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How can i get a free laptop for my child


Looking for a Free Laptop? How Low-Income People Can Apply

Some 94% of American households have at least one computer, which they use to pay bills, search for information and get entertainment. In today’s world, many Americans are also using those computers to work from home while their kids do schoolwork at the kitchen table.

Low-income families without access to a working computer in the home face a real deficit. If you are looking to cross that digital divide, you might be wondering how you can find and apply for a free laptop for your low-income household.

There are free computers for low-income families available from many organizations across the US. These computers can provide the connections you need to apply for jobs, get to food resources, and give your children more equitable access to resources, especially education. 

Read on to learn about free computers for low-income families and how to get them. We’ll close with a tip on how to get a brand new tablet for just $10. 01.



Adaptive.org

Adaptive.org is an organization that works to get computers and laptops specifically into low-income households where kids need them. The program does designate the computer is intended for use by children. Children age 5 up to college age can qualify for either a free PC or laptop. 

Adaptive.org also works to help senior citizens and citizens with disabilities get access to computers. To get more information on the program and its services, call 1-800-763-3097.


Computers With Causes

Computers With Causes is another national organization run by the Giving Center, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Charitable Organization. Their goal is to teach the value and power of giving and the huge impact it can have on another person’s life.  Their application process is pretty simple, asking you to explain your needs, then they’ll work to get you the computer you need.

They do a simple needs assessment once they have your application and a reference and background check. Don’t be intimidated by this; the intention is to make sure the computer they send out gets to those who actually need it. 


Everyone On

Everyone On is an organization that works to connect those in need with internet service providers and device providers. Their goal is to provide no-cost, low-cost or affordable computers to those in need and then to make sure those same people can get access to an affordable internet service provider.

They offer an interesting tool called the locator tool which helps those in need locate internet offers, device offers, and digital literacy training providers right in their own community. You can access this tool right on their website. 


Freecycle

Freecycle takes an interesting approach to getting computers in the hands of those in need. Many households have computers they don’t need, aren’t using, or are ready to get rid of. In fact, most people don’t know what to do with a computer they are no longer using, the one collecting dust in the closet.  They apply the idea of recycling to those items. 

You can go and browse their boards to find a board in your area. You can either ask if there are people who have a computer they want to get rid of or look for ones already posted as available. 

(Note: be careful giving or receiving a computer to or from anyone you don’t know. Make sure the computer is fully wiped of personal info!)


Microsoft Registered Refurbishers

Microsoft is a well-known name in the world of computers and they recognize the huge role they play in connectivity. 

They work with both individuals and organizations to take computers and computer parts back in, then refurbish them and get them into the hands of those in need. 

The goal of the program is to work with organizations and businesses to whom Microsoft offers licenses. They, in turn, take the equipment and get it refurbished and ready for distribution. Not all refurbishers are offering low-income help. PCs for People is one refurbished who does—more on them shortly.


National Cristina Foundation

The National Cristina Foundation is a national foundation working with organizations all across the US. They work to make sure the organizations they assist are non-profits whose goals are consistent with their own. They aim to get technology into the hands of those in need.

They work to gather large-scale donations, then redistribute to those organizations that can refurbish or use the donations and get them passed out to those in need at the local level.


The On It Foundation

The On It Foundation works to get computers in the hands of children from grades K through 12. On It is an acronym for Opportunities Necessary to Increase Learning. There are few things required to be eligible:


  • Low-income status
  • Child or children in grades K to 12
  • Children must attend a public school in the US
  • Participate in a free or reduced lunch program

To apply, you must write a letter to this address:

The On It Foundation
ATTN: Free Computer Application
18520 NW 67th Avenue Ste. 186
Miami FL 33015

The letter must include the following information:


  • Student’s name
  • Age
  • Grade
  • School Name, address, and phone number
  • Parent/guardian’s name, address, and phone number

The parent or guardian must sign the letter. They must also send a letter from the school. The school’s letter should be on school letterhead and explicitly state your child’s eligibility for free and reduced lunch.


PCs for People

PCs for People works to get computers for those who are below the 200% poverty level. You could also get a computer from them if you are already eligible through an income-based government assistance program. These programs might include:


  • SNAP 
  • Head Start
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Medicaid (or Medical Assistance)
  • National School Lunch Free/Reduced Program
  • Pell Grant
  • Section 8
  • Social Security Disability (SSD)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • TANF or GA Financial Assistance (a dated letter is required)
  • Unemployment Benefits
  • Veteran benefits

Applying to PCs for People, you will need recent documents showing your eligibility with one or more of these government assistance programs.  Based on your eligibility status, you can get either free or greatly reduced-priced computer equipment.


