How's this for an idea?

[plb]

I live in NYC and tend to do a lot of walking and come garbage day (as I call it) I always see old computers thrown out. These computers could surely be put to good use for those who less fortunate and are unable to afford a computer. Even if there is something wrong with them it's not to hard to find another junked out computer on the street to be used for parts. I got somewhat interested and posted to craigslist to see if anyone had any old computers just lying around they didn't want and were willing to give away. Sure enough, I got a ton of emails. I really think this could be used as another opportunity to deploy Ubuntu and get its name out there. Refurbish old computers with Ubuntu on them for those less fortunate. What do you guys think? This doesn't even have to be something that just I myself do, it could be a sort of global initiative for Ubuntu users worldwide who were willing to help the less fortunate.

[aysiu]

They're doing something like this right now in Portland, OR. It's called FreeGeek:
http://www.freegeek.org/

You may want to contact them about setting up a branch in NYC with you as the pioneer/contact.

[stalker145]

This sounds like a great idea that I would love to support in my spare time.

aysiu - too bad FreeGeek doesn't have a chapter here in Eastern NC... yet :)

[plb]

They're doing something like this right now in Portland, OR. It's called FreeGeek:
http://www.freegeek.org/

You may want to contact them about setting up a branch in NYC with you as the pioneer/contact.

Hrm it seems they sell their stuff though at a discount? I meant 100% free.

[aysiu]

Hrm it seems they sell their stuff though at a discount? I meant 100% free.
Well, you could implement it however you want, but it'd probably be a good idea to talk to FreeGeek just to see what problems they faced, what tips they may have, etc.

[Swab]

This is a wonderful idea, I've been having similar thoughts myself.

As well as free computers for individuals, we could also look into setting up computer labs for the wider community. Obviously suitable venues would need to be found.

So yes, count me in.

[plb]

I wonder how many people would actually be interested in something like this? If we get quite a few we could setup a website so people who wish to donate stuff could easily find someone who will take it in their local area.

[aysiu]

I'd love to see something like this:

A worldwide network where people who want to donate unwanted computers can donate them, people who know how to install and configure Ubuntu can do so on those unwanted computers, and new users can pick up a free Ubuntu computer.

What I like about FreeGeek, though, is that they require any computer adoptees to put in 24 hours of service to the center to help sustain the operation and to educate new users about the process.

[Swab]

Right, and if a company donates some old PCs they get their logo on our website as a sponsor.

[plb]

And a slogan would be easy to come up......."Our computers are so cheap, we are just giving them away" would suffice :D

[aysiu]

plb, you may want to check out this thread (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=410977).

That's 44 out of 44 users willing to install and configure Ubuntu for free.

Seems like an untapped resource.

[plb]

plb, you may want to check out this thread (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=410977).

That's 44 out of 44 users willing to install and configure Ubuntu for free.

Seems like an untapped resource.

Yep, I've seen that one. So we have people who are willing to install for free but now we need some more willing to build for free as well :D

[Swab]

So how to be judge who is deserving of our computers? Do we work with charities, or just take it on trust?

[aysiu]

So how to be judge who is deserving of our computers? Do we work with charities, or just take it on trust?
In my opinion, that becomes an issue only if the demand outweighs the supply, in which case you wouldn't outright deny anyone a Ubuntu computer... just put people on a waitlist... prioritize non-profits and schools, I'd think. Individual home users would get pushed to the bottom of the list.

Are we talking about a New York City effort... or a global online network of old computers donated to Ubuntu users who can then get Ubuntu ready for people who want those computers?

[plb]

In my opinion, that becomes an issue only if the demand outweighs the supply, in which case you wouldn't outright deny anyone a Ubuntu computer... just put people on a waitlist... prioritize non-profits and schools, I'd think. Individual home users would get pushed to the bottom of the list.

Are we talking about a New York City effort... or a global online network of old computers donated to Ubuntu users who can then get Ubuntu ready for people who want those computers?

I'd prefer global online network. Why limit it to just NYC, there are many who need help out their all over the world.

[Swab]

In my opinion, that becomes an issue only if the demand outweighs the supply, in which case you wouldn't outright deny anyone a Ubuntu computer... just put people on a waitlist... prioritize non-profits and schools, I'd think. Individual home users would get pushed to the bottom of the list.


