receive the appropriate acknowledgment from the OLPC Foundation, please send an email to stockdonations@laptop.org. |
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=== Are there volunteer opportunities with OLPC? === |
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We appreciate the generous offer of your time! Please see these links for ideas about volunteering: |
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=== Can I or my organization be a recepient of the XO laptop? === |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Support_Gang |
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One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization which manufactures the XO laptop and then sells them to governments in mass quantities or to agencies willing to buy 100 or more and then donate them to a worthy cause. We do not give the laptops away, we could not afford to do that, we are making no profit, even selling them. |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Participate |
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That being said, during the Give One Get One campaign running through the end of 2007, we are indeed, through the generous donations of participants in G1G1, gathering funds to manufacture a number of laptops to give away. The final number will depend on how many are sold in the end. We regret to say there is no application process to receive these laptops. They are simply being donated, in proportions later to be determined by our Board of Directors, to the governments of a few of the poorest countries on earth: Haiti, Rwanda, Afganistan, Cambodia and Mongolia. If you were interested in the XO's going to a school in one of these countries, it would be best for you to lobby the government of the appropriate country to that effect. How exactly they are to be distributed is still being determined. We regret we cannot assist you with this lobbying. |
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http://laptop.org/manual/XO_HowToVolunteer.html |
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Perhaps in the future there may be some sort of application process to receive an XO laptop. We are sorry that for now, there is not. |
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Also check out this Frequently Asked Question: |
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If you are an organization interested in buying 100+ laptops, please see the “Give Many” campaign. The website and contact information for “Give Many” is at: |
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[[#If am a skilled technical person or content developer and want to help the project, what can I do?]]. |
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http://www.laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/givemany.shtml |
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or |
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http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/group-giving.php |
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Feel free to email volunteer@laptop.org as well. Thank you! |
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=== How do I volunteer or become an Intern? === |
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=== Is it possible to intern at OLPC? === |
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We appreciate your kind offer. At this time we are not actively seeking either in our actual office, but you may participate online, see here: http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/ |
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Please check this link: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Internships |
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See also question [[#What if I am a skilled technical person and want to help the project, what can I do?]]. |
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We may well need your help in the future! If you have indicated your desire to volunteer or intern, we are keeping your name on file and will contact you when that need arises. Thank you! |
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=== Does OLPC have any job openings? === |
=== Does OLPC have any job openings? === |
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Please check this career page link and apply as instructed there: http://www.laptop.org/en/utility/people/opportunities.shtml |
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Check our website. Any available jobs will be listed under “career”, and you are welcome to apply following the instructions there. |
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=== Is the laptop environmentally friendly? === |
=== Is the laptop environmentally friendly? === |
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It may be the “greenest” laptop in existence. We hope to make it even “greener” as it evolves. See here for details: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/ |
It may be the “greenest” laptop in existence. We hope to make it even “greener” as it evolves. See here for details: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Green_Machine |
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=== Who is behind these XO laptop computers? === |
=== Who is behind these XO laptop computers? === |
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The XO laptop computer |
The XO laptop computer has been developed by One Laptop per Child, a non-profit organization founded by MIT professor Nicholas Negroponte and a team of educators, developers and technologists dedicated to educating children with the goal of eradicating poverty. One Laptop Per Child is based on principles expressed by MIT Media Lab Professor Seymour Papert in the 1960s, and later elaborated upon by Alan Kay, and complemented by the principles articulated by Nicholas Negroponte in his book, Being Digital. Partner corporations including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Brightstar, eBay, Google, Marvell, News Corporation, Nortel, Quanta, Chi Mei Group, Red Hat, and SES Astra are involved in this initiative. |
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=== I am a journalist. Who do I contact to do a story about One Laptop per Child? === |
=== I am a journalist. Who do I contact to do a story about One Laptop per Child? === |
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Please send |
Please send a concise email to press@laptop.org, or call Jackie Lustig at (781) 487-4664. This is the office that handles OLPC's press and it is the only way to get an interview from a spokesperson of OLPC for your media outlet. |
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If you must mention a hard deadline in your email, please do so. |
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=== Can you send me pamphlets or other printed material? === |
=== Can you send me pamphlets or other printed material? === |
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We do not have any printed material to distribute |
We do not have any printed material to distribute, information about our organization is online. One Laptop per Child's official website is at: http://www.laptop.org/ |
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In addition, you will find many searchable pages on the olpc wiki: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home |
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(However, because many of these pages are open to the public, we must disclaim that some items found on the olpc wiki may not be officially from the OLPC team.) |
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Official periodic news updates from the OLPC Team can be found at: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/News |
Official periodic news updates from the OLPC Team can be found at: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/News |
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Or you can even subscribe to |
Or you can even subscribe to the OLPC community news mailing list by clicking on http://lists.laptop.org/mailman/listinfo/community-news |
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[[Category:Support]] |
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[[Category:OLPC FAQ]] |
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[[Category:Fundraising]] |
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[[Category:Fundraising idea]] |
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Latest revision as of 23:14, 3 November 2015
How can I obtain an laptop?
