Positive Connection
All Girls Program
Established in 1994
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Positive Connection All Girls Program Established in 1994
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Americas ProgramGeneral Program Information General Program InformationWhat service does the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Americas program provide?The Community MAR Americas program authorizes eligible refurbishers to install licensed copies of Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional, and Microsoft Office 2003 Standard on eligible refurbished computers. Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers work with both original owners and eligible recipients:
What does a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher do?Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers are authorized by Microsoft to install Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems and Microsoft Office 2003 Standard on eligible refurbished computers, provided these computers are supplied to eligible recipients. The new owner of the refurbished computer (the eligible recipient) can then use the operating system and does not need to purchase a new copy. The administrative fee for all software licenses distributed through the Community MAR Americas program is $5 (USD) per license. If I need operating systems for fewer than 20 computers, is another option available?Yes. In the U.S. and Canada, the Microsoft Donated Computer Operating System (DCOS) Program enables U.S.- and Canadian-based nonprofits whose donated computers do not have Windows operating systems already installed to receive them through TechSoup Stock. Qualifying organizations may request XP Home Edition software for up to 49 donated machines per fiscal year, provided that all machines are designated for internal use. The administrative fee for each copy is $15 (USD). Please visit the DCOS program pages on TechSoup Stock for program guidelines, product information, and eligibility requirements. The qualification and application process for DCOS is the same as for all other programs on TechSoup Stock. There is no separate application. Nonprofits merely add products to their online shopping carts. Why is the Community MAR program necessary? Why can't the original owner transfer the license?Often, the original owner of a computer has wiped clean the computer hard drive and may not have the computer's original media and documentation to pass on with the computer. In accordance with Microsoft's operating system licensing rules, the original media and documentation are required if the license is to be transferred. Do Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers refurbish only those computers covered by this program?No. Refurbishers often refurbish computers for a number of uses and this will continue. Examples of refurbishment that fall outside the scope of this program include the following:
Who is eligible to become a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher?Public, private, commercial, and noncommercial, academic and government-based organizations are all eligible to apply for the Community MAR Americas program. Examples include:
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are not eligible to participate in the Community MAR Americas program. Is there a charge to become a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher?There is no charge to join the Community MAR Americas program. However, the program does charge a fee of $5.00 (USD) for each license. Are there any other charges to participate in the program?No. The only charge is the administrative fee of $5.00 (USD) per product. However, if additional copies of media are requested to scale the refurbisher's installation operations, additional fees may apply. How much will a computer refurbished through this program cost to the eligible recipients?Individual refurbishers set their own pricing, so the prices for a refurbished computer vary. What steps are taken to help ensure the quality of the refurbishers that participate in this program?Microsoft works to confirm validity of applications before granting a refurbisher the status of Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers must submit monthly reports to Microsoft about the computers they supply through the program, and all Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers are subject to audit. In addition, Microsoft will investigate any complaint received about a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. Microsoft has the option to withdraw a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher's status at any time. Is there a limit to the number of computers that an organization can supply, that a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher can refurbish, or that an eligible recipient can receive?No. There is no limit to the number of computers that can be supplied, refurbished, or received. Microsoft recognizes the value of allowing eligible recipients to gain access to its technology, and would like to see as many computers as possible distributed through the Community MAR program. However, there is an ordering limit of 2,000 licenses per product per order. Active Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers can order as many times as they need to. Before reordering any product, refurbishers must supply the Community MAR program with at least 70% of their recipient data for their existing order. Is there a limit to the type of computers included in the program?To qualify for the program a computer must be a personal computer that meets all of the following criteria:
Refurbishers sometimes purchase used equipment for refurbishment because there is not always an adequate supply of donated equipment. Can this equipment be included in the program?Yes. Microsoft recognizes that used computers are not always donated for refurbishment and therefore allows equipment that has been purchased to be included in the program. How does a refurbisher become a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher?The application process to become a member of the Community MAR Americas program is on the Community MAR Web site. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are not eligible to participate in the program. What is the approval process for new Community MAR applications?Both Microsoft and TechSoup work to ensure that members of the program can provide the best refurbishment services to recipients of Community MAR computers and therefore undertake a number of checks with all applicants. Among these are software piracy checking to see if applicants have had software piracy complaints made against them and, if so, if there are any special circumstances that would impact their Community MAR membership. The checks do not involve any contact with applicants or any third parties and are carried out for all applicants around the world. The checks take only a few days, and most go through without incident. If you are an approved Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, your checks have gone through successfully. These checks are not the same as audits which the Community MAR Agreement explains can be carried out by Microsoft or its agents for any member of the program. If you have any questions or need more information, please let us know. How does the Community MAR program compare to the Fresh Start for Donated Computers program?The Fresh Start for Donated Computers Program is part of the Microsoft Partners in Learning initiative. The Fresh Start Program is designed to remove the licensing barriers that prevent primary and secondary schools from using donated computers. The program covers Pentium II (or equivalent) and older computers. Primary and secondary schools have a choice about how they ensure that donated computers are legally licensed. If they wish to obtain media and carry out their own installation of Windows, they can utilize the Fresh Start for Donated Computers Program at no cost. If they want to work with someone who can help with the installation and testing of operating systems for the donated computers, they can work with the Community MAR Americas program. A Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher will refurbish the donated computers and install either Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating systems. In contrast, members of the Community MAR Americas program pay a per-product fee. However, this is still an extremely cost-effective way to obtain software licenses for refurbished computers. Explore the Microsoft Web site for details of the Fresh Start for Donated Computers Program. Eligible RecipientsWhat is an eligible recipient?Eligible recipient is the term used to describe an organization that qualifies to receive refurbished computers through the Community MAR Worldwide program. Recipients can be anywhere in the world - not necessarily in the refurbisher's home country. In North, Central, and South America, computers should go to:
