Talk:Digital Pipeline/Temp

Digital Pipeline is a registered charity which provides information technology equipment to developing countries across Africa, and other parts of the world.

History
Digital Pipeline began as an African pathfinder in 2004, which is part of Microsoft ICT. They had their first success, and flying head start, early on when [EDS] donated 30,000 computers to Digital Pipeline. In 2011 Computers 4 Africa merged with Digital Pipeline.

How It Works
Digital Pipeline organize appeals throughout the United Kingdom to collect donated computers and other IT equipment. All the equipment is sent to Digital Pipeline main headquarters in Maidstone, Kent. All the equipment is then refurbished, shipped to Africa, and sent to schools and businesses in need.

Recycling Process
All the computers brought to Digital pipeline are recycled using this process.

Firstly, the computers are data wiped using EBAN or BLANCCO depending on the original source of the equipment.

After being cleaned externally, the computers are equipped with a basic operating system; either Ubuntu Linux or Windows XP or later. They are also given a version of Microsoft Office. Dependent upon beneficiaries request.

Finally, the computers are placed into a silver, gold, or platinum category based on their hardware features. Then all computers are shipped in bulk to Africa and other countries.

All computers found to be unsuitable for this process are used for spare parts.