See Buying XOs.
Will OLPC be offering Give One Get One (G1G1) again?
We have no plans to do so at this time, sorry. You can get an OLPC Tablet though.
How will my donation be used?
Your donation will be used to cover the cost of manufacturing, sending and setting-up laptops in some of the most remote and isolated parts of the world. This may also include power and connectivity infrastructure, teacher preparation and other technical and educational support.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my 2007 Give One Get One order?
Write to help@laptop.org (our OLPC technical staff).
Will these laptops be available for purchase in retail stores?
No, we have no plans for retail sale of the XO laptop at this time. The OLPC Tablet is available for retail sale though.
Can I or my organization be a recipient of the XO laptop?
Yes, but there is a minimum order quantity, see Buying XOs.
How will the laptop computers be marketed?
Our policy at the moment is to sell the laptops directly to governments or non-profit endeavors willing to order in volume.
Volume orders will get the manufacturing process rolling and drive the price down. Please have patience: the launch and distribution of the XO laptop is a process. We hope that our efforts, along with market forces in general, will contribute to affordable laptops being widely available in the near future so that everyone may benefit.
We receive many inquiries from worthwhile causes and lone individuals from around the world, doing amazing and noble humanitarian work. We applaud all these efforts and regret we cannot fully collaborate or donate laptops at this time. Hopefully, the government of the region in which you are interested, or a non-profit working in the area, may be purchasing the laptops. Again, feel free to lobby.
Why do children in developing nations need laptop computers?
The XO laptop as not merely a piece of equipment, but as an educational opportunity. Laptop computers can be a window and a tool: a window into the world and a tool with which to think. Computers are a wonderful way for all children to learn through independent interaction and exploration.
Why are these laptops going to children in developing nations when there are needy children in the U.S.?
In the U.S., the average expenditure for education is $7,500 dollars per child per year. In developing countries, the average expenditure is typically less than $300 dollars per child per year. One Laptop per Child is initially focused on where the need is most urgent.
However, wealthier nations and organizations are certainly not excluded. A number of U.S. states and cities have approached OLPC and expressed interest in the program. It is up to the relevant officials of a government entity or organization to contact us by emailing countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue. The participating governments or organizations will then distribute the XO laptops in a non-profit manner to their schools or participants. You are welcome to lobby any government or organization you wish on behalf of the XO laptop or simply the concept of one laptop per child. We regret that we cannot assist you in this lobbying, but we appreciate the efforts of those who share our vision.
Why not a desktop computer, or even better, a recycled desktop machine?
While desktops are cheaper, mobility is important, especially with regard to taking the computer home at night. Children in the developing world need the newest technology, especially rugged hardware and innovative software.
Why is it important for each child to have a computer? What's wrong with community access computer centers?
One does not think of community pencils—kids have their own. They are tools with which to think, sufficiently inexpensive to be used for work and play, drawing, writing, and mathematics. A computer can be the same, but far more powerful. Furthermore, there are many reasons it is important for a child to own something, like a football, doll, or book, not the least of which being that these belongings will be well maintained through love and care.
What is the laptop called and what can it do?
The laptop is an amazing machine, designed for children, called XO. It is quite rugged, GNU/Linux based, has 2 or 3 USB ports, wireless connectivity, a built in camera, a sunlight readable screen, and many other interesting features. It runs on very little power and there will be peripherals that will allow the laptop to run on solar or human power for regions off the grid.
Please browse pages of information about the XO’s specs here: http://one.laptop.org/about/hardware
Can the XO connect to the internet?
Yes, the XO comes with wifi.
Can I load Microsoft Windows onto the XO laptop?
No.
OLPC maintains a firm and unequivocal commitment to open source software. Having an open system is fundamental to OLPC's mission, please see: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Core_principles/lang-en
Any software developed by or for OLPC is released under GPL v2. The open source community remains a critical success factor in the our mission.
Can I print from the XO Laptop?
No, there is no built-in support. Some deployments add support from the Fedora Linux operating system.
How do I get upgrades for the operating system of my XO?
See Releases.
Can I load flash on the XO?
An Adobe Flash proprietary plug-in may be available, but is not supported by OLPC.
Can I load java on the XO?
