Computer Provision from TRAK

We provide access to the internet and computer training, if you need anything else please ask.

To use our computers you can register by dropping into the base and filling in an application form. We will ask you to provide us with your name, address, post code, telephone, and proof of identity (eg. tenancy agreement or recent utility bill).

As a member of the TRAK Computer Club, you agree to all the rules as defined by the Computer And Internet Acceptable Use Policy (see below).

Fun with Computers

In January 2007, the K-Link Project was set up to provide computer lessons for everyone living within the Kirkholt estate.

The classes are currently running on Monday afternoons and Thursday evenings.

Places are limited, so book early!

For more information contact:

Jenny on 651425 OR Tim on 710577

Computer & Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Use of the computers and the Internet is available to TRAK Members (Tenants & Residents of Kirkholt), between the hours of 10:30am and 5:30pm, Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

First time visitors will need to register as a user, and will be provided with a card with log-on details & password. This card will need to be used on every visit to the base to use the computers.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or (guardian) at all times, before they will be able to use the computers and the internet.

Computer use is available on a "drop-in" basis, but access will be limited to one hour at busy times. If you are only free at certain times you can book time by contacting the base.

To become a member of the TRAK Computer Club, you must:

If you lose your member card or have your card stolen, please report this to a TRAK staff member as soon as possible. A new membership card and number will be issued. If membership cards are lost more than 2 times in a year then a new registration fee will be charged.

The registration fee of £1:00 will be renewable each year.

TRAK reserves the right to refuse membership of the TRAK Computer Club.

TRAK retains the right to withdraw membership at any point, if the committee believes the person is not complying with the terms of this agreement.

You do not have to be a Computer Club member to use the other facilities / services provided at the TRAK base.

However all users of the base are asked to abide by the TRAK Code of Conduct when in the Centre.

There are likely to be times when all PC's are in use. Sessions may have different booking times. If a PC is not available, please speak to staff to see if and when time is available and complete a booking slip. If you book on a PC, but fail to turn up within 5 minutes of your start time, the PC will be offered to the next person that requests a PC.

All users will leave their PC within 5 minutes of being notified that their booking time has expired.

About Using The Computers & Other IT Equipment

The IT equipment is provided to access the Internet and the programmes available through the Club. There is no facility to load programmes onto the public access PC's. Users should not attempt to download any programmes from the Internet. In the case of someone needing to download an updated driver or similar, speak to the Base Manager.

We have installed the IT equipment to minimise the risk of damage or theft. Users should not attempt to damage, remove or interfere with the IT equipment.

Users are not allowed to consume food or drink at the PC desk

The TRAK Computer Club does not have staff available specifically to provide training although they will be available to provide advice and assistance.

If you wish to bring work into the community base on a USB device or a CD, then it must be checked by TRAK staff before connecting to a computer.

If you save your work on the hard drive, the centre cannot guarantee that it will be there the next time that you log on.

Remember, please do not eat or drink while sitting at a computer desk.

Use Of The Internet & The World Wide Web

When you use the World Wide Web, certain conditions apply. All users should not visit or attempt to visit any site, which could be considered offensive. This includes any site, which contains material, which could be considered of a sexual, discriminatory or shocking nature. The Internet Service Provider and programmes we use, filter sites carefully. However we cannot guarantee that all sites have been blocked due to the nature of the Internet.

TRAK will closely monitor Internet access. We are aware that offensive sites can be visited by accident. If you mistakenly visit a site you feel is offensive, please let a staff member know immediately. We will then try to ensure that access to that site is blocked.

The Centre does not have an e-mail address that is accessible through the public PC's, however users can use Internet facilities such as `Hotmail' or `Yahoo'. If using these methods we would ensure that users are careful not to send any material, which would be considered offensive. We also ask that users do not open mail, if they do not know the sender and that anyone receiving offensive mail reports this to the staff immediately.

All internet sites visited will be checked by TRAK staff on regular basis.

TRAK reserves the right to block access to any site, if this is deemed necessary.

A breach of any of these conditions may result in your membership being withdrawn. Where a person under 16 breaks this condition the adult, holding membership for that young person, will be contacted and informed, prior to any decision on withdrawing membership.

We believe that the Internet is exciting, fun, interesting and an important part of peoples lives. It is here for you to explore and enjoy. However we consider the following activities unacceptable:

Please note that if you want to use the Internet to make on-line purchases or for on-line banking then you do so at your own risk.

TRAK recommends that you do not enter your personal banking or debit / credit card details into any of the computers.

Young People's Use of The Internet

Young people under the age of 18 will only be allowed access to the Internet unless accompanied by and under the supervision of a parent / guardian (with current membership).

Although any web based content will be filtered, the centre cannot guarantee that unacceptable material will not be viewed.

Use Of Chat Rooms And e-mail

Always remember that the person you are talking to may not be whom or what they say they are. It is unwise to agree to meet someone that you have communicated with on-line.

Do not respond to messages that make you feel uncomfortable. If this happens, inform a member of staff.

Be careful about giving out personal details on the Internet.

Finally, remember that the computer system keeps a record of all web sites visited and by which member. Everything that you access is logged with time and date by the system, and if it is found that the facility is being used for unacceptable purposes then your access could be denied, and your membership cancelled.

How We Deal with Unacceptable Use of The Centre

From time to time staff may become aware that users are not following the above guidelines. If this happens then we have the following procedures:

  1. A reminder of the unacceptable uses detailed above. If this fails then:
  2. A verbal warning. If this fails the next step would be:
  3. A suspension of access or in serious cases a total ban.

Dates and times of the above actions will be recorded and users will be asked to sign the records. If you disagree with a decision to deny you access to the computers then you may appeal to the TRAK committee in writing.