My only issue with giving them away first come first serve is that it may become more difficult to get donations from businesses if they don't see that they will be benefiting someone who clearly needs help.

On the other hand, I believe the EU is implementing new laws regarding disposal of computer equipment. Should make the idea of offloading onto someone else more appealing.

[PartisanEntity]

Great idea, I have been thinking about starting some kind of project based on Linux and aimed at helping out the poor and needy for some time now, however I a have very little experience with project management and so I was reluctant for a long time, but this really sounds simple and manageable.

I would love to start something like this here in Austria.

[aysiu]

A few more things to consider:

1. Does a global network like this already exist? If so, do we want to improve that effort or start a new one? My feeling is that if one does already exist, it's probably about Linux and general and not Ubuntu specifically. Just a thought.

2. If we set up such a global network, what would be the maintenance costs? Storage, shipping, receiving? Server? Domain name? There'd be some stuff that could be simply volunteer, but other parts of the operation would definitely incur actual (monetary) costs.

3. How would we cover those costs? Simply through donation? Would there be a suggested mailing cost/donation?

4. Might Canonical want to be contacted about such an effort, either to promote it or to assist it in some way?

[Swab]

A few more things to consider:
1. Does a global network like this already exist? If so, do we want to improve that effort or start a new one? My feeling is that if one does already exist, it's probably about Linux and general and not Ubuntu specifically. Just a thought.


Not aware of anything like this, other than organisations such as Computer For Africa (www.computers4africa.org/) who apparently do use Linux on some projects.

[Quillz]

This is certainly a noble idea, but technology moves so fast that really, what benefit would anyone get out of a computer so old that it simply can't use any modern software or hardware? It's one thing to donate a computer that's only a few years old, but giving someone a 10 or 20 year old computer is something else.

[aysiu]

This is certainly a noble idea, but technology moves so fast that really, what benefit would anyone get out of a computer so old that it simply can't use any modern software or hardware? It's one thing to donate a computer that's only a few years old, but giving someone a 10 or 20 year old computer is something else.
But even five-year-old or eight-year-old computers could run quite speedily with a modified Ubuntu (IceWM or Fluxbox), and those get throw out all the time by businesses and home users.

We're not talking about computers that used to run DOS or Windows 3.1. We're talking about computers that used to run Windows 98, ME, or XP.

[Swab]

Any ideas for a project name? I'm thinking something generic in case we decide to ship machines with other distros.

[jdhore]

i think this is a great idea especially here in NYC...and i'd be glad to help it along...i find pretty much working computers on the street all the time plus i currently have about 30 500mhz-2ghz boxes in my basement at the moment and i give them to people less fortunate whom i know when they need them.

[daynah]

I'd like to do something like this in the metro atlanta area also.

This could also not be limited to giving to individuals, remember. Donating these to, say, a homeless shelter will give the people there a place to look for job openings that are online.

You can get sponsorships from companies that are looking to advertise in a similar field (other larger charitable organizations, job agencies).

How would the computers get to the people though? FreeGeek has a large warehouse. One would say, "start a website" but the problem is, they can't see a website. You don't want your house becoming a business, and people who live in surburbia aren't in a great location for their house to help anyway.

Possibly refurbish the computers one place and then ask around at other charitable locations (soup kitchens, churches?) to see if a night every month to bring the computers.

Just throwing out problems and trying to start a path for solutions, pick it apart. :)

[aysiu]

The volunteers are available. The old computers available. And the need for old computers with a new, working, and free operating system is available.

It's the logistics that need to be hashed out.

We don't want people dealing computers out of their homes--you're right. Of course, once you get some real estate like a warehouse, the operation costs go up tremendously.

We'd need a few Ubuntu epicenters where computers could be delivered or mailed to. Then volunteers would have to go there and fix up the computers. Then the computers would have to be re-delivered out again. As you said, these could be soup kitchens, churches, community centers. Eventually, with enough funding, they could be warehouses.

[Nonno Bassotto]

I think this is a really beautiful idea. We should make some calculation, however, to estimate how much the shipping and storing of old PCs will cost. If it costs, after all, something like 200$, it could not be worth the pain.

[aysiu]

My problem: I'd love to participate in such a program, but organizing such an effort would give me endless headaches...

[orb9220]

Hrm it seems they sell their stuff though at a discount? I meant 100% free.

That is just there store of non-used bit and pieces and overstock.

