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Education

Part of the mission of FreeGeek Columbus is to educate our community about computing technology, especially Free and Open Source software. We want to demystify computers for regular people, help people learn how to better use the computers they earn from FreeGeek Columbus, stay safe online, and have more fun!

Scheduled Courses

It is currently possible to sign up for the following courses:

  • Experience - You don't actually have to sign up for this one!  Just come to the shop during any of the open hours and ask lots of questions.  This requires some persistence and self-motivation, but it's a great way to learn about both hardware and software.  The shift leader (a.k.a "Shop Geek") and the other volunteers are always happy to help!
  • Adoption Course - This two-hour course is mandatory for all volunteers prior to earning their free computers. The goal of the course is to familiarize students with the capabilities and maintenance requirements of the Ubuntu systems built by FreeGeek so that the students can get the most out their computers once they take the computers home. The Adoption Course is currently held one-on-one with a FreeGeek instructor. This allows us to tailor the instruction to the individual needs of the student, however the student should learn the following skills, at minimum
    • Physical set-up of the computer
    • Navigating the Desktop environment
    • Pre-installed applications and their uses
    • Basic system customization
    • Basic file manipulation
    • User management
    • System updates and software management
    • Getting help

    The Adoption Course is scheduled on an as-needed basis. Please contact us if you have completed your volunteer requirements and would like to schedule a class.  It is also acceptable to request the class before completing your other requirements if you have volunteered at the shop at least once and you'd like to learn some skills to help you be more productive during your remaining hours.

Other Courses

The following courses are not currently scheduled, but they have been taught by FreeGeek Columbus in the past and may be scheduled in the future as demand dictates. Keep your eye on this page for announcements regarding upcoming classes.

  • Computers From the Outside In - In this class, we'll dissect a computer and rebuild it, learning about all of the parts along the way.
  • Ubuntu Basics - Learn how to install Ubuntu (a powerful, but easy to use alternative to Microsoft Windows), navigate the desktop, install loads of great free software, and do simple system maintenance.
  • Introduction to OpenOffice - an introduction to a free, but highly capable alternative to Microsoft Office.  Includes basic instruction about word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • Internet Basics - learn how to navigate the Web, use search engines, use Web-based email, use Instant Messenger, and more
  • Fun and Games - learn how to use Free Software to play games, listen to music, view and organize your digital photos, watch videos, and more.
  • You Can Take It With You! - learn how to install a variety of Free Software applications on your USB Flash drive (a.k.a. pen drive, thumb drive, memory stick) so that you can use all of your favorite software on public computers that don't have them installed.