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 http://freegeek.org/deadtrees/buildpacket.ps

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. Card and Motherboard Sorting: Read over the documentation, then learn to identify cards and motherboard parts. System Evaluation I and II: Read documentation, learn about systems, troubleshooting, and Free Geek's production procedures. Command Line Class: Learn to navigate a Linux computer in a non-graphical environment. Build Workshops: Learn to quality control, 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.

Making the Commitment We ask all who join the Build Program to commit to building and quality controlling 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 builderr needs to be exposed to about 6 computers. You can estimate an approximate 60 - 80 hour time commitment to complete this requirement.

Moving on to the Next 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

- Note on Free Geek's 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 to know and ask it of them.  please, _don't be afraid to ask questions!_  It's an integral part of the build process.

Specifications

- Define the different types of boxes.

Tools to Make Life Easier

- Google
- Email and mailing list
- Documentation
  - Card and mobo sorting
  - eval I and II (wiki)
  - command line (wiki)
  - build and build sheet?(wiki)

Stuff to always keep in mind: - Log hours and please call if you can't make it. - be safe - be nice - have fun