If you want a computer as an individual then you volunteer like 24hrs of helping and you receive a P3 class computer. If you wish a higher class computer Cpu,Ram,etc.. you just give more time like 40 hrs.

There are free classes on using linux.
You may learn to build your own from the ground up.

I have volunteered there on many occasions.
I send people there that have a limited income of which I fit in that category.

They will donate working systems to non-profit organizations and individuals that may not be able to volunteer due to health issues.

[aysiu]

orb9220, do you know if there are other projects similar to FreeGeek but in other parts of the country or the world?

[orb9220]

Sorry it is all I really know about recycle computer efforts.

I was looking for a cheap way to get a computer and was given the info from some geeks at Powell's Technical bookstore across the street from where I live.

[aysiu]

That's cool. I'll Google around. Or I might contact FreeGeek directly.

[RAV TUX]

I live in NYC and tend to do a lot of walking and come garbage day (as I call it) I always see old computers thrown out. These computers could surely be put to good use for those who less fortunate and are unable to afford a computer. Even if there is something wrong with them it's not to hard to find another junked out computer on the street to be used for parts. I got somewhat interested and posted to craigslist to see if anyone had any old computers just lying around they didn't want and were willing to give away. Sure enough, I got a ton of emails. I really think this could be used as another opportunity to deploy Ubuntu and get its name out there. Refurbish old computers with Ubuntu on them for those less fortunate. What do you guys think? This doesn't even have to be something that just I myself do, it could be a sort of global initiative for Ubuntu users worldwide who were willing to help the less fortunate.

Actually this idea is great and is actively being done by the NU Ubuntu Team, (Northeastern United States Ubuntu Regional LoCo Team).

We have been doing this in the Washington DC area, we started with about 12 computers that my work was wanting to donate, so I contacted macogw, who is a NU Ubuntu Team Admin. she volunteered her time to come to my work and wipe the hard drives and she installed Edubuntu on all the computers, she coordinated with the DC LUG and made a contact for "School Without Walls".....the Dean of the school contacted me and when macogw(Mackenzie) was done installing Edubuntu on all the computers I let the dean know and he sent two people to come pick up all the computers....

"School Without Walls" got a dozen free computers with Edubuntu for their school

My employer got a donation receipt to write off at the end of the year, and they even paid Mackenzie for her volunteer effort....

A win-win situation for all involved....

I also know that bodhi.zazen who leads the Montana LoCo Team has been doing this for years and he has articles written up about his efforts....

I would suggest that you become active in your Ubuntu LoCo Team in your area, many LoCo groups have been doing this for years, in coordination with local LUG's...

The idea is alive and well at the Ubuntu LoCo Team level, if not join your Ubuntu LoCo Team and get it started:)....I suggest you contact bodhi.zazen, or macogw, if you need help setting this up in your LoCo area....it does require commitment and time, it is better to do this as a group, and no better place then to utilize the people involved in your Ubuntu LoCo Team and LUG's,....good luck in your endeavor, for recipients I suggest you seek out poor schools in your area and focus on installing Edubuntu.

It has worked for us and it has worked for years for bodhi.zazen in Montana, it will work for any group in any city, we have proven that.

[DougieFresh4U]

There is a place here in Rochester, New York called MICRECYCLE that refurbishes used computers.Every year, 2 weeks before Christmas they give out hundreds of computers, which is how I got my first machine. Unfortunately they come with Windows. Not the newest version, last December it was Windows 2000. I had thought about approaching them on the subjuct of Linux, but don;t really know how to go about it. Any thoughts on what kind of presentation that could be offered to them?

[aysiu]

I did a Google search for FreeGeek, and it turns out there are a bunch of these.

In addition to http://www.freegeek.org/ ...

http://freegeekcolumbus.org/
http://freegeekvancouver.org/
http://freegeekchicago.org/
http://freegeektacoma.org/

This one in Berkeley, California isn't FreeGeek, but it sounds similar:
http://www.accrc.org/


Know someone who needs a computer?
Refurbished Computers

We give free refurbished computers to schools, non-profit organizations, and economically and/or physically disadvantaged individuals. Although our computers are all old enough that they were discarded by their previous owners, the ones that we refurbish are still perfectly adequate for most home, school, and office applications. Our refurbished systems all run a Free software GNU/Linux operating system.

