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Adoption

Computer Adoption is the process by which people can receive a computer in return for volunteering with a Freegeek Columbus program.

How Do I Participate?

  1. Come to our office during our Operating Hours.
  2. Tell us that you want to participate and fill out the Registration form.
  3. Choose an activity. (Note that you must obtain permission to start with an activity other than Recycling)
  4. Have fun making the world a nicer place through your volunteer efforts!
  5. Before you know it, you'll have enough hours to earn a computer. Tell your supervisor that you would like a computer and he or she will verify your volunteer activity. We hope that you've had such a good time that you'll stick around and become part of the Freegeek Columbus community!
  6. Participate in the Adoption Training class to learn how to use your new computer.

Who Can Participate?

Anybody!

Even (insert name here)?

Yep, anybody at all can participate. The only requirement is that you have to abide by the terms of our Volunteer Agreement, which basically just asks you to promise to be nice to people and generally be a decent human.

How Much Does It Cost To Participate?

Other than your volunteer time, participation in the Adoption program is completely free.

How Much Volunteer Time Is Required To Earn A Computer?

Typically a computer can be earned in as little as 24 hours.

What Kind Of Computer Will I Receive?

We like to call our adopted computers "FreekBoxes". A FreekBox is a normal desktop computer. These machines are donated to Freegeek Columbus when their previous owners no longer need them. As a result, they are not state-of-the-art, but they are more than capable of typical daily tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and email. See the FreekBox page for more details.

What Software Will Be Loaded On The Computer?

All of the computers that are distributed by Freegeek Columbus are preloaded with the Ubuntu distribution of GNU/Linux. Ubuntu is a Free Software operating system, and performs all of the same functions of proprietary systems like Microsoft Windows. The computers also come preloaded with hundreds of software packages, including:

* OpenOffice (office productivity suite)
* Mozilla Firefox (web browser)
* Evolution (email and productivity)
* The GIMP (image manipulation)
* Totem (media player)
* and more!

Thousands of other software applications are available at no cost over the Internet. Of course, if this tremendous range of software still doesn't satisfy your needs, you are welcome to erase the software on your own and install other software that will.