Yes, a Java environment is available as part of Fedora Linux.
What can a $1,000 laptop computer do that the XO Laptop cannot?
The XO laptop is a computer built for learning and designed specifically with children in mind. Because of this, the features deemed most valuable for its purposes are as good (and in many cases, better) than comparable features on a $1000 laptop. For instance, the XO’s screen can be viewed as clearly as a newspaper in broad daylight, and the wireless range of the XO is several times farther than your average laptop. It's also more rugged, resilient and power efficient than most other laptops on the market. While other features, such as power and speed, cannot compare to a $1000 machine, they are excellent for the XO’s $200 price point and meet the necessary requirements for learning.
Can I get replacement parts for my XO laptop?
Deployments can order parts from OLPC in bulk, and would normally do so as part of the initial purchase.
Individuals should see obtaining replacement parts and repairs.
If am a skilled technical person or content developer and want to help the project, what can I do?
If you are thinking of offering your help, thank you! Please explore the wiki for collaboration possibilities. You can find project suggestions and projects under development for the XO laptop. Our Participate and "How to Volunteer" pages are the best places to start. The following are of particular interest to tech & content developers:
Home page: http://wiki.laptop.org
Getting involved with OLPC: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Getting_involved_in_OLPC
Software projects under development or completed: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Software_projects
Ideas about contributing content: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributing_content
May we work with OLPC on a research project or collaborative venture?
We are very grateful for your offer, but need to concentrate on the launch of the laptop and regret we do not have the human resources available to collaborate in the many creative ways that are suggested. Feel free to lobby your government officials or other organizations who may be able to purchase a large bulk order of XO laptops. They may email countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue with OLPC.
If you are a vendor, marketer, manufacturer, importer, wholesaler or distributor, we have filed your company information and will get back to you if we need your services. Thank you.
Please see this question for collaboration possibilities as well:
May we fundraise on behalf of OLPC?
Thank you very much for your very kind thoughts of fundraising! We truly appreciate it.
Because we are such a small team and are entirely concentrated on launching the laptop, we regret we have no personnel to monitor, assist or collaborate in such endeavors. Nor do we have any printed material we can send you, but you are welcome to print out pages for yourself from our website: http://www.laptop.org and http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home
Please remember that all materials must be reproduced with proper attribution and none of the information, images or other content can be use for commercial purposes or for your personal benefit.
There are some pictures you may use here: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Pictures
There are some presentations here, scroll down to where it says Slides, posters and materials: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/XO_roadshows
There is a growing archive of presentations(slides & video) as well at http://download.laptop.org/content
If the idea you have proposed raises funds for us, we are very grateful!
Checks for simple donations, *not* related to receiving any computers, can be sent to:
One Laptop per Child Foundation
PO Box 425087
Cambridge, MA 02142
It is also possible to give directly with a credit card through the link here on our website, *not* related to receiving any computers:
http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/
At this time, any donations made in the above manner cannot be designated to a specific school or country.
If I have a question about content, or want to contribute to it, what should I do?
Please direct your well summarized email to content@laptop.org
Or visit this web page: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributing_content
The content team will get back to you if they are able to collaborate. Otherwise, they thank you very much for the idea and will keep your email on file.
Can someone from OLPC come speak with us or participate in our event?
If you email OLPC and do not receive an additional email from us other than the automated reply within a few weeks, then we regret we will be unable to attend or participate. We are sorry that, for now, our staff is simply too small to be able to attend all the interesting events to which we are invited, as much as we would like to.
Good luck with your event and we do thank you very much for thinking of us!
May I (or my group or institution) visit your office?
Unfortunately, no, we are not set up for public visits.
Who is the manufacturer of the XO laptop computer?
Quanta Computer Inc. of Taiwan is the original design manufacturer (ODM) of the XO laptop. Quanta is the world’s largest laptop manufacturer and makes laptops for Apple, HP, Dell among many others.
How is it possible to get the cost of the laptop so low?
First, by dramatically lowering the cost of the display. The first-generation computer will have a novel, dual-mode display that represents improvements to the LCD displays commonly found in inexpensive DVD players. Second, we have also worked to get the fat out of our software systems. In other words, our laptop computers operate more efficiently. The XO’s operating system is based on a free and open source version of GNU/Linux. Third, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization that is not obligated to any investors. Finally, One Laptop per Child uses large scale orders to minimize marketing and distribution costs and to bulk order components to drive prices down.
Why is the laptop over $100?
