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Free Geek!Free Geek is a sustainable non-profit devoted to recycling old technologies that are no longer in use. As an organization Free Geek takes in technologies from all over Oregon and relies on volunteers to help with the recycling process. In exchange the volunteers are given access to cheap or free computers, and education about these computers. Volunteers at Free Geek can expect to learn about how a computer is constructed and differences between its software and hardware components.
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Why is Free Geek Important? |
Free Geek offers a rare bastion for the geeks of the world. Especially the broke geeks. Access to the community of Free Geek is an important foothold for the underprivileged. It provides a place to acquire the basic skills and components required for embedding in the digital age. To add to all this, Free Geek utilizes open source software that promotes sustainable economic models, and freedom of user exploration.
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How does free geek serve the community |
Free Geeks recycling activity helps to mitigate the environmental consequences of the progress based computer industry. As the City's computer infrastructure is upgraded to keep up with progressive functionality requirements, Free Geek is there to extract the maximum value from retired tech and responsibly dispose of what can't be used.
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My Role At Free Geek
In my time at Free Geek I was working to secure donator's data. This meant taking apart donated devices and securing their data bearing components. Sometimes this process mean physically destroying the hardware, other times this was accomplished by rewriting the disc.
In addition to serving the community at Free Geek, I've been able to advance my own goal of attaining a greater understanding of computer science, and tinkering. |
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ReFLECTIONS
In my time at Free Geek I was able to further my interest in modern technologies. While acting as an intern I found that the Free Geek community acted as a home of sorts, fostering my curiosity and imagination. Community Spaces like Free Geek provide important cultural spaces for individuals to focus their interests through homophily. My contribution to Free Geek was largely just as a laborer and as such I proposed no institutional change, but, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to bring the Capstone class in as volunteers for a field trip of sorts. During this time Free Geek was able to fine tune their volunteer program, and widen their cultural footprint. Hopefully this internship will help to foster a deeper relationship between Free Geek and PSU.
For my part the experience has left me with new friends and allies in my exploration into the exciting world of emerging technologies. I plan to stay awhile at Free Geek, and I am thankful for the opportunity.
For my part the experience has left me with new friends and allies in my exploration into the exciting world of emerging technologies. I plan to stay awhile at Free Geek, and I am thankful for the opportunity.