Smartriverside

Smartriverside is a non-profit with a mission to reduce the digital divide. Their program has a scope beyond just getting computers into the hands of those in need. They also want to advance computer learning for those who might not otherwise have access to it.

This program also works with government eligibility to provide either free tablets or laptop computers to those in need. Eligibility may vary by state, since eligibility is connected to the government criteria and those also vary by state. 


With Causes

With Causes is another national organization working with partners across the country. They also work with computer companies to gain access to equipment they can redistribute.

In addition to free laptops, they offer assistance programs for families with needs like food assistance. They also have a wide variety of other programs, including bringing art and music into low-income schools. They work as patient advocates for those who need them, and they even work with several international animal rights organizations.


World Computer Exchange

World Computer Exchange works to get computers into the hands of those in need across the globe. They work with a variety of partners to help distribute computers and technology.

The organization works with:


  • NGOs
  • Governments 
  • Schools
  • Libraries 

They are a need-based program, so your application will need to show your low-income status. Once you qualify, their partners will help to get both a computer and internet access established.  


Learn How to Apply for a Free Laptop for Low Income Households

Knowing how to apply for a free laptop for low-income families is the first step to getting one. While you might have to prove eligibility, often, the programs use the same eligibility as other government-based programs. 

Having a computer is no longer just a luxury. Families need them to access programs, do their jobs, and get kids online for school.


Get a Tablet for $10.01

Here’s that tip we promised: Get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01 when you qualify. Once you’re approved for the program, we’ll send you a separate email to unlock your one-time discount on a brand new tablet. Apply here to get started!


Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service

If this article about finding a free laptop was helpful, you may qualify for free wireless service through the federal Lifeline program. You can check your eligibility now by clicking here.

17 ways to get free laptops (low-income families)

A laptop computer can change your life — help your child do homework, participate in school from home, and help parents find a job or earn money from home. Unfortunately, laptops are expensive.

Here are some places to find cheap or free laptops:

  • Affordable Connectivity Program
  • Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse
  • Amazon
  • Computer Technology Assistance Corps
  • Comp-U-Dopt
  • Computers for Kids
  • Computers With Causes
  • Connect All
  • Everyone On
  • human-i-t
  • Jump On It! Program
  • Notebooks for Students
  • Online colleges that offer computers and tablets
  • The On It Foundation
  • PCs for People

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that helps low-income families pay for internet service and devices that use the internet, like laptops and tablets. The ACP covers: 

  • Up to $30/month discount on internet service (​​$75/month for households on qualifying Tribal lands)
  • One-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-pay of more than $10 but less than $50)

What are the qualifications for assistance with a laptop or tablet through the Affordable Connectivity Program?

There are several ways to qualify for laptop assistance through the Affordable Connectivity Program: 

  • Household income below 200% of the federal poverty level (currently $23,030 for a family of 3)
  • You or someone you live with receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or free and reduced-price lunches

How to apply for a laptop, tablet and internet assistance through the Affordable Connectivity Program

You can apply through the Affordable Connectivity website, by mail, or through your current internet company. If you are already enrolled in the Lifeline Program (which offers qualifying households a $9. 25 per month discount on telephone or internet service), you 

How to find the Affordable Connectivity Program providers in your state

You can find a list of ACP providers on the FCC website, organized by state.

Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse

The Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse is a group of nonprofits with a common mission to promote technology recycling and encourage the donation of technology across the country. Their nonprofits provide discounted and free computers for low-income families. 

What are the qualifications for a free laptop from Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse?

AFTRR provides an interactive map of its nonprofit providers, which all offer discounted or free computers to qualifying people and groups. Type your address into the map’s search function to find the free/discounted laptop provider nearest you. 

How to apply for a laptop from Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse

Each individual organization within AFTRR has its own process and qualifications for receiving a free or discounted computer or laptop. Visit the individual website of your nearest provider to purchase or apply for a free laptop in your area. 

Amazon

If you’re online shopping this holiday season, chances are, you’ll be shopping on Amazon. So how do you get a free laptop from Amazon?

