Everyday tools for NGOs Base NGO in-a-box is a collection of tools for the day-to-day running of small to medium sized NGOs. Produced by Tactical Tech in association with WomensNet, this toolkit aims to make it easier to set up base, find the right software and learn how to use it. Targeted primarily at NGOs and advocacy organisations in developing countries the Box contains a set of peer-reviewed Free and Open Source Software tools, with associated guides and tutorials. It includes tools for:

• Office Suites and Word Processing
• Finance and Fundraising
• Project Management and Collaboration
• Volunteer and Staff Management
• Web Browsers and Email
• Instant Messaging and Telephony
• Surveys
• Anti-virus

The edition can be accessed online but its primary form is as a physical box set of CDs, providing immediate access to all the software tools without the need to download them. The physical box will become available by August 2007. The Base NGO in-a-box aims to assist organisations make good choices about what technology to employ by collating concrete recommendations of tried and tested software along with documentation on how to use them. The contents of the toolkit were selected by an editorial team made up of leading international practitioners working in technology support for non-profits, social justice organising and the development and deployment of Free and Open Source Software. The team, consisting of people from South Africa, the Philippines, Bulgaria, India, Australia and the US, worked together to test and select the best software and materials. Aside from the NGO in-a-box CD the edition also includes a copy of Ubuntu, a GNU/Linux operating system, and SME Server. Combined, these CDs provide the necessary tools to set up base, get started and get on with your work. If you have any questions, comments or feedback about the BaseBox please contact us at base@tacticaltech.org.