Where is the list of organizations that qualify as eligible recipients?The exact legal definition of an eligible recipient can be found in the Community MAR License Agreement. If you have a question about whether a specific organization qualifies after reading the list of eligible recipients, please email the Community MAR Americas administrator (communitymar@techsoup.org). What is a technology access program?Technology access programs are mission-oriented programs that are sponsored by noncommercial Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers, nonprofits, schools, or government programs that distribute refurbished PCs and training on an ongoing basis to students, their families and other low-income or disabled individuals in communities that traditionally have limited access to technology. To be eligible, the technology access program must provide only Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers with evidence in the form of program documentation and references. What type of individuals are considered Qualified Individuals for TAPs?Qualified Individuals are individuals that meet one or more of the following criteria:
Can private individuals use Community MAR computers?Yes. Private individuals can use Community MAR computers. However, ownership of the Community MAR computer must remain with the organization that qualifies as an eligible recipient, and the Community MAR computer must be used in accordance with the Eligible Recipient Agreement. Can other individuals who are not part of a TAP use Community MAR computers at home?Yes. A Community MAR computer can be used in any location (subject, of course, to applicable laws such as those governing imports and exports). However, if it is to be used by an individual who is not part of a TAP, ownership of the Community MAR computer and the license received through the Community MAR Americas program must remain with the organization that qualifies as an eligible recipient, and the Community MAR computer and the software provided through the Community MAR Americas program must be used in accordance with the Eligible Recipient Agreement. A charity, for example, can receive Community MAR computers and then loan them to clients for use at home provided the charity obtains from the client a written agreement stating that the client will comply with the terms of the Eligible Recipient Agreement. The Community MAR Americas program does not allow eligible recipients to transfer ownership of the software licenses provided under the Community MAR Americas program by donating or selling their Community MAR computers. Operating System Software and License MaterialsWhich operating systems are included in the Community MAR program?The Community MAR program currently includes the following operating systems:
How much will an eligible recipient pay for a license for the operating system?Nothing. Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers do not pay to purchase licenses for this program, so there is no cost to the new owner for the license. Refurbishers may charge recipients for the computer and services such as the installation and testing of the computers and the operating system software. How much does the refurbisher pay for a license for the operating system?Refurbishers only pay a fee of $5.00 (USD) per license. Are special certificates of authenticity (COAs) used for the Community MAR program?Yes. The COA labels used for the Community MAR Americas program state that they are only for refurbished computers and only intended for eligible recipients. What happens if the new owner, the eligible recipient, needs to reload the operating system?Typically, eligible recipients remain in contact with their Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers for ongoing support and can contact the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers if a major system failure results in the need for reinstallation of the operating system. Are eligible recipients who receive refurbished computers entitled to any free support from Microsoft?No. Eligible recipients of Community MAR computers with the software installed from this program are not entitled to any free support other than the free Web-based support that is currently available. Refurbished computers are typically over three years old, which means that the free support provided with the original operating system has expired. Eligible recipients can access Microsoft's free Web-based support or buy support from Microsoft or another supplier. Can I upgrade the Community MAR operating system license?Yes, Windows licensing from the Community MAR Americas program can serve as a foundation license for an upgrade by end users, although upgrades are not available through the Community MAR Americas program. Application SoftwareAre software application products available under this program?Yes. Microsoft Office 2003 Standard is available for eligible charitable organizations and other Microsoft-specially approved recipients, but not for eligible academic recipients. Why is Microsoft Office 2003 Standard available for eligible charitable organizations and other Microsoft-specially approved recipients, but not for eligible academic recipients?The Microsoft Partners In Learning program is designed to provide a spectrum of education resources to academic recipients and includes special pricing for Microsoft Office XP. How should eligible recipients obtain other Microsoft application software products?Most eligible recipients are entitled to purchase Microsoft products at discounted academic or charity prices. They can purchase these products through a Microsoft Authorized Education Reseller or from other authorized resellers. How else can eligible recipients acquire Microsoft application products to run on Community MAR computers?A recipient of a Community MAR computer can acquire Microsoft application software products from many different sources. A recipient may have a Microsoft license agreement that allows them to install applications they already own. They may also purchase previously owned application products from a variety of sources. As with any purchase of used software products, it is strongly recommended that purchasers ensure they are buying a legal copy of the product. Information on purchasing legal software products can be found at Microsoft's Genuine Microsoft Software | How to Tell Web site. International InformationCan Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers receive computers from donors located in a different country/region?There are no restrictions on where computers are obtained for refurbishment. Can refurbishers located in any country/region worldwide apply to the Community MAR Program?The Community MAR program is available in almost all countries in the world. To be eligible to apply to the Community MAR program, refurbishers must be located in one the following countries/regions in which Microsoft provides fulfilment:
