>Do people feel that the low use of computers in Africa is a benefit in that
>they are less dependent on them if they fail? Or that they are used to other
>kinds of failures, and one more is no surprise?

I think this is a major misconception, there are plenty of computers
floating about, what I think is more appropriate is, when will these
problems become a top priority for executive. For example. If I am the IT
Manager at a governmental department in charge of computerisation, will I
still be in this job in three years time ?)

>Or do people feel that Africans are especially at risk because of the age of
>many systems in place?  Because these systems are donated rather than
>bought, there is less sense of ownership or responsibility to fix them, from
>either donor or recipient side?

Most new equipment that is coming in, is, IMHO new kit that is Y2k
compliant, the problem almost invariably lies not with primarily with the
hardware but rather with the software. (All those stripped '19's)


Clinton Jones

>A good source of information is the "Cinderella project" run by Chris Anderson:
>www.cinderella.co.za   -  Striving to achieve Year 2000 Compliance
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