The eRider Tool Chest

eRiders (also known as "circuit riders" in the United States) are individuals or groups who help multiple nonprofits in a particular region or service sector with their technology needs. They perform many functions, from troubleshooting computer systems to devising new ways of meeting organizational needs.

In the course of their work, eRiders need to be prepared for a variety of technology environments. Based on a conversation with 17 international eRiders working in 13 countries, we developed this list of essential tools that every eRider should have.

1. A laptop with at least 20GB hard drive, a CD burner, network card, and at least a Pentium III processor
2. A cell phone, and for those who cover multiple countries, either an individual Subscriber Information Module (SIM) card (which holds personal information and settings and can be used on multiple phones) or a phone with good roaming capability
3. An Internet connection, preferably high speed (cable, DSL, or wireless), or if not high-speed, then an unlimited dial-up and subsidy for the phone bill
4. A team or community discussion list with archives
5. Instant messaging software to stay in regular contact with other team members and managers
6. Electrical plug adapters and a multi-plug power strip
7. A handheld PDA (such as a Palm handheld device) to take notes and keep track of appointments
8. Licensed software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and Quark XPress
9. A multi-tool such as a Gerber or Leatherman and a small toolkit for quick disassembly and reassembly of hardware
10. Travel funds for bus, train, plane, and hotels while on the road
11. Access to small grants for small purchases of equipment including memory or software
12. A small hub and network cables to set up and share connectivity at training sessions
13. A digital camera to document work
14. A Web site for posting information in the primary language for the organizaitons supported
15. Access to a mentoring network or help from "experts" while troubleshooting problems and developing solutions
16. A resource for discounted equipment and software for nonprofits -- think TechSoup Stock International
17. Business cards and brochures
18. Training, training, and more training
19. Sufficient time to prove their worth and the impact of their support