Location(s)

The Joy of Command Line
Thurs. Sept. 4th 6:30-8pm @ Free Geek (back door)

The command line is an interface, or way of interacting with a computer, which is text-only (as opposed to a graphical user interface, or GUI).

When using the command line, you type commands at a prompt (a.k.a. cursor). 

This free workshop is a good idea for beginners interested in learning programming, computer building, or for those who like idea of learning some basic finesse with their digital friend.

This class is intended for beginners with a little previous exposure to command line,

Prerequisite - You must have one of the following:

1. You should have attended one "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Command Line" workshop 
2. OR, you already know how how to enter commands, and navigate the file system from the command line in Linux.

Space in our computer lab is limited, so pre-register for this class by emailing  

Other things to remember:

• You need a basic familiarity with using computers (nothing fancy)
• You can either be new to free and open source, or experienced with it
• If you have a laptop (running a free operating system), please bring it so we can accommodate more people in our computer lab. Let us know when you register that you can bring your own computer.

Location(s)

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Command Line,
Thurs. Sept. 4th 6:30-8pm @ Free Geek (back door)

The command line is an interface, or way of interacting with a computer, which is text-only (as opposed to a graphical user interface, or GUI).

When using the command line, you type commands at a prompt (a.k.a. cursor). 

This free workshop is a good idea for beginners interested in learning programming, computer building, or for those who like idea of learning some basic finesse with their digital friend.

Space in our computer lab is limited, so pre-register for this class by emailing  

• No command-line experience is required
• You need a basic familiarity with using computers (nothing fancy)
• You can either be new to free and open source, or experienced with it
• If you have a laptop (running a free operating system), please bring it so we can accommodate more people in our computer lab.

Location(s)

Location(s)

Curious? Or just starting out, and need a boost? Come and get a friendly introduction to Ubuntu, a free and open source operating system. You'll learn what you can do with it, what its advantages are, and why its name means 'humanity to others.'

This workshop is for folks who have not had any prior experience with Ubuntu Linux, or who are just starting out...or who just need a bit of extra attention.

***Space is limited, so please preregister by sending an email to:

      info AT freegeekvancouver D0T org

[More on Ubuntu] 

[Why Use Free Software?]

This workshop is presented by Free Geek and Ubuntu Vancouver.

Location(s)

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Command Line,
Thurs. July 31st 6:30-8pm @ Free Geek (back door)

The command line is an interface, or way of interacting with a computer, which is text-only (as opposed to a graphical user interface, or GUI).

When using the command line, you type commands at a prompt (a.k.a. cursor). 

This free workshop is a good idea for beginners interested in learning programming, computer building, or for those who like idea of learning some basic finesse with their digital friend.

• No command-line experience is required
• You need a basic familiarity with using computers (nothing fancy)
• You can either be new to free and open source, or experienced with it
• Space in our computer lab is limited, so pre-register for this class by emailing info -AT- freegeekvancouver -D0T-org
• If you have a laptop (running a free operating system), please bring it so we can accommodate more people in our computer lab.

Location(s)

Want to learn Python???

WHAT: Python Working Group presents "Practical Python at Free Geek"

Come learn Python by example, as you find out how Free Geek handles hard drive testing and issue tracking needs with this cool language. Gain transferable Python skills that will help you solve your own interesting problems. Meet people like you as you master Python's ins and outs.

NOTE: This workshop is for people who have some exposure to programming concepts, but limited exposure to Python. Please bring a laptop if you have one, so we can accomodate more people in our computer lab. Space is limited, so pre-register for this class by emailing justanotherpaul -AT- gmail -D0T- com

Free Geek is almost entirely volunteer-based; in fact, we have over 400 volunteers. You don't need computer experience; we'll teach you everything you need to know. If you have skills, that's great too!

HOW DO I START?

All volunteers are required to complete an orientation before they start volunteering. Orientations happen at Free Geek Wednesday and Saturday at 4pm and take about 30 min. Please arrive at our phone desk by 4:00 so we can start on time. You don't need to phone ahead for an orientation; just show up.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

Aside from the orientation, our volunteer hours are 1-6pm, Tues-Sat. You will be able to volunteer when it's convenient for you; just let us know so we can put you on the schedule. You don't have to volunteer the same day all the time, or a set number of hours per month. We're flexible, and just happy you want to help out.

HOW DO I GET A FREE COMPUTER?

If you need a computer, you can get into our Computer Adoption Program. Basically, after you accumulate 24 hours of time helping out at Free Geek, you get a free refurbished desktop computer (system, monitor, mouse, keyboard). We call this computer a GeekBox; it will be running Ubuntu Linux and come with all the programs you need to do most everything. We also give you a class on how to use it, as well as ongoing technical support. Just let us know at your orientation that you want to be enrolled in the Adoption Program.

Please note that you can't volunteer for parts. Adoption computers are standard desktop systems only; we are unable to customize them. If there are additional things you need (like a printer, or more RAM, etc) you will get a discount in the Computer Thrift Store. (Please note: laptops cannot be adopted as we don't get enough for everyone to have one.)

I WANT TO VOLUNTEER BUT I DON'T NEED A COMPUTER.

That's great! Just let us know at your orientation. We'll still keep track of your hours for our statistics.

WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO?

There are a wide variety of things we need help with. No computer experience is necessary. If you have computer skills we can certainly use your help as well.

Priorities change from day-to-day at Free Geek. But we need regular help testing, sorting, dismantling and refurbishing equipment, dealing with incoming gear, as well as some administrative work and organising. Believe it or not, many of these activities can be done by people new to computers, with a little support.

