Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a free computer from OTX-West?

Oakland school students grades 6-12.  This includes public, private and charter schools.

What do I have to do to I get my computer?  

Students must register and complete our Take Home Computer Class in order to receive their computer. Classes are 3 hours and cover basic computer training and software installed on the OTX-West computers. Students must bring proof that they attend an Oakland school (I. D. card, report card, etc.) and parents must accompany their children to the class and stay for its duration.

Can I still receive a computer if I'm not in an Oakland school grades 6-12?

Yes, Oakland residents (proof of residency is required) can volunteer during our volunteer hours to receive a computer from OTX-West. You will receive 1 "service buck" for each hour you work. You can use the "service bucks" to purchase computers from our tech store. Computers range from 20 to 50 "service bucks." You can bring your family members to volunteer as well. This will help you accumulate bucks so that you can receive your computer much faster.

Can I volunteer at OTX West for community service credits?

Yes! Just keep your "service bucks", and when you've completed
your hours you can redeem them for a certificate of completion.

What kind of computers will I receive from OTX-West after I take the class or volunteer?

OTX-West provides refurbished Pentium 3 computers. You'll get everything you need to operate your computer: Mouse, keyboard, power cords, monitor, and of course, your computer.

Hardware: At least a 400 MHZ Processor, 10 GB Hard Drive, 256 MB RAM, 56K
modem for dial up (upon request) or Ethernet card for broadband, 15” or 17” color monitor, floppy drive and CD-ROM drive.

Software: Windows XP Professional, OpenOffice (a Microsoft Office compatible
office suite), multimedia programs, anti-virus, anti-spyware program, and many other fun and
educational programs.

Pentium 4 computers may also be available if upgrading with "service bucks." Upgraded computers range from 25 to100 "service bucks" (including your old computer).

What else can I purchase with my "service bucks" from the OTX-West tech store besides an upgraded computers?

Depending on what we have available in the store, you can use your bucks to purchase a set of speakers, printers (ink and paper not included), black mice and keyboards, black monitors, and routers among other things. These items range from 1 to 15 "service bucks" each (e.g. speakers=1 buck, black mouse=2 bucks, router=5 bucks)

Will the computers be Internet ready?

Yes, we have computers with dial-up modems (while supplies last) that are used for dial-up Internet access. If you are interested in dial-up internet service, you can buy a low-cost account from California.com through OTX-West at $42 (cash only) for 6 months of unlimited service.

We also have computers with Ethernet cards that are used for DSL and Cable Internet access. If interested in DSL Internet, ATT offers DSL service for $10 a month (contact them for more details). In addition, you can use your "service bucks" to purchase a router from our tech store to connect multiple computer to a single DSL or Cable Internet connection (while supplies last). Before you get your computer, you will be asked what kind of internet access you have (or intend on having) in order for you to receive the proper Internet ready computer.

When will I receive my computer?

You can pickup your computer on our distribution day. Distribution is typically every first Saturday of the month from 10 to 12 pm. You may come at 9:00 am if you would like to volunteer. You must bring the voucher that you received at the end of the class or when you completed your volunteer hours in order to receive your computer.

When are the volunteer hours?

Every Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30 pm and on distribution days from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Will I be able to get tech support for my OTX-West computer?

Yes, we provide free tech support for all of our computers. If you are having problems with your computer, bring it in on our tech support day (Tuesdays from 2:30 to 6:00 pm). We will either fix the problem or exchange your computer for another one.

Where can I get more information about my computer and OTX-West?

Start with the OTX-West manual. It contains the basic information about your computer, user accounts, hours of operation, etc.