Laptops 75%-99% off at Amazon

While they don’t have any free options, Amazon offers a large selection of discounted laptops for 75-99% discount off retail price. Most of these laptops have been discontinued or refurbished, so check customer reviews to see which computer is the best value.

Amazon Prime members are eligible for free delivery on select items, and Prime is just $5.99 per month for EBT cardholders and some government-assistance recipients. You can apply here for this discounted membership, which gives you access to all of Amazon Prime’s features.

Computer Technology Assistance Corps

Computer Technology Assistance Corps accepts donations of recently retired computers from businesses and individuals, then provides them to qualifying applicants on a sliding scale.

A desktop computer system including a tower with LCD flat screen monitor, keyboard and mouse starts at $75 and carries a one-year hardware warranty. Laptops start at $120 and have a 90-day hardware warranty.

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What are the qualifications for a free laptop from Computer Technology Assistance Corps?

CTAC spokesperson Penny Close says CTAC has waived its application process since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

However, in the past, to be considered eligible for these low-cost computers, an applicant must be receiving some form of state or federal assistance, like food stamps, reduced-cost school lunches, WIC, disability, EBT, TANF, etc.

How to apply for a laptop from Computer Technology Assistance Corps

Currently, laptops and computers can be purchased on the organization’s website or through its eBay account. 

Comp-U-Dopt

Comp-U-Dopt is a nonprofit that aims to “eliminate limited access to computers, facilitate growth in technical and digital literacy skills and support the future of youth and their communities. ” In other words: They give away free computers, offer technical and job training and otherwise help low-income people gain access to tech and skills that help them be competitive in today’s economy.

What are the qualifications for a free laptop from Comp-U-Dopt?

To qualify for a free computer, you must not have access to a working computer at home, and you must have a child in pre-K-12 (up to age 20). Devices provided by the school are not included in this qualification, since they are not owned by the family. So, if your kid has a school Chrombook, you can still qualify for a free laptop from Comp-U-Dopt.

How to apply for a laptop from Comp-U-Dopt

Comp-U-Dopt holds lotteries for free computers across the United States. Applicants can register at their nearest location, and names will be chosen randomly based on available inventory three days before distribution dates. 

It’s important to choose an easily accessible location, since selected recipients will be notified via email and/or text message to pick up their free computer from their chosen drive-thru distribution site. Learn more here about how to get a free laptop from Comp-U-Dopt.

Computers for Kids 

​​Computers for Kids, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that refurbishes donated computers, then donates them back to schools, nonprofits and students in grades K-12 and junior college. Their goal is to equalize educational opportunities for children and close the “digital divide” that occurs for those who don’t have easy access to technology. 

What are the qualifications for a free laptop from Computers for Kids?

Computers for Kids is not based on income, so any student can submit an application for a free computer. Laptops are currently only available to people in Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Utah. 

How to apply for a laptop from Computers for Kids

Students and parents can submit a student application on the Computers for Kids website. The organization offers every selected child a free desktop or laptop computer with Windows 10 Pro and Microsoft Office 2010, plus one year of free tech support.

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Computers With Causes

Computers with Causes is part of the Giving Center 501c3 nonprofit, which relies on donations to provide free working computers to low-income people and families. 

What are the qualifications for a free laptop from Computers With Causes?

Computers with Causes invites anyone in need of a working computer to complete its application process, though its efforts are mainly focused on students, teachers, parents, the elderly, foster homes, shelters, disabled veterans and struggling military families.

How to apply for a laptop from Computers With Causes

Computers with Causes performs a strict need assessment, including background and reference checks. After submitting an application on the Computer’s With Causes’s website, it may take several weeks to hear back.

Connect All

Connect All is a program that provides affordable computers and Internet to nonprofit organizations and low-income individuals.

Discounted, refurbished laptops from Connect All

Connect All refurbishes previously owned computers and sells them at low prices on its website. The organization also offers discounted internet packages through the Sprint network. 

Everyone On

Everyone On connects families in underserved communities to affordable internet service and computers, in addition to providing digital skills training.

What are the qualifications for a free laptop from Everyone On?

Everyone On provides a search function for discounted internet and low-cost computers across the United States. 

How to apply for a laptop from Everyone On

Simply type in your zip code, and choose one of the offers that comes up in your area to see available devices and internet packages. 

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human-i-t

human-i-t is an organization that provides low-cost devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support to people who lack access to technology. The organization partners with businesses to refurbish unwanted tech.