Most importantly, we need you to have fun while you're here! We have a wide variety of people at Free Geek, with different strengths, backgrounds and abilities. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding accessibility.

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS!

Location(s)

3rd Annual Youth Spot Employment Centre Youth Fair 

Free Geek will have a booth at this year's youth fair: 

Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House 

2131 Renfrew Street @ Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House

2:00-4:00pm

Youth Spot says:

In celebration of the Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House Youth Week, we would like to invite you to participate in our 3rd Annual Youth Fair! The fair introduces youth between the ages of 15-30 to a variety of resources in their community in one informative afternoon. The fair will feature various social and health providers, employment training programs and post secondary educational institutions. 

MORE INFO: 3rd Annual Youth Spot Employment Centre Youth Fair

Location(s)

Waste Not, Want Not

A New Exhibit about New, Old & Innovative ways of Recycling Materials

Free Geek is being featured as part of the Waste Not, Want Not exhibit at the Historic Stewart Farm in Surrey. We are making history!

This exhibit will focus on the conceptof thrift and the origins of the 5-R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,Reclaim, & Reuse. The theme will be based on historical examplesfrom early farmers from the 1900's leading up to the present day. Youwill learn 50 ways to convert garbage to treasures, traditional methodsof composting and how technologies have changed in objects through theuse of wood, coal, oil to electricity and mass production. Specificexamples will be displayed using household goods, furnishing, everydaytools, textiles, clothing, toys, computers and much more.

April 12 - June 15, 2008
Open Saturdays & Sundays
12 noon - 4:00 pm and by appointment by calling 604-592-6956
at the Stewart Hall building, Historic Stewart Farm
13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
www.heritage.surrey.ca

More info:

Use it up! Wear it out! Make it do! This is the focus of the Historic Stewart Farm’s inspirational new exhibit “Waste Not, Want Not”, on display from April 12-June 15. The exhibit explores the concept of thrift and the origins of the 5 Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Reclaim. Through 50 fascinating examples of facts, imagery, artifacts and handmade collectibles, visitors can learn about the history of waste from past civilizations, find out about the first community recycling programs in the 1890s, how farmers made do with the little they had, and lessons learned from the wars and consumerism into the 20th century .

Displays of household goods, furnishings, common tools, textiles, toys, art, computers and more help us discover how the waste we toss today compares to the waste that was thrown away by other civilizations. How long does it take an aluminum can to biodegrade? How do you get polar fleece from a plastic pop bottle? What fun can be had from inventing new things from old materials?

Discover different ways of converting garbage to treasure through the reuse of tin cans, scrap metal, old clothing, jars, paper, ceramics, and more. Find out about traditional and new methods of growing food, composting and how technologies have changed through the use of organic, synthetic and manufactured goods. Learn about the Top 10 most useful items for storage and items for kids. Explore the characteristics of materials such as wood, paper, bone, leather, plastic, tin and how technologies influenced mass production. Find out where you can take your old TV, computer, appliance, eyeglasses and pop cans.

On Saturday, April 19 from 12noon-4:00pm, the Where Does it Go? program will showcase various local recycling companies, including Free Geek, and provide answers to your questions about exactly where materials that we throw away finally end up (all ages, drop in, admission by donation). Ifny Lachance from Free Geek will be giving two informal talks during the afternoon about computer recycling.

On Saturday, May 10 from 1:00pm-2:30pm Blue Box Toys will give kids the opportunity to make amazing and unique toys from recyclable materials such as milk jugs and yogurt containers. Dr. Recycle will teach creative tricks to help kids learn how to reuse items that are often tossed out. Fee is $6/child (7-11 yrs). Please pre-register by calling 604-592-6956.

“Waste Not, Want Not” will be on display in Stewart Hall on Saturdays and Sundays from 12noon-4pm, or by appointment by calling 604-592-6956. The Historic Stewart Farm is located at 13723 Crescent Road in South Surrey. Suggested admission is $5/adult, $3.75 Students, $2/50/child & Youth, 5 & under free. For more information call 604-592-6956 or visit www.heritage.surrey.ca

Location(s)

This week's topic: Open (General Clinic): Join us for a night of skill-sharing, problem-solving and education.

All are welcome! Beginners ok & skilled volunteers welcome! Free or by donation. We address free & open source software/hardware issues only.

Please note: Entry via back door. Indoor bike parking. Unfortunately our new locationis not wheelchair accessible yet. Weappreciate your patience while we work to change this; call us with concerns: 604-879-4335.

Want to try free & open source software? Find out how to install Linux on your computer? Or have a more complex question...?These evenings are first come, first serve. Drop in & write yourname/question on the whiteboard; someone will come find you and lend ahand.

Linux Clinics are where we assist folks who have Linux issues, hardwareproblems, or who are just plain curious. If you want to see what Linux is all about, or try the Ubuntu operating system, you're welcome to drop by!

If you are already running a distribution of Linux, you might considerbringing your box down, so we can work together to solve yourdifficulties.

**CAN YOU HELP? We're always in need of extra helpers with skillsand patience! Particular areas in demand: Linux & wireless, Ubuntuinstalls, hardware issues. Feel free to drop by and let us know you'rehere to help.

Free and open source software offers community-oriented, nutritious and delicious alternatives. Join us for Windowsless Wednesdays & learn how to set your computer free!

Check back here for updates, or join our announcement mailing list to stay posted about upcoming events!