To apply for one or more computers, please print one of our three placement applications: school, non-profit, or individual, and then fax, mail, or bring us the completed form.

[plb]

But exactly how much does freegeek charge for each computer? According to what I've gathered off their website it's not "free." They also have quite a few sponsors I noticed, so maybe that is something we could look into as a previous poster said. I wonder if Canonical would sponsor such a project since every computer would come preloaded with Ubuntu? I was also thinking while we are at it we could setup a similar network of individuals that could simply install Ubuntu on peoples computer who aren't too computer savvy per say but want to try it out...free of charge of course...And after seeing that big thread with all those who wouldn't mind doing it, why not?

[Swab]

Having thought some more about this, I would prefer to run this thing out of people's homes.. guerrilla style! Warehouses and the like seems a bit far fetched to me, at least to begin with.

Basically I get some machines, I post to our website advertising them and stating where I am. Potential ummm.. customers can make a request. If they live near by they can come and get them or if they live far away they can pay shipping.

With this system, anyone who wants to join us can advertise that they have machines ready to go.

[plb]

Having thought some more about this, I would prefer to run this thing out of people's homes.. guerrilla style! Warehouses and the like seems a bit far fetched to me, at least to begin with.

Basically I get some machines, I post to our website advertising them and stating where I am. Potential ummm.. customers can make a request. If they live near by they can come and get them or if they live far away they can pay shipping.

With this system, anyone who wants to join us can advertise that they have machines ready to go.

That's what I was thinking as well, at least to start off with. Donors should also be able to easily find someone in their local area to give hardware too.

[zoetrope666]

I was thinking of starting up a secondhand computer business that did just this - recycling computers and putting ubuntu on them or similar. And also to provide a service for people not wanting to chuck out their computer.. I could put ubuntu on it, and then charge a fee to show them how to use it or somesuch.

Dunno if it would make me much money.. but I know it's definately a niche market, and that there'd be some kind of demand for it here purely because there's nothing else in Perth like that...

I'm thinking of getting involved with schools, though, to put ubuntu on their older equipment and teach kids how to use it. Good way to start socialising kids to think outside the (Windows) box.

[aysiu]

Or if people have paranoia/safety concerns, they could meet in a public place to do the exchange.

[zoetrope666]

This is certainly a noble idea, but technology moves so fast that really, what benefit would anyone get out of a computer so old that it simply can't use any modern software or hardware? It's one thing to donate a computer that's only a few years old, but giving someone a 10 or 20 year old computer is something else.

Well the kind of computers people are chucking out simply aren't that old, by and large. Globally, millions of computers are chucked out every year.. and it's for many reasons.. the biggest probably being that software is upgraded and no longer fits on the hardware (think moving from 98 or ME to XP). With Vista, a whole new wave of computers will be ditched.

It's a sad thing, I know, but for some people, money is nothing. We used to have neighbours who weren't rich or anything - mostly just a small, middle class type family - and they chucked out things that were only a few years old all the time. We picked up a sound system, a VHS player, a set of kitchen cupboards ... a HEAP of stuff, all from their verge. They didn't care at all, and were'nt even willing to take the time to donate it to the Salvos or anything.. they just wanted to chuck it out.

We have curbside pickups here in Australia pretty frequently, and there's always a similar story.. there is heaps of stuff chucked out that's perfectly good - NOT 10-20 years old at all - that, if not picked up by scavengers like me, gets dumped in to landfill.

I think that any initiative like this should not only plug the social benefits, but the environmental ones - there's a definate eco-edge to this kind of idea. I wrote an article on this for uni once - if anyone's interested in reading it send me an email :P

[plb]

I found a pentium 4 computer yesterday on the street, and yep I took it lol. It was missing a hd and memory though. Luckily, I had some spare memory from a few years back to use :D Still need that hd though.

[Swab]

I found a pentium 4 computer yesterday on the street, and yep I took it lol. It was missing a hd and memory though. Luckily, I had some spare memory from a few years back to use :D Still need that hd though.

HDs might be a problem. Businesses especially will be reluctant to donate them due to obvious security concerns.

[plb]

HDs might be a problem. Businesses especially will be reluctant to donate them due to obvious security concerns.

