AUDUBON, PA — June 13, 2013 — TeamChildren, a nonprofit based in Audubon, PA, offers a cost effective solution to Microsoft's plans to end support for Windows XP by April 8, 2014. TeamChildren now has over 1,000 high quality, low cost refurbished computers programmed with Windows 7 to distribute to families, schools and organizations throughout the region.

Requesting a computer from TeamChildren is simple and open to individuals, schools and other organizations. The recipient writes a letter explaining why they need a computer or laptop, includes a $50 deposit and pays the balance the day of pickup. The recipient goes home with a computer pre-loaded with educational programs, ready to be plugged in. The computers range from an administrative fee from $75 to $200 and computer recipients are encouraged to volunteer for an hour or so to learn more about their computer. To receive an application, anyone can call their office at 610-666-1795 or download one online at http://www.teamchildren.com

Some older computers running on Windows XP or older versions are not capable of supporting the Windows 7 or 8 operating systems.

According to their website, Microsoft suggests immediate action "to ensure you remain on supported versions of Windows and Office" and "to ensure you deploy before end of support." They say the average enterprise deployment can take 18 to 32 months.

An article in Education Week says Windows XP is believed to be the dominant computer operating system in K-12 education. Between slashed school budgets and aversion to disrupt a familiar technology, students, teachers and administrators face an urgent issue.

There will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates according to Microsoft officials. Malfunctions in communication between software and hardware, viruses, and other security issues could occur to computers running on XP. Software providers will likely discontinue creating products for XP.

Pennsylvania needs to have reliable technology in place to administer online assessments linked to the Common Core State Standards, tests beginning during the 2014-15 school year.

"These computers," said president and founder Robert Toporek, "come loaded with extremely effective learning software that will help each recipient expand their knowledge."

AWE Learning in Chester, PA and Brillkids, a Hong Kong based software developer, donated more than $500,000 worth of learning software that is loaded onto each computer it distributes. Both companies have partnered with TeamChildren because of its demonstrated success having distributed more than 11,000 refurbished computers reaching more than 50,000 children.