What are the qualifications for a low-cost laptop from human-i-t?

People enrolled in the following government assistance programs are eligible for a low-cost laptop or other device from human-i-t:

  • Government Assistance Program Accepted Proof:
  • SNAP / EBT (CalFresh)
  • Medi-Cal / Medicaid
  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • SSDI (Social Security Disability)
  • NSLP (National School Lunch Program)
  • Public Housing Assistance or Section 8 voucher
  • Lifeline
  • Cal Grant Financial Aid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
  • Head Start
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The following individuals/families can also apply: 

  • Veterans in need
  • People with disabilities
  • Senior citizens
  • Households that make 250% of the federal poverty level

Schools and nonprofit organizations can also apply for a low-cost device and assistance from human-i-t.  

If you do not qualify for any of these reasons, you can also shop low-cost devices through human-i-t’s eBay store. 

How to apply for a low-cost laptop from human-i-t?

To apply for a low-cost laptop from human-i-t, you can submit proof of eligibility online, via text message, or in person at one of human-i-t’s locations at the time of purchase. You can show proof of government program enrollment or proof of income with the following documents: 

  • The prior year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return
  • Social Security statement of benefits
  • Federal or tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
  • Veteran Administration statement of benefits
  • Retirement/pension statement of benefits / Social Security benefits

If you qualify for a low-cost laptop from human-i-t, you can shop online at hitconnect.org. You’ll create an account and upload or submit proof of eligibility before purchase. Laptop prices start around $120.

Jump On It! Program

The Jump On It! Program was started by The On It Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that provides free computers and computer training to low-income families with students in grades K-12 that receive a free or reduced-price school lunch, attend a public school and reside within the United States. (Learn more about their free computer program below.)

Discounted, refurbished laptop from Jump On It! Program

If you meet certain low-income criteria and earn less than $23,800 annually — or you receive Medicaid, SSI, TANF, GA-U, DSHS support or free/reduced school lunches — you can purchase a high-quality refurbished computer starting at $99 or start a lay-away plan for $15 down. 

Notebooks for Students 

Notebooks for Students offers certified laptop computers that were never used by the general public. Off-lease laptops originate from large corporations (banks, insurance companies, etc.) who lease them for use by their employees.  

Discounted, refurbished laptops from Notebooks for Students

Laptops purchased through NFS must be used by a student or educator. Check out available inventory on the NFS website.

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The On It Foundation

The On It Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that provides free computers and computer training to qualifying low-income families with students in grades K-12. 

What are the qualifications for a free laptop from The On It Foundation?

To qualify for a free computer, a student must be in a grade K-12, receive a free or reduced-price school lunch, attend a public school and reside within the United States. 

How to apply for a laptop from The On It Foundation

A parent or guardian for the student must write to The On It Foundation requesting a free computer. The letter must include the following information:

  1. Student name, age, grade, school name, school address and school phone information 
  2. Parent/guardian name, address, phone number. The letter must be signed by the parent/guardian, and the organization also requires proof from the school on its official letterhead stating the student qualifies for free or reduced-price school lunches. 

Letters of request and school statements should be mailed to: 

The On It Foundation 
Attn: Free Computer Application 
18520 NW 67th Avenue Suite 186 
Miami, FL 33015 

You may also scan and email the Letter of Request to [email protected] as long as it includes a written signature. The On It Foundation requires the school statement to be mailed. 

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PCs for People

Through its electronic reuse program, PCs for People provides access to low-cost computers and mobile internet for low-income individuals and nonprofits. 

What are the qualifications for a free laptop from PCs for People?

PCs for People provides reduced-price laptops and computers to qualifying individuals. The organization requires photo identification and income documentation for program qualification. People can qualify by showing current income or enrollment in an income-based government assistance program. Refer to the chart on the PCs for People website for income requirements, which are based on the number of family members per household. 

How to apply for a laptop from PCs for People

Eligible individuals can purchase available devices through the PCs for People website. Proof of qualification can be uploaded at the time of purchase or emailed to [email protected].

Other ways to get free laptops:

Craigslist

Craigslist offers a “free” category under its for sale listings, where people can post items they want to give away. Finding a free laptop or computer on Craigslist will be a game of chance, so move quickly on any listings you see. Just look out for potential scams, provide minimal personal details and always meet up in a safe public area to collect your item. 

