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TechnologyTechnology has more than one definition. One is the development and application of tools, machines, materials and processes that help to solve human problems. As a human activity, technology predates both science and engineering.
The term technology thus often characterises inventions and gadgets using recently-discovered scientific principles and processes. However, even very old inventions such as the wheel exemplify technology.
Another definition -- used by economics -- sees technology as the current state of our knowledge of how to combine resources to produce desired products (and the our knowledge of what can be produced). Thus, we can see technological change when our technical knowledge increases.
Technology in ideology
Very often, new is assumed to mean "better" in technology and engineering circles. The notion of appropriate technology developed in the 20th century to describe situations where it was not desirable to use very new technologies or those that required access to some centralized infrastructure or parts or skills imported from elsewhere. The eco-village movement evolved in part due to this concern. Intermediate technology, more of an economics concern, refers to compromises between central and expensive technologies of developed nations and those which developing nations find most effective to deploy given an excess of labour, and scarcity of cash. In general, an "appropriate" technology will also be "intermediate".
Exactly contrary assumptions are made by those who promote transhumanism, posthumanism, technological singularity, which collectively were described as "Cosmist" views by Hugo de Garis. In these ideologies, technological development is morally good. These ideologies are seen as symptoms of scientism and mathematical fetishism by those who use those terms. Some consider them also to be symptoms of belief in capitalism.
In economics, definitions or assumptions of progress or growth are often related to one of more of the above assumptions. Challenging prevailing assumptions about technology and its usefulness has led to ideas like uneconomic growth or measuring well-being. These, and economics itself, can often be described as technologies, specifically, as persuasion technology - a concern covered in its own separate article.
Concepts in technology
See also
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CLUE Linux Centre
Established by the Canadian Linux Users' Exchange (CLUE), the CLUE Linux Centre is the world's first permanent Linux centre. A nonprofit, community organization, it provides computers to students and is a showcase and research centre for all things Linux.
http://www.linux.ca/centre/
Services to Software
Joint initiative, non-profit organisation, to help software developers do better.
http://www.sts.org.uk
CompuMentor
A nonprofit technical assistance group helping volunteers, schools, and nonprofits work together to solve computer problems. Information about the services for volunteers, nonprofits, and schools.
http://www.compumentor.org/
Progressive Technology Project
Seeks to raise the scope and scale of technology resources available to grassroots organizations working for progressive social change.
http://www.progressivetech.org/
Teaming for Technology
Technology resources for nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia region, including a directory of technology service providers.
http://www.uwsepa.org/team4tech
CompuCorps Mentoring
Recruits computer volunteers as mentors to help nonprofits with their computers and the internet. They are also developing virtual mentoring pilots to support nonprofits with internet tools.
http://www.compucorps.org
San Diego Futures Foundation
The Foundation provides computer donations and technical services to improve the futures of San Diego County's underserved kids, teens, seniors, veterans, disabled, and other community members.They also provide access to technology resources and training.
http://www.sdfutures.org
Linux-Aktivaattori
A Finnish based non-profit aimed at promoting the use of Linux at home and work through organizing various events.
http://www.linux-aktivaattori.org
Digital Divide Network
A portal developed to foster an environment in which strategic integration of digital divide initiatives is possible with nonprofits and governments.
http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org
Digital Empowerment
A collaboration of non profit organizations and government officials focused on supporting federal programs that address the digital divide.
http://www.digitalempowerment.org
The Association for Community Networking
An educational organization dedicated to fostering and supporting "community networking" by assisting and connecting people, organizations, encouraging research and influencing policy.
http://www.afcn.org/
Community IT Innovators (CITI)
Community IT Innovators, located in Washington, DC, is a company that specializes in using technology creatively in support of nonprofit organizations. They provide web, database, network support and technology planning services.
http://www.citidc.com
Charities Information Technology Group
A voluntarily group that assists charities and not for profit organizations understand and benefit from information and communication technology.
http://www.citg.org.uk
Empowerment Through Learning Information Technology
eLIT is a non profit organization that teaches basic computing skills to socially and economically disadvantaged women and children.
http://www.elitonline.org/
Internet Education Foundation
Non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and policymakers about the potential of a decentralized global Internet to promote democracy, communications, and commerce.
http://www.neted.org/
FamilyNet International Inc.
