It's fairly easy to find trainings for computer network administrators, but very difficult to find introductions to computer networks for nonprofit executives who don't have the time or inclination to dig deep into the topic.

For this reason, Laurie Geronimo, executive director of the innovative nonprofit technology assistance provider Secure Sponsorship, encouraged me to develop this guide.


Your first task is to get an empty binder or file folder, and decide on a secure place to keep it.  This is going to hold your collection of information technology tip sheets. 

Your other task is to ask these questions (of the staff member, volunteer, or consultant who is responsible for your nonprofit’'s computers), write down the answers, and file this sheet. 

It’s that simple!


Network Information Form
Are our computers networked?
Are they connected “peer-to-peer,” or is there a network server?
If there is a network server, where is it?
What is the name of our network’s operating system?
What is the version number of our network’s operating system?
What is the password for the network server?
Which employees have the password?
Which outside consultants have the password?
Which former employees have the password?
When was the password last changed?
 



Questions

Q:  What's the point of this exercise? 

A:   As a nonprofit executive, you may not need to use this information on a daily basis, but think of the strategic advantage it will give you if the person who is usually responsible for the network leaves your organization or is temporarily unavailable.  You’ll be able to brief the substitute tech support provider if necessary.

Q:  What's does "peer-to-peer" mean?

A:  Please see TechSoup's excellent explanation by clicking here.  For information about "dedicated" network servers, please click here.

Q:  What is an "network operating system?"

A:  Examples of network operating systems include Linux, Microsoft Windows 2000, and Novell Netware.  For more about network operating systems, please see the "Files and Print Servers" section of TechSoup.

Q:  What does "version number" of a network operating systems mean?

A:  As network operating systems (or any other software packages) are revised, updated, and debugged, they are distributed under version numbers.  Version 4.3 is more up to date than Version 4.1; Version 4.1 is more up to date than 1.3.

Q:  What if I need some extra help in following your suggestions?

A: Please send me a message and let me know.