[misc.handicap] Hardware and software

Joan.Kahler@p0.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org (Joan Kahler) (10/17/90)

Index Number: 11134

Albert, I can't get this information to you for a couple of weeks, so 
thought at least to pass on the reference, which you ought to be able to 
get at your local library.
Lesko's New Tech Sourcebook has a list of federal and private 
organizations that help individuals get both computers and software.  In 
addition from my own experience I suggest the following:
1.  Newspaper ads.  Somebody today is advertising a used copy of Harvard 
presentation graphics in our paper.  Also check out the little free swap 
papers at the grocery store.
2.  Yard sales.  Especially when they are advertised in paper.  These 
are great.  I walked in on one where the 16 year old son had given up 
electronics for girls, and I got bags of transistors, capacitors, 
resistoqics for girls, and I got bags of transistors, capacitors, 
resistors and other goodies for a real bargain.  You never know.what you 
will find.
3.  The swap meet.  If your endurance is high, this is a fantastic 
place.  Hi-tech stuff is filtering down to the swap meets.  I bought a 7 
pen set of Rapidograph pens, brand new, there for $25.  There is one guy 
there all the time with computer software, trackballs, disks, joy sticks 
and all kinds of stuff.
4.  Auctions.  These may be intimidating but they are a ball.  Be 
careful, tho.  You can loose your shirt if you bid emotionally.  Never 
bet more than you are willing to loose.  I go to written bid auctions 
from the colleges and government departments.  I got a computer desk, 
all steel with built in cord guides, for $30, excellent shape.  Also, 
they had MS Word there (an older version) for $5 each.  I got a complete 
set of IBM integrated software, all disks and 12 notebooks of manuals, 
for $7.  You never know what you will find.
5.  2nd hand stores.  Look for stores like the AT&T discount outlet we 
have in Phoenix.  They sell old, used, overstocked, whatever.  You never 
know what, but some of the buys are unreal.
Good luck.

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