$100 is our target price and “The $100 Laptop” is a nickname. Currently, the XO’s cost around $180 to make. The manufacturer (Quanta) makes a small profit of a few dollars since they are a commercial business. However, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization and will not make any profit on the laptop. The price fluctuates depending on the cost of materials and the occasional addition or subtraction of a feature. We expect the price to fall with mass production, hopefully reaching $100 within the next few years.
How do I make a donation? Can a donation be made for a specific country or school?
Donating over the internet: Simple monetary contributions of any dollar amount in which you do *not* receive any XO laptops may be made here: http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/ Please see where it says "Amount to donate" and insert in the box next to it the amount you desire to donate securely through Google.
If you wanted to Simply Give in $199 increments, signifying one laptop per $199, also *not* receiving any XO laptops, please go to the link below and click on "Donate now": http://www.laptop.org/xo.
Donating by snail-mail: Outright contributions by check or money order in which you will *not* recieve any XO laptops may be mailed to:
OLPC Foundation P.O. Box 425087 Cambridge Massachusetts, 02142 U.S.A.
We regret, to keep our logistics simple, any donations made by the above methods cannot be designated to a specific school or country. The laptops will go to recipients in one of these countries:
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Countries
For large bulk purchases, in which you may donate the laptops to a designated country or organization, please email countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue with OLPC.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is 20-5471780.
Are you a non-profit and do you have a Federal Tax ID number?
One Laptop per Child Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is: 20-5471780 If you make a donation and your company has a matching gift program, please see if they would be willing to match your gift to us. Thank you!
Do you accept group or corporate donations?
Yes, please see the questions directly above this one about how to donate. To donate stock, please email stockdonations@laptop.org
Is donating to OLPC tax deductible?
The OLPC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and our EIN# is 20-5471780. As such, financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. If you gave a straight donation, the entire amount should be deductible. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine the full extent of all tax deductibility.
We apologize that OLPC is not currently registered as a non-profit outside of the USA.
To donate your XO laptop, details are below.
Can OLPC send me a letter verifying my donation?
Unfortunately, OLPC cannot provide donation verification letters. For tax purposes, the e-mail containing your donation information and OLPC's EIN #20-5471780 should be sufficient.
What if I participated in Give One Get One and would like to donate my laptop back to OLPC?
We thank you for your generous thought of donating back your XO laptop. Click Here for details.
Do you accept donations of stock?
Yes. Please instruct your broker to transfer stock to the OLPC Foundation through our broker, AG Edwards. DTC Clearing #0201. For the Benefit Of (FBO): OLPC Foundation; Account 70038685. For more details and to receive the appropriate acknowledgment from the OLPC Foundation, please send an email to stockdonations@laptop.org.
Are there volunteer opportunities with OLPC?
We appreciate the generous offer of your time! Please see these links for ideas about volunteering:
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Support_Gang
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Participate
http://laptop.org/manual/XO_HowToVolunteer.html
Also check out this Frequently Asked Question: #If am a skilled technical person or content developer and want to help the project, what can I do?.
Feel free to email volunteer@laptop.org as well. Thank you!
Is it possible to intern at OLPC?
Please check this link: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Internships
Does OLPC have any job openings?
Please check this career page link and apply as instructed there: http://www.laptop.org/en/utility/people/opportunities.shtml
Is the laptop environmentally friendly?
It may be the “greenest” laptop in existence. We hope to make it even “greener” as it evolves. See here for details: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Green_Machine
Who is behind these XO laptop computers?
The XO laptop computer has been developed by One Laptop per Child, a non-profit organization founded by MIT professor Nicholas Negroponte and a team of educators, developers and technologists dedicated to educating children with the goal of eradicating poverty. One Laptop Per Child is based on principles expressed by MIT Media Lab Professor Seymour Papert in the 1960s, and later elaborated upon by Alan Kay, and complemented by the principles articulated by Nicholas Negroponte in his book, Being Digital. Partner corporations including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Brightstar, eBay, Google, Marvell, News Corporation, Nortel, Quanta, Chi Mei Group, Red Hat, and SES Astra are involved in this initiative.
I am a journalist. Who do I contact to do a story about One Laptop per Child?
Please send a concise email to press@laptop.org, or call Jackie Lustig at (781) 487-4664. This is the office that handles OLPC's press and it is the only way to get an interview from a spokesperson of OLPC for your media outlet.
If you must mention a hard deadline in your email, please do so.
Can you send me pamphlets or other printed material?
We do not have any printed material to distribute, information about our organization is online. One Laptop per Child's official website is at: http://www.laptop.org/
Are there news updates I can follow about OLPC?
Official periodic news updates from the OLPC Team can be found at: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/News
Or you can even subscribe to the OLPC community news mailing list by clicking on http://lists.laptop.org/mailman/listinfo/community-news