Are you in need of a computer? Are you willing to put in a few hours in Chicago and get a free computer in return? (or willing to help others to recycle and save computers from landfills?FreeGeek Chicago is a not-for-profit community organization that recycles used free computers and parts to provide functional computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those who want them. FreeGeek Chicago does most of this work with volunteers, who disassemble the donated free computer equipment and test the components, which are either recycled as electronic scrap or reused in refurbished systems, called FreekBoxes that volunteers can get for free for working there.
To find out more, please call them at (773) 451 – 7130.
In exchange for 24 hours of your time, volunteers can earn a free refurbished computer, called a freekbox!
Volunteers in our Earn-A-Computer program spend their time:
- Learning about the environmental impact of e-waste
- Tearing computers apart and learning about their components
- Testing individual computer parts, cards, and peripherals
- Building computers from good components
- Learning about and installing the GNU/Linux operating system
- Having a really good time
The Earn-A-Computer program provides an excellent opportunity to get tons of hands-on experience with a wide variety of computer hardware and to learn firsthand the challenges and satisfaction of building a working system. To join the program, simply visit FreeGeek during any OpenBuild hours posted on the Website calendar. New volunteers are encouraged in the Earn-A-Computer program to try to show up as close to opening as possible.
These free computers built by staff and volunteers at FreeGeek Chicago, are free refurbished computers that can be earned by volunteering. Or, if you aren’t keen on volunteering, you can buy one for $40. All free computers are installed with Xubuntu Linux, a lightweight and beautiful version of Ubuntu Linux, and a suite of free software tools that includes the Firefox web browser, GAIM instant messaging, and the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP). FreekBoxes hardware does vary, and any given FreekBox may have slightly better hardware as available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additional peripherals and upgrades, such as scanners, printers, and speakers are available for purchase as available.
FreekBoxes may be returned within 30 days of earning or purchase in the event of hardware failure, and exchanged or fixed for free within 1 year. Software and other support is available on an ad-hoc basis through the FreeGeek Chicago talk email list and during public hours at the FreeGeek Chicago warehouse.
FreeGeek Chicago was founded in August 2005 as a collaboration of NPOTechs and Logan Square CTC to recycle computer technology and provide low- and no-cost computing to economically disadvantaged individuals and not-for-profit and social change organizations. FreeGeek Chicago is a democratically run organization that uses consensus for decision-making. Our policy decisions are made by a group of volunteers and staff called the council, and those policies are executed by our staff collective. Public meetings are posted on the calendar and discussed on the FreeGeek Talk mailing list.
They are proud to be an affiliate of FreeGeek Portland, the founding FreeGeek.
Hours
Friday: 10am – 3pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Please check our calendar or call them at 773-451-7130 for up-to-date information.
LOCATION
3411 W. Diversey
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 451 – 7130
During open hours, you may enter through the main alley-side entrance or holler down if you need elevator access.
refurbished computers might be based from an old technology but you can buy them in bargain prices :
actually, it is not a good idea to buy refurbished computers coz the price of brand new computers is so low **-
I’m a disabled senior citizen I lived in Chicago for 60 years now I live in Richton Park, IL if you have something I can do at home to earn a free computer let me know. Thankyou.
I’m a disabled senior citizen I lived in Chicago for 60 years now I live in Richton Park, IL if you have something I can do at home to earn a free computer let me know. Thankyou. When I worked I used the computer everyday all day long and I miss not having a computer of my own.