Internet solutions provider Fusion Reactor has taken over the running of a computer lab at Diepsloot Combined School, providing PC and Internet access to about 1 000 learners.
International chip manufacturer AMD and Ucoms donated 38 personal Internet computers (PICs), which run on a broadband wireless solution supplied by Fusion Reactor.
The PICs, known as i-Khuluma (I speak), are designed to provide reliable Internet connectivity and basic computing capabilities like e-mail and text editing. Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point software programs also run on the machines.
"The main challenge we faced with this project," says Fusion Reactor`s MD, Grant Jackson, "was providing Internet access. Diepsloot is not an area that has a reliable telephone infrastructure."
To remedy this problem, Fusion Reactor installed an iBurst modem and booster antenna to ensure signal quality in the area, which helped improve speed and also put up the wireless Internet connection, he says.
The lab was opened in 2002 by Rentworks, in order to offer the school`s matric pupils computer training. The school, however, did not have funds to maintain its PCs and the Internet connection. Fusion Reactor took on the responsibility of supplying ongoing Internet access for the school via a wireless broadband connection.
A qualified IT teacher has been employed to run the school`s computer lab and teach the children.
According to Jackson, supporting the i-Khuluma Project and an institution as worthy as the Diepsloot Combined School is viewed by the company as "just a small contribution towards meeting President Mbeki`s often stated goal of empowering the masses through technology".
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