Build Form Response

This is the form response emailed out to prospective builders from the Volunteer@ email list.

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Thanks for your interest in Free Geek's Build Program. For even more detailed info than what we've listed below, you can check out our wiki page on the subject at http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Build.

Anyone who wants to volunteer time at FREE GEEK and can make it to our facility is welcome. Those younger than 16 years old must volunteer with a supervising adult. No computer experience is required. Our facility is mostly handicapped-accessible, and we are sensitive to and can work with people with different abilities.

HOURS: We are open from 11am to 7pm, Tuesday through Saturday. We are closed on Sunday and Monday. Tours are offered at noon and six pm every day we're open. You do not need an appointment for a tour.

TOURS: If you're interested in building 6 computers for us (and taking home the 6th one you build, if you like), your first step is to come down for a tour to check out our facilities and culture. Your tour guide can then get you into our system and sign you up for your first volunteer shift. We are located at 1731 SE 10th Avenue in Portland, and we offer tours at noon and 6pm, Tuesday through Saturday. You do not need to make an appointment to take a tour, just come on down.

You will learn a wealth of information about computers in our Build Program, which we break down into several sequential steps:

1) Card and Motherboard Sorting--builders learn to identify a myriad of legacy and modern component cards and motherboards (those with extensive hardware knowledge may test out of this step).

2) System Evaluation--determine which donated computer systems are up to Free Geek's specifications by examining motherboards and determining processor speed. Learn lots about hardware and basic troubleshooting in the meantime!

3) Linux Command Line Class--this class is offered every Tuesday from 4pm until 5pm, and Saturdays from 11am until noon. It teaches our builders some basics about how to navigate a computer using only the keyboard (not the mouse). Those with Linux command line experience may test out of this step.

4) Assemble Hardware, Load Linux Software, and Quality Control--this happens in build workshops, where Build Instructors can get you going and answer your questions. We offer build workshops nine times a week, so it shouldn't be hard to find one that fits into your time schedule. Contrary to common belief, you won't consistently produce systems during this portion of the program without any hitches. The issues you'll encounter during this step will teach you lots about troubleshooting.

4b) Advanced Testing--learn to test motherboards, modems, network cards, CD-RW drives, hard drives, Zip drives, and more! This is an optional, but very appreciated, step.

We don't require any prior knowledge of those entering the program, just the dedication to build 6 computers (which, in turn, are given away to volunteers), and a desire to learn.

If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to write!

FREE GEEK Community Technology Center
1731 SE 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 232-9350
11a-7p Tu - Sa
http://www.freegeek.org