View source for Build Packet

Welcome to the Build Program at Free Geek!  There's lots to know about how Free Geek and the Build Program runs.  This packet tells you some of the most important information to know when you first volunteer.  Please read and keep this packet for reference.  You may also find it online at <u>http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Build_Packet</u>

{|cellspacing="1px" style="background-color:#f8fcff"

|rowspan="2" width="60%" style="border: 1px solid #6688AA; background-color:#FFFFFF; padding:5px;" valign="top" |
__NOTOC__
==Steps of the Build Program==
The build program is set up as a series of tasks.  You'll learn about hardware and software as well as help out Free Geek every step of the way.

''Note: Card sorting, motherboard sorting, and command line class can be tested out of.  If you feel confident of your hardware identification and/or command line knowledge, ask your tour guide to give you the test.''

# '''[[Prebuild | Card and Motherboard Sorting]]''': Read over the documentation, then learn to identify cards and motherboard parts.
# '''[[Prebuild | System Evaluation I and II]]''': Read documentation, learn about systems, troubleshooting, and Free Geek's production procedures.
# '''[[Basic Linux Command Line for Builders | Command Line Class]]''': Learn to navigate a Linux computer in a non-graphical environment.
# '''[[Build Workshop | Build Workshops]]''': First, learn to quality control, then build and install Linux onto computers.  We ask that you build and quality control at least 5 computers.  You may bring the 6th computer you build home with you.

;'''Next Steps'''
: Have you built 5 computers, perhaps more, and you'd like to move on to something different?  Consider becoming a ''Build Assistant or Instructor'', working in ''Server build'', ''Laptop build'', ''Advanced testing'', or taking on ''Special projects''.  Please ask your build instructor for more information.

|align="left" style="border: 1px solid #6688AA; background-color:#FFFFFF; padding:5px;" valign="top" |
===Making the Commitment===
We ask all who join the Build Program to commit to building at least 5 computers for us (and taking home the 6th, if they'd like).  It takes a lot of time and energy to show even the most experienced bulders how to build at Free Geek.  Also, in order to learn the job well, a builder needs to be exposed to about 6 computers.  You can estimate an approximate '''60 - 80 hour time commitment''' over at least 8 weeks to complete this requirement.

|-
|-
|align="left" style="border: 1px solid #6688AA; background-color:#FFFFFF;padding:5px;" valign="top" |
===Moving on to the Next Prebuild Step===
If you feel like you could accurately teach your prebuild (card and motherboard sorting or eval I or II) task to a new volunteer, ask your instructor to test you.

|}


==Other Build Program-Specific Information==

===Free Geek Culture===
It can seem confusing here sometimes.  We'll teach you what you need to know, but in a different style than you may be used to: we work in more of a workshop style.  So, when you have a question, the best thing to do is to go up to someone who seems like they might know the answer to your question and ask them.  This might be the volunteer standing next to you.  Please, ''don't be afraid to ask questions!''  It's an integral part of the build process, and people around here tend to understand your plight (they've been there, too!) and work hard to help.

(more on next page...)



{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"
!Type of Computer and How It's Used
!Specifications

|-
|'''FreekBox'''
<br>
This is the type of computer given to those in our<br>
Adoption Program.  Builders also receivea FreekBox<br>
if they decide to take their 6th computer home with them.
|{{FreekBox Specs}}
|-
|'''GrantBox'''
<br>
GrantBoxen are given to local community<br>
organizations through our [[Hardware Grants | Hardware Grants Program]].
|{{GrantBox Specs}} 
|-
|'''StoreBox'''
<br>
We sell these computers in our Thrift Store.
|{{StoreBox Specs}}

|}

===Tools to Make Life Easier===
====Documentation====
There's lots of information on all of our programs and procedures on our [http://wiki.freegeek.org wiki], and Build Program information is no exception.  Review the following documents before starting a new task to get a head start, and whenever you need a refresher.

* '''Prebuild Documents'''
** Card Sorting: <u>http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Card_Sorting</u>
** Motherboard Sorting: <u>http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Motherboard_Sorting</u>
** System Evaluation I and II, start here: <u>http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/System_Evaluation</u>

* '''Build Workshop Documents'''
** A nice overview: <u>http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Build</u>
** Building your first computer: <u>http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Build_sheet</u>
** Community-gathered tips on building: <u>http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Build_tips</u>

====Email List====
We ask that all builders sign up on our Build Email List.  The list usually receives between 5 and 10 emails a month, and it's where instructors can alert you to software changes and tips.  It's also a place where you can ask questions of other builders.

Go to <u>http://lists.freegeek.org/listinfo/build</u> to sign yourself up for the list.

====Google====
Wondering what all those beeps mean when you startup that problem machine?  Can't, for the life of you, figure out the speed of the processor?  Google (or the search engine of your choice) is a resource for all computer builders on tough issues.  Try Google Groups for a twist, and you might need to include the word "Debian" in your search if you're trying to solve a software mystery.

There are terminals in the build workshop as well as in system evaluation for just this purpose.  Feel free to use them!

==General Information==
===Recording Hours and Parking Your Car===
At the end of each of your volunteer shifts, you'll need to log your hours (in the build workshop or at the front desk) and sign up for your next shift (at the front desk).  Since the schedule for Build is often pretty packed, please keep the following in mind:
* You may only sign up for 2 shifts in advance of your current shift.
* Call if you can't make it!  At least 24 hours ahead of time if at all possible.  Others will surely fill your spot.
As an additional thank-you for your service, after you've volunteered for 4 hours, you'll receive a 50% discount in our Thrift Store!

If you have a car, there are plenty of places for you to park it around Free Geek.  However, we ask that you '''don't park''' in front of Free Geek, in front of the building across 10th from Free Geek, and in the spaces marked ''Reserved'' in our parking lot.  These are not our parking spaces and your car might be towed!







===Health and Safety, Rah Rah Rah!===
{{:Health_and_Safety}}

===Parting Information===
{{:Parting_Information}}

[[Category:Build]]