FreeGeek Columbus

I’ve been here a handful of times since learning of the place in ’07 or ’08. I initially stopped in to see if they had any wireless NIC cards, and to donate some old pc parts. They didn’t have the NIC, so I ended up buying online, but still, I was impressed with the operation.
I came back some time later when my computer suffered an irrecoverable blue screen of death. I was trying desperately to get personal information and documents (mostly school papers, resumes, etc., but also pictures and music) off the computer and was hoping they might be able to assist where I was failing.
Specifically, I wanted help installing linux on a partition I had created, and was hoping I could access my documents as data files from the windows partition through linux. FreeGeek was very helpful when it came to guiding me through ubuntu. Ultimately, I was able to recover some but not all of my files. That drive is still floating around somewhere, although I eventually upgraded to a much better desktop.
While we were waiting on the install for that system, I helped dismantle a few pcs for them, and sorted parts into their appropriate bins. Unlike my volunteer time with Third Hand, I actually know a good deal about computers, so this was easy for me.
Aside from the above, they have a program where you can earn a computer through volunteering. These will never be the fastest machines on the market, but they are basically setting people up with machines that they can use for the internet, home business, school and office work, etc. The stuff most people need from a computer. Great non-​profit, great people.
They are located in the basement of a church just east of High on campus. They keep sort of odd hours so make sure to check before heading over.

I doubt you’ll find another group like FreeGeek in the Columbus area.
I’m a computer guy by trade, and a geek for fun. I often have the latest and greatest consumer electronics and computer parts, but hate to see my hand-​me-​downs go to waste in a landfill. I was shocked to learn that a lot of people simply throw away their relatively modern computers in the trash — sometimes only with a bad operating system, hard drive or monitor.
I also love helping people learn computers, because frankly, the more the general public knows, the fewer rote questions I have to answer on a daily basis — which leaves more time for fun and creative work.
FreeGeek Columbus is a 501©(3) charitable organization that has a pretty clear set of goals, with the flexibility to accomplish them.
First off, they accept tax-​deductible donations of computer parts and whole systems. They also accept volunteers to help sort things out, and keep things moving along. FreeGeek uses the donations of computer hardware and the investment of volunteers’ time as resources to complete the larger mission — the bigger picture. There’s a lot of work involved in taking in computers and parts, checking them out and repairing things that might be damaged. The nice thing about FreeGeek is that you generally have a roomful of computer people to help you out when you run into troubles, so you have an environment of constant learning about, and a growing feeling of familiarization with, the hardware and the software that everyone else uses. It’s very empowering, especially over the course of weeks and months. Speaking of empowerment, although FreeGeek would love to have all volunteers work all the time, they are flexible enough — and have the computer systems to track — each hour that you work, and every piece of equipment donated. If you only want to work an hour or two, that’s fine. Work more, and you get more credit toward whatever goal you may have. Flexibility is appreciated, and it can sometimes help someone with an odd schedule, make time for this important public service.
Secondly, once they’ve fixed up the computers and loaded them up with a free operating system (Ubuntu Linux) and office utilities, these systems are donated to non-​profit organizations and individuals who need them. How cool is that? If a person can’t afford a computer, they can volunteer to work a certain number of hours, take a training class and an adoption class, and walk away with improved computer skills and a computer that they most likely built themselves — from parts. Nice! You do have to work a certain number of hours — that’s part of the deal — and there are classes you have to take during that period, but it’s pretty informal, and the core group of people who work there to facilitate are great. They really love what they’re doing, and believe in the core purposes of the business.
Responsible recycling is the third goal of FreeGeek, and they do this admirably. Sorting computer pieces and parts into bins, they make sure that whatever can be recycled, is, and whatever items are not recyclable, are disposed of properly. Not many individuals or companies do this, and it’s certainly better for the environment. Do you know how many toxic chemicals are in your average computer and/​or computer monitor? Mercury and lead are common, many have nickel-​cadmium batteries, and some even have arsenic. Re-​purposing computers is a great idea, but recycling those which have passed their prime is even more important.
Last but certainly not least, FreeGeek Columbus spends a lot of time educating people to use and maintain free, open-​source software such as the Ubuntu Linux operating system and utilities like Open Office. When you can’t afford a computer, why pay Microsoft or Apple money for the basics, when you can use the power of open-​source for free?
FreeGeek Columbus believes in the teach a man to fish philosophy, and uses this wherever possible. If you need a computer, it’s best to think about FreeGeek as a free training center, where you will learn how to build your own computer, and also help others as well, rather than a place for a hand-​out. The skills you will learn during the ingest, testing and rebuilding processes will have the potential to help you immeasurably in the future. It’s also something cool and computer-​related you can put on your resume and talk about in interviews. Score!
On a final note, as FreeGeek Columbus is an IRS registered non-​profit organization (501c3), they do accept donations not just of time and computer hardware, but also of a monetary nature. Although not as much fun as volunteering time, you can make tax-​deductible cash donations as well, which helps out with the costs of maintaining any business — rent, utilities and the like.
For anyone who would like to learn more about computers, and who maybe feels like they simply haven’t been offered the opportunity, FreeGeek can be a great place to start!