Can Community MAR computers be supplied to a different country/region than the one in which the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher is based?Yes. An eligible recipient can be based in another country/region. Eligible recipients can be based nearly anywhere in the world, but there are some restrictions. For example, there are certain geographical limitations specified in the eligible recipient list in the Community MAR License Agreement. There are also export-import restrictions referred to in the Eligible Recipient Agreement and the Community MAR License Agreement. The software in this program is subject to U.S. export jurisdiction. More information about these restrictions can be found at the Exporting Microsoft Products Web site. What languages are available for the products in this program?Windows 2000 Professional is available in Arabic, Chinese (Traditional and Hong Kong), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish. Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Office 2003 Professional available in Arabic, Chinese (Traditional, Hong Kong, and Simplified), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish. Please note: Windows XP in Korean may only be distributed in Korea. Operational InformationWhat forms of payment can Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers use to order software?In Latin America, Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers may pay by check, credit card, or wire transfer. In the U.S. and Canada, Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers may pay by check or credit card only. What process is involved for supplying, refurbishing, and receiving a computer under the Community MAR Americas program?Individuals and companies work in different ways, but the following steps describe the typical process:
The refurbisher may also supply other application software or support services, outside of the Community MAR Program. What happens when a refurbisher applies to become a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher?The refurbisher signs the Community MAR License Agreement and follows an online application process. Microsoft verifies the validity of all applications and then, if the application is successful, grants the refurbisher the status of Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. When can a refurbisher apply to become a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher?There is no fixed enrollment period. Refurbishers can apply to become a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher at any time during the year. What does a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher need to do to maintain an active status?Community Microsoft Refurbishers must renew their program memberships once per year. The renewal period is from November 1 through December 31 and is completed online. Community MAR applicants approved during this time will not be required to renew until the following year. Community MAR applicants approved outside of this period will need to renew at this time. Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers must remain in good standing to maintain an active status. Can I enable other individuals to access my Community MAR account?You may authorize up to four additional individuals within your organization to access your Community MAR account. If you submitted or will submit another person's contact information, you affirm that you have the individual's permission to provide this information to Microsoft. If you requested access for additional users at the time of application, the users will need to activate their accounts by following the steps below. You may wish to print or email the instructions to the new user.
If you wish to add or remove additional users, please contact Community MAR Americas Administrator. For additional user access requests received after the application process, the user should wait 48 hours after he or she has submitted the request and then follow the above steps outlined above to activate account access. What does a refurbisher receive when they become a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher?
Microsoft provides the Community MAR with more information about how the program works on a day-to-day basis. Also, the Community MAR's information can be added to the online, searchable, Community MAR Directory (adding your information to this Directory is optional). Upon the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher's first order for Community MAR COAs, Microsoft sends a master media kit that includes Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Professional in the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher's requested languages. The Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher can access an online ordering system where they can obtain the COA labels they need for the computers they supply. What materials are needed for the Community MAR program?When a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher refurbishes a Community MAR computer, they install the operating system using the master media supplied upon the first order. The Community MAR computer is then given to the eligible recipient with the following documents and materials:
Where does a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher get the materials needed for the program?Community MAR COA labels may be ordered from the Community MAR Worldwide program Web site. Eligible Recipient Agreements in PDF format can be downloaded from the MAR Web site using the access given when Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher status is granted. The text of the Eligible Recipient Agreement is also given in the Community MAR License Agreement. View the Community MAR License Agreement. How does a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher order the Community MAR COAs?Each Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher that is accepted into the program is sent instructions for placing orders online. How should recipients be tracked?Once a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher has been approved for participation in the program and has ordered software, it must report at least 70% of its recipients of MAR-enabled computers per product on the MAR Web site before it will be permitted to reorder more licenses. The Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher can enter its recipient data at any time into the Community MAR database by following the instructions below.
Note: Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers can supply Community MAR-enabled computers to individuals via technology access programs (TAPs). TAPs supply training to low-income computer recipients. Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers themselves can function as TAPs. When adding recipient data for individuals on the MAR Web site, please record the TAP and not the individual who received the Community MAR enabled computer. All recipients should be recorded on an institutional level (schools, charities, or TAPs). The information the Community MAR program collects is:
Contact DetailsCommunity MAR Americas Administrator If your question has not been answered by the information on this page, please contact a customer service representative for the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program by sending an email to the Community MAR Americas administrator communitymar@techsoup.org. This Web site is available in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Our customer care staff can accept email inquiries in the same languages. Note: This FAQ is purely informational. The
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