Social and Economic Technology - 7.6. Reliable, Stable, Affordable?
Reliable, flexible, Stable, yet Affordable Software for the Rural User - A dream?
I.e. What is meant by 'appropriate Information Technology for a rural economy'?
If the concept of Secotek is to work, it must be stable and reliable, yet be operated by non technical users without unaffordable hands on support from expensive Information Technology Personnel. Many would claim to achieve this has so far defeated the best of mankind, and thus be an unachievable goal. Yet this could be a paradox. It is true mankind has yet to satisfactorily produce an operating system that can be purchased on a media (e.g. CD or DVD) that will install into an arbitrary personal computer and perform to business standards for a non technical user. Even if a system is obtained pre-installed, conventionally it soon requires up-grading for one reason or another, and problems commence. This has divided the available software is broadly divided into two categories. 'Home desktop software' is designed to be installed and used by users that do not have Information Technology (IT) expertise. However, it is incapable of solving fundamental systems problems, creating the well known scenario that domestic personal computers are either extremely unstable and unreliable or they are extremely inflexible in what they will do. Business software is much more flexible and adaptable to diverse business user requirements, but requires the supported of highly qualified (and expensive) 'IT' personnel in order to achieve this. By convention these personnel work under the assumption that they have full control over the usage of all computers in their charge, besides easy physical access to solve all problems without the need for co-operation from the actual 'user'. Secotek cuts across this divide.
The solution proposed here is innovative but practical. It does, however, require some research to implement. Instead of attempting to make people 'computer literate' by introducing them to propriety software that they are unlikely to use in a truly rural setting, Secotek proposes that rural computer education should concentrate on how to use the help available to solve problems without being a 'computer expert'. It is proposed that the necessary level of training is well within the grasp of most children and adults. If an individual really does not pick up the basic skill, he or she may merely ask the assistance of a villager, family member, or visit the village 'Telecottage' and have everything done for them.
The computers used for Secotek need neither be new nor the latest. However, before it may be used, somebody with a little more knowledge than the 'typical user' does need to create a stylized 'Hardware content list' . This will be kept by the user in written form, and/or kept in a place dedicated for the purpose on the Internet. From this, software specifically for the computer in question can be generated automatically, as a public service. It will include 'operating system' with all the software required ready installed. Typically, a user would have preferences and software for the particular circumstances, which will be already incorporated. The software will be delivered on media suitable for the computer, and ready to just insert and run. Alternatively, if practical, it may be delivered through the Internet. Should there be problems, and the user needs to consult a help line, the Secotek will have all the hardware and software details of the set-up unambiguously to hand, and be able to talk the user through exactly what is wrong in simple language.
Other than the innovative help and support approach, Secotek will concentrate on well proven technology and deliberately avoid 'star features' that have not been properly tested. The whole emphasize is to avoid. the typical rural non technical user from having 'computer problems' that he/she has no affordable way of getting solved. He/she will, without frustrating crashes, delays, and unknowns, be able to shop, work, and receive general and specialized advice and education. Expectations will then changed to use Technology for most things rather than the car, and thus rural Information Technology will acquire 'critical mass' and be very cost effective to maintain.