Free Geek
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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):
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.
- Olympia, WA - http://www.fgoly.org
- Chicago, IL - http://www.freegeekchicago.org
- Missoula, MT - http://www.freegeekmissoula.org
- Columbus, OH - http://freegeekcolumbus.org