Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question that is not listed here?  Contact us and we will do our best to help!

Program Questions:
* Who is eligible for this program?
* Which military branches can take advantage of Computers For Soldiers®?
* Does our family have to be "low income"? 
* How many computers can I buy?

Computer Questions:
* Do these computers work well?
* Why do some specifications say "or better"? 
* Do these computers have a warranty?
* When did the Laptops start coming with Webcams?

Shipping Questions:
* How much is shipping?
* Is there any way to reduce the shipping charges? 
* Can you ship outside of the US?
* Do you deliver to Guam and other US Territories?
* Can I pick my computer system up in person?

Other Questions:
* Do I have to pay any sales tax?
* What if I need additional computer equipment? 
* How do I buy Microsoft Office?
* How do I get FREE AntiVirus software through the military?



Program Answers: (back to top)

Who is eligible for this program?
You can purchase a computer through Computers for Soldiers® if you or a loved one is currently an active service member in any branch of the US Military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps).  The program is designed to help all military families stay in touch wherever they are currently deployed.  

Which military branches can take advantage of Computers For Soldiers™?
Computers For Soldiers® is open to any active service member in any branch of the US Armed Forces (for example, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines). 

Does our family have to be "low income" to qualify?
Computers For Soldiers® believes that even families not designated "low income" should be able to have a low cost option to keep in touch with their loved ones.  Therefore, Computers For Soldiers® does not discriminate by income level. 

How many computers can I buy?
We no longer limit the program to one computer per family.  If you need a computer for your soldier to take overseas and another for your family that is not a problem.  However, please do not abuse this program.  These offers are not intended for resale and may not be ordered for that purpose.  Please do not abuse this program or we will need to make the program more restrictive.


Computer Answers: (back to top)

Do these computers work well?
Yes.  All of these computers are off lease business class machines.  They have each been tested, wiped clean, reloaded with a fresh operating system and set up for you.  These machines are sold elsewhere for much more than we are charging soldiers and their families.  They are capable enough to connect to the internet, create email, download photos, do homework assignments and more.  They are not recommended as "gaming" computers.

Why do some specifications say "or better"?
The specifications on the computer systems are the minimums for that systems.  However, when we say "or better" it means that we can sometimes get better deals on computers with specifications that exceed those listed here.  Whenever we can get these deals we pass them directly to you.  There is no increased cost.  However, the specifications listed are those that are guaranteed in our systems. 

Do these computers have a warranty?
Yes - each computer comes with a 30 day warranty.  If there is a problem within 30 days please call us and we will completed a diagnostic over the phone to attempt to resolve the issue.  If it can not be resolved simply ship the computer back to us and it will be repaired or replaced.

When did the laptops start coming with Webcams?
Good News!  Starting on April 26th, 2010 we are offering webcams with the laptop orders.  Whenever we can find ways to save money we do, this time, it has resulted in being able to offer each laptop with its own new webcam!!!


Shipping Answers: (back to top)
 
How much is shipping?
1/1/2010 - Update: We are constantly looking for ways to reduce the price of our systems and are happy to say we are now able to lower our shipping prices on all systems! 
Shipping costs (including shipping and packaging materials) are an additional charge.  Shipping costs are for ground delivery ONLY for the contiguous US:
    * Laptop - $30 $29 
    * Desktop - $45 $39

Is there any way to reduce the shipping charges?
To reduce shipping costs for families in your area, you can arrange to purchase machines with one delivery address - we can then arrange shipping at much lower rates.  For instance, on November 27-28 2009, we were able to delivery 30 system to Oklahoma at a local VFW (See the event on Facebook).  Since the systems were purchased with cash / check and all were delivered to one location (individuals came by to pick them up) we were able to reduce the shipping cost to $0 - FREE! If you think you could have enough orders in your area, this may be an option for you, contact Philip Spry 602-404-4004 to arrange a bulk delivery.

Can you ship outside of the US?
We can ship to any military base throughout the world.  However, we can not ship computers to other locations outside of the US. 

Do you deliver to Guam and other US Territories?
Yes.  We do deliver to Guam, however, our Paypal system does not seem to have a drop down value for Guam.  To order your computer to be delivered to a US Territory not listed in the paypal system, just call us at 602-404-4004.

Can I pick up my computer in person?
Yes. If you live in Arizona or if you are visiting Arizona, you can visit one of our retail stores and purchase this computer system in person.  To find the closest store to your location, please check out our retail site: Arizona Computer Outlets. Please make sure to mention that you are purchasing a computer through the Computers For Soldiers program.  


Other Answers: (back to top)

 Do I have to pay any sales tax?
Sales tax will be added to any orders shipped to AZ residents.  However, since we have retail stores in AZ, you can eliminate the shipping costs by picking up your computer system in person. 

What if I need additional computer equipment?
If you need additional equipment, usb drives, printers or software, let us know and we will try to find a low cost solution for you. 

How do I buy Microsoft Office?
Microsoft Office offers a Military Appreciation Edition of Office 2007 that includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook at a discount of up to 80%.  For more information about this offer, check out the Microsoft Militry Appreciation Edition of Office page.  We do not sell this edition but it can be procured through the links found on that page.
Or, you can use this link if you have access to the AAFES site:
Microsoft® Office Standard 2007 Military Appreciation Edition Price...$79.95 From  https://shop.aafes.com/shop/Product.aspx?dept_id=7712&PFID=X663C&gid=704259a0&AskReturn=search

How do I get FREE AntiVirus Software through the Military?
Currently there are programs that allow people in the military to download AntiVirus programs for free.  While we do install antivirus on your computers, the ones distributed through the military are generally better as they receive more regular updates, etc.  To obtain this software for any of your computers, you can use the link:
(note this link will not work for non-military personnel).
Antivirus Software downloads available from your AKO on the Self Service tab - simply copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.acert.1stiocmd.army.mil/Antivirus/Home_Use.htm

Please NOTE: Before you change your AntiVirus software, make sure to remove your old application. Generally, when two or more AntiVirus programs are installed on one computer the computer will run very slowly as both programs "fight" each other.

For more information or to order your computer in person call 602-404-4004

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The Computers For Soldiers® program is offered through Arizona Computer Outlets® 
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