A resource for independent Baptist Churches. A BBS resource, internet access and utilities. Free Bible correspondence courses are offered in additon to other online services.
http://www.fmlynet.org
Geeks Without Borders
A nonprofit that provides recycled computers, training and tech-support to educators, community leaders and medical personnel.
http://www.gwob.org
Computer Researchers Association in the Philippines
The CRAP Organization is a non-profit organization that provides training programs and educational activities powered by Computer Generalist students in different schools and places.
http://www.angelfire.com/or3/crap_organization
Computers-For-All
Donated computers and software are updated and then donated to individuals from disadvantage environments including low income, elderly, disabled families, and children in the community.
http://www.computers-for-all.org
Freedom-Uplink Organization Website
An Organization fighting for rights & freedoms online for everyone. Using the internet as a global medium of communication.
http://www.Freedom-Uplink.Org
Computer Aid International
Computer Aid recycles unwanted computers from Britain for use in schools and community organisations in developing countries.
http://www.computer-aid.org/
Los Angeles Technology Connection
a non profit dedicated to closing the gap in access to technology for all people and to promote equitable participation in the digital technology industry. Supports diversity initiatives in technology.
http://www.latechnologyconnection.org
The Computer Technology Documentation Project
A group of volunteers working to provide documentation for learning and reference for various technologies. Also this organization helps to make technical educational materials available to those who cannot afford it.
http://www.comptechdoc.org/
National Cristina Foundation
Charitable organization that directs donations of used and surplus computer technology to non profits and public agencies throughout the United States and globally.
http://www.cristina.org/
Center for Computer Redistribution, Inc.
A nonprofit volunteer organization refurbishing donated personal computers to be given away free to persons disabled or disadvantaged. Working to improve their quality of life by utilizing technological resources of the community.
http://www.freepcs.org/
Southern Maryland Applied Research and Technology Consortium, Inc. (SMARTCO)
Recycles and donates computer equipment to those without means to afford them.
http://www.smartco.org/
Public Technology, Inc.
Non-profit national technology organization dedicated to furthering the use of technology in both cities and counties, for both elected officials and professional managers.
http://www.pti.nw.dc.us/
Computers In Our Future
a project of community technology centers aimed to increase access to computer technology, teach marketable skills to area youth and enhance job placement opportunities.
http://www.ciof.org/
Networks And Development Foundation
A non-governmental organization dedicated to the dissemination of new information and communication technologies (NICT) in developing countries, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean.
http://www.funredes.org/
Mr. Kenyada's Neighborhood, Inc.
Its "PCs to the People" program provides free used computers to disadvantaged African American children, and teaches basic computer skills to seniors.
http://kenyada.com/
Romania Virtuala
A non-profit virtual organization whose main purpose is to propagate the use of the internet throughout Romania and Romanian speaking communities.
http://www.RomaniaVirtuala.org/
National Urban Technology Center
Focused on providing technology access and education for youth and adults in underserved communities, this nonprofit promotes learning, academic performance, and workforce preparation.
http://urbantech.org/
NPower
Helping non-profits use technology to further their own missions. NPower focuses on providing consulting, training and volunteer services, and it also provides an assortment of non-profit technology resources.
http://www.npower.org/
Technology for Social Change
Based in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood this non profit provides recycled computers, services of skilled volunteers, and computer training to nonprofit groups in Massachusetts and around the world.
http://www.tecschange.org/
International Technology Project (ITP)
A nonprofit organization under the auspices of the El Camino Fund. Its mission is to collect and redistribute discarded computer technology to third world locations and to immigrants to the USA, provide education and training, and build partnerships with other organizations.
http://www.itp.innoved.org/
The Electronic Community
Accepts donations of used hardware and software for donation to non-governmental organizations in developing nations. Includes general information, news, membership details, and a mailing list.
http://www.electroniccommunity.org/
Nexus Technology
Christian initiative that tries to help low-income children, families, and communities use technology. Includes information, research, resources, and a newsletter.
http://www.nexustechnology.org/index3.html
Free Geek
A Portland based non profit that provides free computers and education to those in need through the reuse and recycling of old computers in exchange for community service.
http://www.freegeek.org/
Computers Assisting People
Refurbishes and repairs donated computer equipment, and then provides it, free of charge, to non-profit organizations in the Cleveland area.
http://www.capinc.org/
Technology Access Foundation
A nonprofit organization that works with both youth and adults in computer training.
http://www.techaccess.org
Digital Sisters
A technology social service agency focused on promoting and providing technology education and enrichment for young girls and women of color. Providing technology empowerment programs, resources and information.
http://www.digital-sistas.org
Kids Computer Workshop
A non profit that provides technology training to at-risk youth. They teach computer literacy and use technology to support academic enrichment.
