Low-cost Internet options, Comcast special until 3/18

Seattle was recently named 1 of 15 “Gold Medal” communities nationwide by Comcast. As a result, they’re offering six months of free Internet service through their Internet Essentials program, for eligible households who apply and are approved for their $10/month program by March 18, 2014, next Tuesday.  Their low-income discount is for families with students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Comcast is one of several companies in Seattle who offer Internet for low-income residents for around $10/month. They all have income and other eligibility guidelines for the discounted service.  The City of Seattle has more information about these programs and Solid Ground’s program to help residents with the choices on their community technology low cost Internet page.

CenturyLink Internet Basics (866) 541-3330

  • Eligible if on most public assistance programs (broader than Comcast)
  • Internet wired to your home via phone line
  • Laptop purchase available for $150
  • Not eligible if you have existing CenturyLink Internet service
  • Internet safety and education materials offered

Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program (855) 846-8376

  • Must have a child eligible for free or reduced lunch
  • Cable Internet wired to your home
  • Laptop purchase available for $150
  • Not eligible if you have existing Comcast Internet service
  • Internet safety and education materials offered

Interconnection/Mobile Citizen (Clear) (206) 633-1517

  • Offers Clear mobile Internet for $8 per month with laptop purchase or about $10 per month without laptop purchase
  • Eligible if on most public assistance programs
  • Refurbished  laptops with a full range of software for $99
  • They have a store in Seattle offering products and assistance

Looking for a computer to use or for computer training? Visit our Free Access to Computers and the Internet page for locations and hours of public access computer centers.

UPDATED: Critical Vulnerability in Apple iOS and OS X

UPDATED: 03/04/14

A patch for  Macs [OS X] has now been released by Apple.  Follow the instructions below to update your system.

Apple revealed a major vulnerability in its software that affects its devices, allowing hackers to intercept and alter communications such as email and login credentials.  Apple released a patch for iOS on Friday.  The vulnerability has been confirmed in iOS versions 6.1.5, 7.0.4, and 7.0.5, and OS X 10.9.0 and 10.9.1. Security researchers haven’t ruled out the possibility that earlier versions are also affected. Users should immediately update their iPhones and iPads to versions 7.0.6 or 6.1.6, preferably using a non-public network.

To patch your device(s):

  • Run “Software Update“ from your device’s “settings” menu   – OR –
  • Connect your device to your personal computer, open iTunes, select the device you just connected, and click the “Check for update” button.

For more details, see these articles:

http://arstechnica.com/security/2014/02/extremely-critical-crypto-flaw-in-ios-may-also-affect-fully-patched-macs/

http://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2014-1266&cid=2

Tech Matching Fund Workshop Feb 4

Attend a Technology Matching Fund grant workshop on Tuesday, February 4 at 6:00 PM.  Here you will learn about the eligibility requirements, how to apply and what makes for a successful application.

The City is awarding matching grants of up to $20,000 per project to increase technology literacy or use of technology tools for civic engagement for Seattle residents.  The deadline to apply is March 12.

The workshop will be held:

Tuesday, February 4, 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Beacon Hill Library
2821 Beacon Avenue S
Seattle, 98144

The City is encouraging applications for community based civic engagement projects that build the digital skills of our residents, raise awareness of city resources online and use the internet, social media and/or mobile devices for community engagement and interaction with government.

For more information on the Technology Matching Fund, including history and success stories, visit www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf, email communitytechnology@seattle.gov or call Delia Burke at 206.233.2751.

Workshops offered for Technology Matching Funds

The 2014 Technology Matching Fund grant cycle is now open!

The City is awarding matching grants of up to $20,000 per project to increase technology literacy or use of technology tools for civic engagement for Seattle residents.  The deadline to apply is March 12th!

Important dates for grant applicants:

            Thursday, Jan. 30, 10 – 11:30 a.m., free grant workshop
            2100 Building, 2100 24th Avenue South, Seattle

            Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6 – 7:30p.m., free grant workshop
            Beacon Hill Library, 2821 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle

            March 12, Technology Matching Fund application deadline

The free grant workshops will both cover the same information: grant basics, how to apply, grant requirements and what makes a successful application.

The City is encouraging applications for community based civic engagement projects that build the digital skills of our residents, raise awareness of city resources online and use the internet, social media and/or mobile devices for community engagement and interaction with government.

For more information on the Technology Matching Fund, including history and success stories, visit www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf, email communitytechnology@seattle.gov or call Delia Burke at 206.233.2751.