computer standards in Tanzania
Oct 2nd, 2006, 10:14 AM
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computer standards in Tanzania
A friend in Arusha has asked me to bring him a laptop PC, which I don't mind doing. This will be built in the US and used in Tz so I'm wondering if the standards are similar. Specifically these three things ...
1) Is the wireless LAN standard the same, ie, variants of 802.11 ?
2) Will the modem work over Tz phone lines? He mainly wants this for internet use and learning about computers so will need either the wireless or the modem to connect.
3) Is there a different DVD standard, ie, can he play DVDs purchased in Africa on this laptop?
I've taken a couple of laptops to Tz but used them just for photo storage and editing without connecting to the 'net, so sorry if these seem like pointless questions. I'm aware of the different voltage requirements (not a problem).
Thanks if you can answer these Q's.
Bill
1) Is the wireless LAN standard the same, ie, variants of 802.11 ?
2) Will the modem work over Tz phone lines? He mainly wants this for internet use and learning about computers so will need either the wireless or the modem to connect.
3) Is there a different DVD standard, ie, can he play DVDs purchased in Africa on this laptop?
I've taken a couple of laptops to Tz but used them just for photo storage and editing without connecting to the 'net, so sorry if these seem like pointless questions. I'm aware of the different voltage requirements (not a problem).
Thanks if you can answer these Q's.
Bill
Oct 2nd, 2006, 11:36 AM
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Can't help you, but I have another question for you to add to the list: When I purchase computers for our business, I have to "certify" (for national security??) that I am not taking them out of the US - probably not an issue, just another question.
<font color="green">Cyn</font>
<font color="green">Cyn</font>
Oct 2nd, 2006, 12:16 PM
#3
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Bill -
Suggestion - why not email to your outfitter in Tanzania and inquire of them about PC requirements.
As to DVDs, we've had some problems playing DVDs created overseas working on our equipment Stateside, so it might be in reverse.
Your friend, should also inquire what specs are required for LAN access, wireless or modem service.
Let us know.
Suggestion - why not email to your outfitter in Tanzania and inquire of them about PC requirements.
As to DVDs, we've had some problems playing DVDs created overseas working on our equipment Stateside, so it might be in reverse.
Your friend, should also inquire what specs are required for LAN access, wireless or modem service.
Let us know.
Oct 2nd, 2006, 01:21 PM
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1) Wireless LAN standard should be the same around the world. Someone on my Kilimanjaro climb brought his laptop and was able to find a signal near our hotel to use to get on the internet.
2) Modems will work the same, as well. I don't know what quality of Tanzanian phone lines are like, so it may be a bit of crapshoot. Old, unshielded wires may have lots of "line noise" which may cause drops in connection, but this isn't a problem unique to Tanzania - just to crappy telecom infrastructure.
3) DVDs have a Region Code that is supposed to prevent DVDs from different countries working in other countries. In practice, many DVD players allow discs from multiple regions to work, though most budget models don't. Most PC DVD players should allow multi-region playback, but you should check with the company that produced your particular laptop to make sure.
2) Modems will work the same, as well. I don't know what quality of Tanzanian phone lines are like, so it may be a bit of crapshoot. Old, unshielded wires may have lots of "line noise" which may cause drops in connection, but this isn't a problem unique to Tanzania - just to crappy telecom infrastructure.
3) DVDs have a Region Code that is supposed to prevent DVDs from different countries working in other countries. In practice, many DVD players allow discs from multiple regions to work, though most budget models don't. Most PC DVD players should allow multi-region playback, but you should check with the company that produced your particular laptop to make sure.
Oct 2nd, 2006, 02:57 PM
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Thanks 'lifelist', good info. I guess I'll skip installing a DVD writer and if the built-in reader won't work on local DVDs he can get an external local reader and use it via USB or Firewire ports.
Sandi, my friend is a newbie with computers, logging on at an internet cafe for 1,000 Tsh per hour and pecking away with one finger ... when I asked him how big a screen or how much RAM and hard drive space he needed I could tell his mind went blank and he said "anything you care to bring me is fine!", so I think he'd have problems figuring out the wireless specs, etc.
Bill
Sandi, my friend is a newbie with computers, logging on at an internet cafe for 1,000 Tsh per hour and pecking away with one finger ... when I asked him how big a screen or how much RAM and hard drive space he needed I could tell his mind went blank and he said "anything you care to bring me is fine!", so I think he'd have problems figuring out the wireless specs, etc.
Bill
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