Introducing: Laptop Prebuild

Want to volunteer with Free Geek? Need a computer? Join the Free Geek Laptop Department for summer sessions of Laptop Prebuild, a new program designed to prepare volunteers to join the Laptop Build program. Earn points towards a free Desktop computer while gaining new skills.

Get an introduction to the ins and outs of laptop hardware, troubleshooting and repair. Topics include hardware identification, disassembly/assembly strategies, POST troubleshooting, and an introduction to Linux. Students will participate in four one-day sessions, although some may “test out” prior to completion of the four weeks..

Session 1: Wednesdays June 26th-July 17th, 2-5:30pm
Session 2: Thursdays July 11th-August 1st, 2-5:30pm

Volunteers must be 16 or older, or volunteering with an adult. An orientation tour is required, and a Free Geek Linux command line class is strongly recommended.

Email lynnae@freegeek.org with any questions. To pick up an application, swing by the Free Geek front desk, or email Lynnae.

Free Geek is proud to offer a wide range of free classes to the public. Our June class schedule is now available online and via a printable PDF.

En Free Geek todos/as son bienvenidos/as para compartir el conocimiento. Si usted esta interesado/a en ofrecer clases de computación a la comunidad latina por favor comuníquese con Omar Vargas al 503.232.9350 Ext 113.

Unless otherwise indicated, all classes require pre-registration. You can do so by stopping by or calling the Free Geek Volunteer Desk at 503-232-9350. Classes are free and open to the public; you do not need to be a volunteer to attend.

Descubra Xubuntu Linux

sábados 6/15, 6/29 10:30-12:00

¿Compró su computadora en nuestra tienda de artículos usados o se la ganó en algunos de nuestros programas? ¿Quiere aprender sobre Linux Xubuntu 12.04? No dude en traer su propia computadora portátil o usar una de las nuestras, en Free Geek le enseñaremos a usar el escritorio de Xubuntu; además, como agregar programas, cambiar el diseño visual y crear documentos compatibles con la suite de Microsoft Office.

Clase de Primeros pasos con su computadora de Free Geek

sábados 6/29 12:30-3:30

Estas clases ayudan a los voluntarios a configurar y usar sus equipos basados en Ubuntu. Estan invitados a inscribirse los beneficiarios del programa de becas y el público en general.

Computer Basics/Fundamentals

Tuesday 6/25 11:30-1:30

Has it been a long time since you used a computer, or are you just starting to use computers for the first time? This interactive class covers the basics of using a computer including the mouse and keyboard. Terms like “GUI”, “window” and “desktop” won’t be scary anymore!

Getting the Best Customer Service

Saturday 6/15 4:00-5:00

Ever had trouble getting phone or in-person customer service to handle your issue well? Learn the ins and outs of working with customer support to try to get the best possible outcome.

That’s right, our thrift store is now open for business 10-6pm six days a week, Monday through Saturday!

As a 501(c)3 non-profit, all purchases made in the Free Geek Thrift Store go directly to support our mission, removing the economic and educational barriers to computer and technology access. Not only are you helping us with our social mission, buying reused computer parts, electronics, and components helps reduce your impact on the environment and wallet. Stop by today to see what laptops, A/V systems, cell phones, MP3 players, RAM and other computer components we have available. Our stock changes daily, so you will never know what amazing hardware you can find!

Just in case you aren’t able make it into our store, even with the newly expanded hours, consider checking out the many computer and electronics items we have available on sale online.

Do you know a K-12 student who attends school in Portland and can use a free computer? Help us spread the word to parents, teachers and principals that Free Geek offers free computers to Portland K-12 students who complete 24 hours of volunteer service. Students can complete their volunteer service in any number of ways including in their communities, schools, churches or other community-oriented organizations.

Students should be able to provide supervisor contact information, so we can confirm the volunteer hours were completed successfully.  Before getting a free computer, monitor, speakers, mouse and keyboard they must also attend a “Getting Started” class so they will know how to setup and use their computer when they bring it home with them that day.

For more information, or to input your request for a free computer, please visit our Plug Into Portland information page.  If you know a teacher, principal or school director who might be interested in more information, please give them this flyer explaining the program.