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 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. 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.

Specifications

Type of Computer and How It's Used	Specifications
FreekBox This is the type of computer given to those in our Adoption Program. Builders also receivea FreekBox if they decide to take their 6th computer home with them.	FreekBox Specs Processor Intel Core 2 Duo RAM 1 GB Hard drive 120-160 GB Optical DVD-RW Networking Ethernet 10/100 PCI Video card Onboard, or 128MB PCIe if necessary Sound Onboard, or PCI if necessary
GrantBox GrantBoxen are given to local community organizations through our Hardware Grants Program.	FG-PDX Specs Processor: 1500 - 1966 2200MHz and above RAM: 512 MB Storage Hard drive: 80 GB CD-RW or DVD player Floppy: 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy Networking Ethernet: Onboard or PCI 10/100 Bt
StoreBox We sell these computers in our Thrift Store.	(NOTE: keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor not included.) Regular Specs Processor Intel: Pentium 4, Pentium D, Celeron AMD: Athlon 64, Sempron RAM 1GB DDR or DDR2 Hard drive Any IDE, or up to 80GB SATA Optical Any Networking Ethernet 10/100 PCI Video card Onboard, or 128MB AGP if necessary Sound Onboard, or PCI if necessary

Tools to Make Life Easier

Documentation

There's lots of information on all of our programs and procedures on our 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: http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Card_Sorting
  • Motherboard Sorting: http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Motherboard_Sorting
  • System Evaluation I and II, start here: http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/System_Evaluation

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

Email List

We ask that all builders sign up on our Build Email List. The list 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 http://lists.freegeek.org/listinfo/build 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!

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