Free Geek

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Free Geek logo.
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Free Geek logo.

Free Geek is a collectively run non-profit organization started in Portland, Oregon in the year 2000. The largely volunteer-run organization specializes in recycling and reusing used computer equipment. The computers they build are given to other non-profit organizations or to participants in Free Geek's adoption program in which volunteers receive a free computer upon completion of 24 hours of service.

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[edit] Programs

The standard computer built at Free Geek is the FreekBox. Built from donated parts, they can be earned by any individual in exchange for 24 hours of volunteer work at the Community Technology Center (the Free Geek building in Portland). Alternatively, volunteers who agree to complete six computers can learn to build FreekBoxes. Build volunteers can keep the sixth computer they complete for personal use. Other common computers built are the StoreBox, which is sold at the Free Geek thrift store, and the GrantBox, which is granted to a Non-profit organization

Free Geek also runs a thrift store where the general public can purchase reconditioned equipment. Volunteers get a 50% discount.

[edit] The FreekBox/StoreBox/GrantBox

Free Geek's computers are built to be as similar as possible to each other. This is what goes into each type of computer (specifications expressed as ranges may fall anywhere within that range):

Free Geek Computer Specs
Component Storebox specs Freekbox specs Grantbox specs
Processor 600-766 Mhz 800-966 Mhz 1000-1466 Mhz
RAM 256 MB 256 MB 256 MB
Hard Drive 8.0-10.9 GB 11.0-19.0 GB 20.0-29.9 GB
CD-ROM drive 24X-52X 24X-52X DVD-ROM
Floppy drive 3.5 1.44 MB 3.5 1.44 MB 3.5 1.44 MB
Ethernet PCI 10/100 bt PCI 10/100 bt PCI 10/100 bt
Modem 56k internal modem 56k internal modem 56k external modem
Monitor (Not included) 17" CRT 17" CRT
Video Card AGP capable of 1024x768@16bpp AGP capable of 1024x768@16bpp AGP capable of 1024x768@16bpp
Speakers (not included) External External
Sound Card Onboard or PCI Onboard or PCI Onboard or PCI
Keyboard (not inlcuded) 104 key standard 104 key standard
Mouse (not included) 3 button scroll 3 button scroll


The other important characteristic of Free Geek's computers is the software. FreekBoxes/StoreBoxes/Grantboxes run Ubuntu GNU/Linux and other Free and Open Source Software.

When someone gets a FreekBox, they are entitled to a class where they may learn basic computer use. Free Geek also offers phone and drop-in technical support to people who have earned a computer and taken the class.

[edit] Other Free Geek locations

In addition to Portland, a number of other cities have started their own Free Geek organizations.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links