How to Apply for Computers

As standard, our machines do not come with operating systems or with any application software loaded.

Computer Aid International is a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, which allows us to install Windows XP licensed operating system at a cost of £10.00 per machine (£6.00 if you order more than 50 machines).
Windows 7 is available for High Specs laptops for the same price.


We also provide Windows XP + Microsoft Office Basic (Word, Excel), at a cost of £20.00 per PC (£16.00 if you order more than 50 machines).

We also provide Ubuntu Linux and Open Office open source software (operating system and applications). If supplied on CD-ROM this is free. For us to pre-install on the hard drives we charge £7.00  per PC.

Chief Chikanta next to a Computer Aid Zuba Box in Zambia

In 2010 Computer Aid launched its first ZubaBox which is a solar powered internet cafe. We have to date shipped three, one to Kenya and two to Zambia (Zuba is the word for Sun in Nyanja - a language spoken in Southern Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi).

The ZubaBox is made from a 20ft shipping container, normally used to transport refurbished computers. On arrival at their destination the container converts into a fully functional Internet cafe for 11 users at a time. The cafe requires little power due to the thin client network, which includes 11 flat screen monitors that run off a single Pentium PC.

Six solar panels are fitted on each roof - enough to provide 12 hours worth of electricity everyday. The panels will last up to 25 years. The containers can be placed and used anywhere on the planet, with no mains electricity or wired connectivity needed. To function they only require power from the sun and internet access is acquired through cellular data connection, wifi or VSAT.

The ZubaBox is an innovative concept which we hope will engage the interest and enthusiasm of many organisations and companies, particularly those that plan to expand their corporate social responsibility activities in the areas of education, agriculture and health in the emerging markets. You can find out more about how to get involved in sponsoring one by contacting rachel@computeraid.org

For information on applying for one please contact ludovic@computeraid.org

Please click here to download our ZubaBox fact sheet

Click here to view a documentary made by BBC click of one of our ZubaBox's in Zambia

Click here to view some images of the cafe

Once the container has been loaded we will have the information necessary to make up the Bill of Lading, Shipping Invoice and Gift Certificate. The shipping line provides us with the Bill of Lading only once your consignment is at sea. Once we receive these documents we will send them to you, via DHL, at the earliest opportunity in order to assist you in negotiating the smooth passage of your equipment through customs.

Full Container Orders – High Value – Low Cost per PC:

 The most cost-effective volumes to order are those that make maximum use of a standard 20-foot or 40-foot sea-going container.

Computers shipped in containers suffer less transit damage than smaller sent individually. We are able to determine box and packaging sizes in our containers, which mean that the PCs are extremely tightly and securely packed ensuring minimal opportunity for movement during transit. With each order we will also provide additional boxes of equipment at no extra charge to pre-compensate for any equipment damaged in transit. 

A 20-foot container will contain 300 full computer systems with 100% TFT Monitors (225 with CRT monitors).
A 40-foot container will contain 600 full computer systems with 100% TFT Monitors (450 with CRT monitors).

Spare parts and extras: When ordering 20-foot or 40-foot containers you may also request extra (second-user) power supply units, hard disks, floppy drives, CD-ROM/DVD drives, network cards etc. We sometimes have software manuals and spare floppy disks. When we are able to provide these spares, tailored to meet your needs, as part of your extra boxes, we do so without making any charge.

You will need to be proactive in liaison with customs at your end to effect clearance efficiently and to avoid unnecessary charges. It is your responsibility to make sure that you provide customs and (where necessary) the pre-shipment inspection agency with all relevant documentation in good time.

Prior to shipment we can also provide some example shipping documents and sample details of equipment to illustrate your discussions with customs officials. Please ask for these if they would be helpful.

We have a lot of experience of dealing with pre-shipment inspections if this is necessary in your country.