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.

JOB TITLE: Sales Staff Member (Part-time)

CLASS: Bargaining Unit

CATEGORY: Regular (after Probationary)

STATUS: 0.5 FTE, Hourly Wage, Non-Exempt

BENEFITS: Not Eligible

REPORTS TO: Retail Supervisor

This position’s main area of responsibility is the high-volume, high-energy environment of the Free Geek Thrift Store. This position assists customers, executes transactions and creates a safe, welcoming and well-stocked retail experience. This position is represented by a union, and application for union membership is mandatory upon hire.

Please see the full general job description at http://wiki.freegeek.org/images/6/6b/SalesStaff0313.pdf for more details.

For best consideration, please send a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to jobs@freegeek.org by *5:00 PM* on Wednesday, June 19.

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.

We have vintage Macintosh computers now in the store!  We’ll be carrying Macintosh Plus and Macintosh SE models. These machines have been refurbished by our vintage machine contractor, all of these systems has been tested.

They are $60 each, and all sales are final. There will be no returns or store credit.

We have a limited supply of these, so get in quick if you want a piece of amazing computer history!

Don’t forget, we also have a lot of other great vintage computers and accessories in the store, as well as on our eBay site!

Free Geek is proud to offer a wide range of free classes to the public. Our May class schedule is now available online and via a printable PDF. Many classes focus on the basics and more advanced skills involved with using computers and the Internet effectively and safely. We also offer courses in job search skills, creating digital art, beginning programming and so much more. Our volunteers currently teach over 25 free unique classes every month (algunas en español), so there’s likely something for you!

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.

Getting the Best Customer Service

Saturday 6/1 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.

Using LibreOffice Writer

Thursday 5/23 2:30-4:30

Students will focus on creating their own resume and cover letter to learn all the aspects of word processing programs like LibreOffice Writer (and Microsoft Word).

Using Git & Github with Linux

Wednesday 5/22 4:30-5:30

Git is the way many developers to keep track of collaboratively-developed (& often open source) software. Students will create a Github account, get a high level overview of the basic kinds of Git workflows, and learn how to use Git from the command-line to interact with Github. Command Line 1 experience required for signup.

Job Search 101

Saturday 5/11 4:00-5:30

Don’t know how to find job openings online or organize your job hunt? Learn important job searching etiquette, computer tools and how to follow up so you stand out from other applicants.

Use any Computer with Ease

Tuesday 5/7 10:30-1:30
Thursday 5/30 12:30-3:30

Does the fear that you might break something keep you from doing what you want with computers? Once you start to realize that many computer programs are based on the same basic design ideas, you can feel comfortable in front of any computer screen.

We’re expanding the Thrift Store for a day because we’re bursting at the seams with classic Macs, Texas Instruments, Atari and Intellivision games, Commodore 128s, and much much more!

First come, first serve, so mark your calendars and get here early.

All items are final sale (no store credit or returns).

Free Geek is proud to offer a wide range of free classes to the public. Our April class schedule is now available online and via a printable PDF. Many classes focus on the basics and more advanced skills involved with using computers and the Internet effectively and safely. We also offer courses in job search skills, creating digital art, beginning programming and so much more. Our volunteers currently teach over 25 free unique classes every month (algunas en español), so there’s likely something for you!

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.

Starting out in Online Sales

Saturday 4/27 4:00-5:30

Learn the basics of selling your items online through services like eBay, Amazon and Craigslist. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for an Online Sales internship at Free Geek to gain more experience with selling online.

Websites 101

Tuesday 4/9 3:00-5:00

Almost all websites are created using the same languages including HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Learn how to look behind the scenes at how websites are created and sent out online. Recommended before taking HTML or CSS courses.

HTML 1&2

HTML 1 Thursday 4/18 2:30-4:30

HTML 2 Friday 4/19 2:30-4:30

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the language used to create the content of webpages. Students will create basic webpages by hand. Please take HTML 1 before HTML 2.

CSS 1&2

CSS 1 Tuesday 4/23 2:30-4:30

CSS 2 Wednesday 4/24 2:30-4:30

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) describe how the content (HTML) of websites should look. Students will learn how to style basic webpages by hand. Please take CSS 1 before CSS 2.

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.