http://www.kcw.org
TechFoundation
Technology philanthropy for nonprofits. Grant information, IT seminars, discount software and other resources aimed at bridging the digital divide for nonprofits.
http://www.techfoundation.org
Digital Promise
Digital Promise is a non-profit dedicated to promoting and expanding access to computer technology in low-income housing communities.
http://www.digital-promise.org
Community Technology Center Network
A national association of more than 1000 diverse community technology centers. CTCNet helps its members enhance their services by providing technical assistance and facilitating collaborative relationships at the grassroots level.
http://www.ctcnet.org/
Sibelius Road Web Academy
A web academy developed to help improve ICT and key skills in a modern computer facility in Hull, funded by the EC and Sydneysmith School to provide training for all within the local community.
http://www.sydneysmith.hull.sch.uk/webacademy/index.html
Athena Alliance
An organization dedicated to public education on the emerging global information economy. Deals with challenges posed by technology on the problems of communities-left-behind and at risk through workshops, research activities, publications, reports and public education activities.
http://www.athenaalliance.org/
Wireless Adelaide
A nonprofit organization formed to enable creation of a wireless community network and provides members with the capability to use services such as video conferencing, computer support and file sharing.
http://www.wirelessadelaide.org.au/
Computer Angels Inc.
A volunteer organization which aims to make technology accessible promoting and encouraging computer literacy throughout the community in West Australian to make practical use of information and communications technologies.
http://www.computerangels.org.au/
Non-Profit Technology Assistance Centers
A collaborative campus-community partnership to help nonprofits of southwest Michigan achieve their goals through effective use of technology.
http://www.wmutechcenter.org/
Confluence
Confluence provides technology support services exclusively to nonprofit organizations.
http://www.confluencecorp.com
National Technology Recycling Project
A nonprofit that promotes technology recycling, education and protecting the environment. Also includes resources for nonprofits, computer recycling organizations and computer tips.
http://www.ntrp.org
KITE, Inc.: Keys to Information, Technology, and Education
Keys to Information, Technology, and Education (KITE) offers computer hardware, free software/open source software, technical training and other resources for community development organizations in the Third World.
http://www.kiteinc.org/
2M Center
The 2M Center is a technology and cultural center whose aim is to educate and strengthen neighborhoods through technology with a focus on youth and families. Addressing digital divide issues through creative youth programming, advocacy and training.
http://www.2mcenter.org
Another Byte
Computer recycling, education and reuse for nonprofits. Online discussions on social and environmental issues around recycling developing a network of non-profit recyclers, donors, volunteers, and others.
http://www.recycles.org/
Alliance for Public Technology
A coalition of public interest groups and individuals whose goal is to foster broad access to affordable, usable information, communication services and technology for disadvantaged communities.
http://www.apt.org
Positive Transitions Learning Center
Provides high risk youth and low income adults with computer literacy skills in San Bernardino County.
http://www.ptlc7.com
access4hope.org Eagle Idaho Computer Refurbisher
Recycled computers, software, and/or technology services are offered free to needy families. Website contains application form, donor and volunteer information.
http://www.access4hope.org
Digital Partners India
A non profit institution that uses the digital society to improve the quality of life of others. These programs include an e-health initiative, social venture fund, and social entreprenuership.
http://www.dpindia.org
OverDriven Performance
A non-profit programming organization of students who's goal is to make games that will help impact lives.
http://myhome.naver.com/pfmc_dj/ODpfmc.htm
First Baptist Church Computer C.A.F.E.
An organization that seeks to spread technological knowledge and empowerment to church members and the community through technology training.
http://fchurch.org/cafe/index.shtml
Foundation IWith.org
This foundation utilizes information technologies as a tool to aid progress and development in various countries. Some examples are to bring education to remote locations, expand and enhance medical resources and research capacity.
http://www.iwith.org/en/
Community Technology Foundation of California
Social Justice, Equity, and Access through Community Technology and diverse social change initiatives in underserved communities.
http://www.zerodivide.org
ONE/Northwest - Online Networking for The Environment
ONE/Northwest is a non-profit supporting the environment and grass roots organizations through the use of technology.
http://www.onenw.org
California Technological Care
An organization dedicated to combating computer illiteracy and bridging the digital divide. Computer learning centers are provided to California communities.
http://www.filamcenter.com/CTC/
Campus - Community - Corporate Partnership
CCC Partnership is a consortium of organizations dedicated to providing computer access and training, Internet connectivity, and technical support services. Includes activities that support youth and parents obtaining educational opportunities to eliminate the digital divide.
http://www.cccpartnership.org
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