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Freecycle

The Freecycle Network is a nonprofit organization with local chapters in almost every major city. Join your local Freecycle group to start searching for free laptops and computers. Like Craigslist, any listings on Freecycle are likely to go quickly, so make a habit of regularly checking the site. 

Local nonprofit organizations

In most major cities, nonprofits exist to connect people with free or discounted laptops and internet services. The easiest way to find these organizations is to Google “free laptops in [Your City] for low-income families” or a similar search term. 

You can also dial 211 to connect with your local United Way chapter, which may be able to connect you with local resources to obtain a free or low-cost laptop near you. 

If you live in one of the following areas, learn how you can apply for a laptop through these organizations: 

  • How to apply for a laptop from InterConnection in Seattle 
  • How to apply for a laptop from Reboot in Westchester Co, NY 
  • How to apply for a laptop from SmartRiverside in California
  • How to apply for a laptop and internet access through a Digital Navigator in Philadelphia

FAQs for finding free laptops

How can I get a free laptop from the government?

While there is no singular application process to receive a free laptop from the federal government, you can start by applying for benefits through benefits. gov. Many government agencies can connect you with grants or resources to receive a free laptop and low-cost internet service. 

Where can I get a free laptop for my child?

If you are unable to purchase a laptop for your child, look no further than your school or community library. Reach out to your PTA/PTO, school board members, guidance counselors or school administrators to inquire about device rentals or grants available to students. If your child is enrolled in online learning, their school will likely provide a free device to complete school work. 

Most public libraries have computers available on-site or to rent. Your local librarian may also be able to connect you with local resources for free devices. 

Can people with disabilities get a free laptop?

People with disabilities qualify for many of the programs listed above, plus there are specific organizations that provide free adaptive software to people with disabilities. GiveTech is one nonprofit organization that gives away input devices that allow people with quadriplegia to use computers. Fill out a GiveTech application to see if you qualify.

Bottom line: Government programs and nonprofits are making free laptops more accessible

Government programs and nonprofits that offer free laptops and low-cost devices to students and teachers are helping to close the digital divide and make technology more accessible to low-income individuals and families. 

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the share of households with school children with access to a computer device and internet connection increased from 60% in 2020 to 71% in 2021.

Research from the American University School of Education found that technology helps students:

  • Easily access information
  • Learn at an accelerated rate
  • Practice what they learn in a fun way
  • Explore new subjects and difficult concepts, particularly in STEM

Check out these helpful posts with free resources for low-income families and individuals:

How can I get a free laptop from the government?

While there is no singular application process to receive a free laptop from the government, you can start by applying for benefits through benefits. gov. Many government agencies can connect you with grants or resources to receive a free laptop and low-cost internet service.

Where can I get a free laptop for my child?

If you are unable to purchase a laptop for your child, look no further than your school or community library. Reach out to your PTA/PTO, school board members, guidance counselors or school administrators to inquire about device rentals or grants available to students.

Can people with disabilities get a free laptop?

GiveTech is one nonprofit organization that gives away input devices that allow people with quadriplegia to use computers.

Who is entitled to payments and free services under the social contract

What is a social contract?

A social contract is an agreement that is concluded by social security authorities with citizens and families whose income, for reasons beyond their control, is below the subsistence level established in the corresponding subject of the Russian Federation.

Under this agreement, the body of social protection of the population undertakes to provide state social assistance, including social services, cash payments, necessary goods, and the recipients of assistance undertake certain obligations, for example: undergo retraining, find a job, develop their own business.

Details of obligations can be found in Appendix No. 8.6 to the State Program of the Russian Federation "Social Support for Citizens".

How do benefits differ from a social contract?

Unlike the payment of benefits, the social contract aims to help those in need become self-supporting.

Payments under the contract must be used only for the intended purpose. So, a social contract for training with subsequent employment obliges a citizen to go to work.

How can funds be spent under the social contract?

For vocational training or additional professional education, for finding a job and starting your own business.

In addition, families in need will be able to use the means of a social contract to overcome a difficult life situation: the purchase of essential goods and medicines, shoes and clothes, goods for personal subsidiary farming, as well as for treatment, school goods and preschool and school education services.

The amount of payment under the social contract depends on the conditions established in a particular region.

What changed?

The program has recently been amended to expand the possibilities for using social contract funds. Now, if necessary, they can be directed to solving current problems, for example, buying clothes, shoes and school supplies for children.