Contacts: Jill Walters, Executive Director, Portland YouthBuilders
jill.walters@pybpdx.org; 503-286-9350 ext 241

Darren Heiber, Director of Public Services, Free Geek
dheiber@freegeek.org; 503-232-9350 ext 111

Two Portland Non-Profits Set to Complete Major Computer Project

200 Refurbished Computers Being Donated to Portland Public Schools

Portland, Oregon – March 5, 2013 Free Geek and Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) announced today that they are near completion of a project to refurbish 200 desktop computers donated by the City of Portland that are being distributed to various Portland public schools.

Through the City of Portland, 200 computers are being donated to Free Geek, who will train volunteers to test the machines and prepare them for refurbishment by students enrolled in Portland YouthBuilders’ Youth Media Program. As a licensed Microsoft Windows refurbisher, PYB will install RAM and hard drives on the Dell Optiplex 960 systems. “Since 2008, the City has been sending its used computers to Free Geek for precisely this type of collaboration: getting quality machines into the hands of students and non-profit organizations,” said Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman who created the program.

To date, more than 140 computers have been refurbished and placed in schools across PPS including 35 at West Sylvan Middle School. “I had the joy of watching an entire class working with no technical difficulties, no frozen screens. Pure heaven for all,” said Susan Scanlon, West Sylvan library assistant and technology coordinator. “Portland Public Schools has over 85 schools, many with obsolete equipment in their computer labs,” added Tony Magliano, deputy chief operating officer for the school district. “This donation will inject new life into technology labs at nine schools. We are truly grateful to Free Geek and Portland YouthBuilders for this contribution to student learning.”

For Portland YouthBuilder students, all of whom are also AmeriCorps members, “the refurbishment effort represents PYB’s focus on vocational training and service to the community. We are delighted to be able to give our young people the opportunity to support Portland schools in a very tangible way,” said PYB’s Executive Director Jill Walters.

Darren Heiber, Free Geek’s Director of Public Services, said he is, “overjoyed to experience this collaboration with Portland YouthBuilders, impacting so many students in the Portland area. Not only do we provide greater access to environmentally-responsible refurbished technology in the PPS classrooms, students in the Portland YouthBuilders’ Youth Media program also get to strengthen their computer refurbishment skills.”

About Portland YouthBuilders
Based in the Lents Neighborhood of outer southeast Portland, PYB (www.pybpdx.org) supports 200 low income young men and women each year between 17 and 24 who have dropped out of high school but are committed to changing their lives. PYB offers a multi-year program of education, vocational training, leadership development, community service, and long term support. Students earn high school diplomas or GED while acquiring the skills, values, and experience necessary to become responsible community members and lead self-sufficient lives. As AmeriCorps Members, each PYB student completes 450 hours of community service and earns an Education Award of $1,468. PYB is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission as a diploma-granting high school, and is an approved pre-apprenticeship program by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. The program is funded 28% through a Federal award of $1.1 million from the U.S. Department of Labor – ETA for the YouthBuild Program Initiative. PYB is financed in part with funds provided through Worksystems, Inc. from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Portland Development Commission. Portland YouthBuilders is an equal opportunity employer and an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. TTY1-800-735-2900

About Free Geek
FREE GEEK (www.freegeek.org) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that recycles technology and provides access to computers, the Internet, education and job skills in exchange for community service. We accept donations from the public of most electronic equipment, ranging from computers and printers to stereos, tablets, smartphones, iPods and other mp3 players. Free Geek benefits from a dedicated group of 500 to 600 active volunteers each month. Our volunteers evaluate, test and disassemble various components, which are either ethically recycled to reclaim useful materials or incorporated into refurbished systems loaded with Free and Open Source Software. There are multiple ways volunteers can receive a free computer in exchange for their community service. Many opt for the 24 hour adoption program, others learn to refurbish computers through the build program, and K-12 Portland students are able to volunteer for 24 hours in their communities to earn a free computer via the Plug Into Portland program. We also offer a variety of free classes, open to the public, on a range of topics from building job skills and navigating the Internet, to the use of free and open source software and programming skills. Computer hardware that does not go to Free Geek’s volunteers is granted out to schools, nonprofits and other community change organizations through our Hardware Grants program or sold online and in our thrift store to members of the wider community.