Nonprofit organizations have the advantage of requesting donations or purchasing software at a discount instead of buying from a local retailer. For example, TechSoup distributes donated software from numerous vendors for very low cost. When you need to purchase software, go to www.techsoup.org/stock , create an account, register your organization, and add items to your shopping cart. You will be prompted to fax TechSoup a copy of your 501(c)3 letter. Different vendors have different restrictions, so be sure to verify that your organization is eligible for the donation. Remember to budget for training, too.
Microsoft Windows and Office Suite
You will need to load any new computers you acquire with an operating system and productivity software. Most new computers purchased will already include an operating system such as Windows 7. If a computer was purchased with Windows 7 Home Edition, it may need to be upgraded to Professional if you connect to a Windows-based server (although it is always better to purchase a computer with the Pro version already installed). Office 2007 Professional Edition is the most common productivity suite and should not be purchased with the computer since nonprofits can get it very inexpensively from TechSoup. It includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and InfoPath.
From TechSoup:
- Office 2007 Professional Plus Edition - $20
- Windows 7 Professional - $8
For educational organizations:
For all nonprofits including religious organizations:
Antivirus and Antispyware
Antivirus software prevents viruses from executing on your computer. A good antivirus product will proactively protect your system by preventing viruses from executing as well as deep scanning your hard drive to remove viruses that have infected your system. Antivirus programs include an auto-update feature that downloads profiles of new viruses to keep your computer safe as new viruses are discovered. Most antivirus programs are subscription based and need to be renewed on a yearly basis to continue to receive these updates. It is important to keep these definitions up-to-date to be able to detect the newest viruses. This means it is very important to renew your license at the end of the subscription service.
Spyware is software that can get seruptitiously installed on your computer to gather information about your computing habits and transmits that information to another party without your knowledge. Adware is software that displays advertisements and/or pop-up windows while the software is running. Both of them can be prevented with safe online practices and anti-spyware software. To find many antispyware options and information, visit www.spychecker.com .
All in one protection:
- Norton Internet Security 2010 - Provides virus, spyware, and firewall protection - available at TechSoup for $6 per license (includes 1 year subscription to receive updates)
- Norton Internet Security Renewals - When the 1 year subscription for Norton expires, renew the license via TechSoup for $2.50 per license rather than online with Norton - http://www.techsoup.org/stock/symantec_faq.asp
- Microsoft Security Essentials – Free protection against viruses and spyware - http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
Enterprise Antivirus software:
- Symantec Endpoint 11 Corporate Edition - (www.symantec.com) – Provides antivrus and antispyware protection in a client-server network. Typically requires a IT technician to properly configure and install. Also available from TechSoup from $100 for 25 PC's
AntiSpyware software:
- Malwarebytes.org - One of the best free spyware scanners (www.malwarebytes.org)
- Spybot Search & Destroy (www.safer-networking.org ) - Spybot Search & Destroy is free software that will detect and remove spyware.
- Javacool Software (www.javacoolsoftware.com ) - SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard are offered as freeware/donationware for nonprofits.
PDF
PDF creation software captures formatting information from a variety of desktop publishing applications, making it possible to send formatted documents and have them appear on the recipient's monitor or printer as they were intended. Most computer users have installed Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view PDFs. If not, it can be installed for free from www.adobe.com . Acrobat Reader does not enable users to create and modify PDFs. Adobe Acrobat is required to do advanced editing of PDF documents. PDFCreator enables creating, not editing, PDF documents.
Accounting Software
Nonprofits, large and small, find themselves in a variety of accounting situations. Some contract with an accountant, others have a part-time bookkeeper, and many employ an “accidental bookkeeper”. If you work with an accountant, be sure to ask what software he/she recommends or prefers. In any case, shop around to get the best price.
Sample Accounting Software Vendors
- Intuit – Quickbooks can help pay bills, invoice, manage payroll, and track expenses. Visit www.quickbooks.com to select the one that is right for you. Many accountants use Quickbooks and prefer that their clients use it. This software is sometimes available from www.techsoup.org. The retail price is approximately $320 for the Premier edition.
- Sage Software - This company makes Peachtree Premium Accounting for Nonprofits software which is available for $65 on TechSoup.
Image Editing
Image editing software enables you to manipulate photos and create graphics. You can retouch photos, crop graphics, convert image files, and more using image editing software.
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