The MCCAS Project (Midlothian Community Computing Advice Service) was launched in July 2004, having successfully gained funding from ERDF, Leader+ & The Big Lottery Fund. MCCAS was set up to provide an ICT (Information & Communications Technology) support to the Midlothian voluntary sector, by means of training & services, as well as telephone and site-visit support.
Read more about the MCCAS project.
The world of ICT is always on the go, and it's hard to keep track or pace with what's going on. We will archive some of the more important and relevant information, and have it on the website for you to check at your own leisure.
Check out our archived news and articles.
MCCAS carries out training to local voluntary and community groups to help improve their ICT capacity. We have the training material archived for you to download and help you with your own progress. We also have a comprehensive list of relevant links to other websites that will help you improve your ICT skills and needs.
Take some time and visit the MCCAS Training section, and don't forget to check out our Web Links collection.
To keep up-to-date with the latest news in ICT in the community, we have an e-mail mailing list that sends out important news and messages as and when they come in.
Site last updated: November 30, 2007
Web giants aid child porn hotline
Top internet companies have joined forces to publicise a hotline to report online child pornography.
Internet giants, including Tiscali, Yahoo! and MSN are supporting the work of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).
Go to article in full.
(24th October 2007)
Wi-fi health study gets go ahead
The government is taking another look at the effect that wireless networks have on health.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced it will carry out "systematic" research into how wireless networks are being used.
Go to article in full.
(12th October 2007)
LEEP Recycling: IT Recycling Services
http://www.changeworks.org.uk/content.php?linkid=343
LEEP Recycling provides a range of recycling services for businesses and is now offering a specialist IT equipment recycling service.
Go to Web Links section
(24th July 2007)
Government websites 'too complex'
Many government websites are still too complicated and difficult to use, says the National Audit Office.
While services like online road tax renewal are very popular, other sites such as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), are too complex, the report said.
Go to article in full.
(12th July 2007)
New e-waste recycling laws begin
A much-delayed law that makes British producers and importers of electronic goods responsible for the recycling of their products has come into force.
Go to article in full.
(1st July 2007)
Home network security scrutinised
Home computer users who leave default passwords on network hardware unchanged could be at risk from attack say security experts.
Go to article in full.
(16th February 2007)
Microsoft Office Online Training
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/default.aspx
A fairly comprehensive online training section, including tutorials on all the office programs, such as Word, Access, Publisher etc.
Go to Web Links
(1st November 2006)
Hi-tech crime: A glossary
Like many subjects, information security comes with its own terminology and the jargon can be opaque to outsiders. BBC News website has a glossary section to help shed light on the murky world of cyber crime.
Go to article in full.
(5th October 2006)
Tips to help you stay safe online
There are now thought to be more than 200,000 malicious programs in existence - the vast majority of which are aimed at subverting Windows PCs.
Go to article in full.
(7th October 2006)
Usability Exchange
http://www.usabilityexchange.com
The aim of the Usability Exchange is to improve the accessibility and usability of all websites, large or small. It was set up to address a number of problems with existing methods of tackling accessibility/usability issues.
Go to Web Links
(20th March 2006)
Visit the Training Section for more information
(9th February 2006)
OUT-LAW.com
http://www.out-law.com
OUT-LAW has 6,000 pages of free legal news and guidance, mostly on IT and e-commerce issues.
Go to Web Links
(9th February 2006)
Scottish Disability Equality Forum - Technology
http://www.sdef.org.uk/Information/Technology/Technology.htm
The Scottish Disability Equality Forum works for social inclusion in Scotland through the removal of barriers and the promotion of equal access for people affected by disability.
Get Safe Online
http://www.getsafeonline.org
Get Safe Online will help you protect yourself against internet threats. The site is sponsored by government and leading businesses working together to provide a free, public service.
Search Features Chart
http://searchenginewatch.com/facts/article.php/2155981
A summary of key search commands and search assistance features on various websites.