When opening an individual entrepreneur, you can use the funds of a social contract, including for consumables and for rent (no more than 15% of the assigned payment).

Employment rules for citizens with a social contract have been simplified. Now they will be able to apply for a job immediately if there is no need to undergo an internship.

Important!

As we have already noted, funds should be used only for activities related to the fulfillment of obligations under the social contract. In confirmation of the intended use of funds received under a social contract, sales and cash receipts, a sales contract, receipts, etc. are provided.

What happens if a citizen does not fulfill the terms of the social contract?

This is the basis for the termination of the contract, which means that the payments due under it will also stop.

And if you terminated your individual entrepreneurial activity on your own initiative during the period of validity of the relevant social contract, then you will need to return the money received as state social assistance.

How long will the state provide support under the social contract?

Assistance is assigned for a period of three months to one year based on the content of the social adaptation program, which will be specified in the contract.

This period may be extended by the body of social protection of the population on the grounds established by the regulatory legal act of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation.

Where can a social contract be issued?

Now 58 thousand social contracts have been concluded in 21 pilot regions. These are the Republics of Altai, Bashkortostan, Komi, Mari El, Mordovia, Tatarstan, Tuva, Kabardino-Balkarian, Udmurt, Chuvash; Altai, Perm and Primorsky regions, Vologda, Ivanovo, Kurgan, Lipetsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novgorod, Saratov and Tomsk regions.

In 2021–2022, subsidies from the federal budget will be provided to all constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Important!

Subjects of the Russian Federation may provide additional parameters for obtaining and using a contract. For example, in some regions, funds received under a social contract can be used to pay off housing and communal services debt.

Where to apply?

To social welfare centers or MFCs at the place of residence.

90,000 Government purchased laptops with ALT Linux for schools to store in storage rooms

I stand with both hands for everything domestic. But I am terribly upset by the massively purchased laptops for Russian schools with pre-installed domestic operating system ALT Linux.

I'll introduce myself. I am a professional mathematician, a graduate of the Mekhmat in 1986, a specialist in numerical methods in hydrodynamics, a candidate of physical and mathematical sciences with eighteen years of teaching experience at school and university. And a science journalist, since 2004 he has been regularly published in print and online federal media.

In 2016, I organized an educational project called “School of Young Engineer “Vector NICA”, sponsored by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, where I work. The school is named after the NICA collider under construction at JINR, which needs young engineering and scientific personnel. In 2024, the collider should come into operation.

My school for young engineers operates on the site of one of the public secondary schools in Dubna, which specializes in engineering. Using 3D computer modeling, the first group of students of the School of Young Engineers aged 8 to 13 made a hundred times smaller copy of the MPD detector of the NICA collider according to real drawings given to us by the detector designers. The guys printed the details of the detector on a 3D printer and assembled the detector like a constructor. They worked just on school laptops.

A copy of the MPD detector of the NICA collider. A copy of the MPD detector of the NICA collider.

Notebooks with Windows operating system were bought by the educational authorities in several portions for elementary school students. These three dozen laptops have to be used not only by elementary school, but by all students in computer science and technology classes. Also in extracurricular activities. Therefore, laptops are all in business, and the demand for them is huge - there are about a thousand students in the school.

The same laptops are used at Olympiads and at the Unified State Examination. To conduct the exam, all information is erased from laptops, including licensed programs for 3D modeling and prototyping installed on them. This is to understand the tense situation with computers in schools and with software for them.

In 2017, a wide supply of ALT Linux distributions began to schools in the Moscow region. Let me remind you that ALT Linux is a family of Linux open source OS distributions, which has become a separate branch of the development of this operating system in Russian. Distributions are produced by Basalt SPO and Alt Linux.

Distribution kits were supplied by purchasing laptops with ALT Linux pre-installed by the educational system of the Moscow region. According to the information on the website of the Basalt SPO company, in 2017 distribution kits of Alt Linux SPT 7 operating systems with an additional set of educational software were sold to educational institutions of the Moscow Region. And in 2018, they were also delivered with a pre-installed license for Alt 8 SP OS. The total volume of supplies of both versions of the Viola operating systems amounted to more than 40,000 licenses, the report specifies. ALT Linux OS distribution kits were also supplied to schools in other regions of Russia.

About 70 laptops with ALT Linux pre-installed were bought for our secondary school. But it turned out to be impossible to use these laptops in the educational process either for teaching computer science or for conducting classes on technology - the main thing for which computers are massively needed in school lessons. After all, children successfully and quickly learn how to work with text and photo editors on their own smartphones.

With students.

The same situation has developed in other schools of our city and the Moscow region. In each school, almost a hundred laptops with pre-installed ALT Linux OS have been lying idle in piles in the offices of head teachers or in closets for years.

If we unwind the tangle of problems associated with the mass purchase of laptops with ALT Linux for schools, then the list of these problems is no small one.

I am listing.

The first snag is that on ALT Linux it is impossible to install exactly those computer programs that are needed not for entertainment or office work, but for professional teaching of programming languages ​​and 3D computer modeling. Without this knowledge, the younger generation will not be able to digitalize the economy in our country.

I will specify. My colleagues - computer science teachers - complain that school laptops with ALT Linux do not have PascalABC.NET installed, which is used at all olympiads and competitions in computer science, as well as during the USE, but Free Pascal, which is not used at all these events. Therefore, computer science teachers see no point in teaching Free Pascal.

There are great difficulties with installing popular programming languages ​​Python and C on ALT Linux OS. That is, neither Python nor C are installed on laptops with ALT Linux, say computer science teachers. My colleagues also note that even the LibreOffice text editor installed on laptops with ALT Linux is unable to open documents written in Word. That is, LibreOffice opens a Word document, but the pages of this document are empty.

I myself, as a technology teacher, complain that none of the 3D computer modeling programs that schoolchildren need to prepare for WorldSkills competitions can be installed on ALT Linux. To participate in WorldSkills, you need to be proficient in either Autodesk Fusion or Autodesk Inventor CAD. Both CAD systems are installed using the distribution kit of the American company Autodesk only on Windows. There is no version for Linux. But even the existing Linux version of the Autodesk Maya program for creating computer graphics cannot be installed on the ALT Linux OS either. ALT Linux and Linux in this sense are different things.

There are two domestic CAD systems: Compass-3D and ADEM. But, firstly, they are also designed only for Windows. And secondly, they are not welcomed by the WorldSkills organizers, which also upsets me.

Not installed on ALT Linux and programs for processing and printing computer models on a 3D printer. They are also made for Windows.

Another problem is that laptops are bought by schools in vain. Laptops are generally not suitable for doing computer science and 3D computer modeling at a qualitatively high level. They do not have enough power, performance, or screen size for this. Programming and 3D modeling require powerful and fast desktop computers with large screens. It is these computers that are purchased for schools, technical schools and colleges, where skilled workers and technical specialists of an average level of education are taught. Learning 3D modeling on slow laptops with a small screen is just flour, which not every student voluntarily ventures into.

Laptops are more suited to robotics than desktops, but robot programming environments (from Spike to Arduino) also run mostly on Windows or Android. The developers of these programming environments recommend using tablets - it's really convenient. However, these programs are not installed on older tablets due to the high requirements for processor power and performance. (They say they also bought tablets for schools, but no one saw them in schools.) And now new smartphones are more powerful than old tablets.

Laptops with ALT Linux purchased over the past ten years are already obsolete. But if these laptops are gathering dust in closets, then it is better to use them somehow, while they are at least capable of something.

And then the following problem comes up: it is impossible to reinstall the domestic ALT Linux OS on a paid licensed Windows or on a free American Linux on school laptops. Education authorities categorically forbid such an attempt to reinstall, as this action will be interpreted as a misuse of public funds spent on the purchase of laptops with ALT Linux OS. Following this logic, one has to conclude that the purpose of the state's mass purchase of expensive ALT Linux laptops for schools was to place them in stacks in closets.

The above is only a part of the problems from the tangle of informatization and digitalization of school education. And one gets the impression that no one really deals with this tangle. There is neither a clear purpose for the purchase of equipment, nor a clear policy on this matter, nor a clear plan of action. There is swaying from side to side. And there is no responsibility of the higher echelons of educational bodies for this.

One thing is clear: almost all computer programs necessary for modern technological education are developed for Windows. This means that either we need a domestic operating system like Windows, or we need to protect our data and our budgets from the appetites of Microsoft, Autodesk and other manufacturers of software necessary for education and industrial production.

Either we need to legally restrict the use of foreign CAD systems in our country and financially support domestic CAD manufacturers to develop versions for ALT Linux. And to encourage industrial companies operating in Russia to switch to domestic OS and CAD.

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