That is why I'm starting to post to craigslist to see if I can find people who are getting rid of computers. I've seen so many computers and monitors tossed out and just pass by them...now however I'm going to start taking them lol. A hd should be an easy find. I also found an LCD monitor yesterday but it was missing the plug and it was sitting in the rain so I just left it

[Swab]

I've never seen any computers at the side of the street. I guess us Scots really are too tight to throw out anything useful!

[plb]

I've never seen any computers at the side of the street. I guess us Scots really are too tight to throw out anything useful!

Do you live in a populated area? That is probably why there are so many thrown out around here. Just look at all the computer postings under free in NYC:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/zip/

[aysiu]

If you believe people are chucking out only PCs that are 10 years old, I think you'd better read this New York Times article:
Corrupted PC's Find New Home in the Dumpster (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/17/technology/17spy.html?ex=1279252800&en=5b2b6783f66a7422&ei=5090)

[plb]

If you believe people are chucking out only PCs that are 10 years old, I think you'd better read this New York Times article:
Corrupted PC's Find New Home in the Dumpster (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/17/technology/17spy.html?ex=1279252800&en=5b2b6783f66a7422&ei=5090)

When people got money to throw around they don't care.

[aysiu]

When people got money to throw around they don't care.
That could be part of it.

I think in a lot of cases it's people not wanting to reinstall Windows (it takes a really long time, involves, backing up all your files, digging up all your old driver CDs and activation keys... and rebooting... and rebooting).

If some of those people knew Ubuntu was an alternative, maybe they wouldn't be so quick to toss their PCs, especially if all they do is email and web browse and listen to music.

[Swab]

Do you live in a populated area? That is probably why there are so many thrown out around here. Just look at all the computer postings under free in NYC:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/zip/

I live in a small city. Perhaps I just never go looking!

Edit: But I did just find a post on a local website looking to give away CRT monitors. It's quite an old posting but I emailed anyway, maybe the guy has some other stuff too.

[daynah]

This could be a great project for the Loco teams to get together and do. If there's already something in the area, the Loco teams could get together with the established project and help it.

[zoetrope666]

hard drives can be bought on ebay for pretty cheap.

schools and universities, as well as government departments and small organisations update their computers all the time. keep your eye out for big bins with office-related stuff hanging out of them, and there's likely a computer or two in there.

i walked through uni a few months ago and there was a big bin full of PCs. I don't have a car, and had a long trek home, so couldn't do much at the time.

.. enough to make me think of investing in a cheap bomb, really - just so i could go pick up computer junk that i see!!

[Swab]

Alrighty, I've gone ahead and posted an ad asking for donations!
http://aberdeen.gumtree.com/aberdeen/70/9274170.html

[plb]

We should come up with a name for this little project..hmmmm....

[daynah]

It may be more fruitful to have a name, plan, website, ect before you ask for donations. I wouldn't donate to someone who didn't look legit. I'd think you were tryin' to rip me off.

I can make a website for any of ya'll who need it.

There's already something like this (by one of Georgia Loco Members!) in Athens, Georgia right here http://www.freeitathens.org/ so if there's going to be getting something started in Atlanta, I'll probably work with him/them.

If anyone needs a website, pm me. I'll put it up, maintain it, and teach you how to maintain it.

[Swab]

It may be more fruitful to have a name, plan, website, ect before you ask for donations. I wouldn't donate to someone who didn't look legit. I'd think you were tryin' to rip me off.

I can make a website for any of ya'll who need it.

There's already something like this (by one of Georgia Loco Members!) in Athens, Georgia right here http://www.freeitathens.org/ so if there's going to be getting something started in Atlanta, I'll probably work with him/them.

If anyone needs a website, pm me. I'll put it up, maintain it, and teach you how to maintain it.

Yeah, you may be right, but I'm thinking there are plenty of people out there just want rid of their old PC and don't care what I do with it.

As for the website. I'd suggest going with some CMS like Joomla so we can all help with the upkeep.

[Swab]

What happens if we give someone a PC and it blows up or they electrocute themselves? We'd need some disclaimer written up, with some sound legal advice.

[aysiu]

What happens if we give someone a PC and it blows up or they electrocute themselves? We'd need some disclaimer written up, with some sound legal advice.
Sure: a simple "There is no warranty. Use at your own risk."

[plb]

Anyone come up with a mockup of how it should work, what we need on it etc. Off the top of my head we need:

About Us

Donations:
*About Donations
*Paypal or Money Donation?
*Equipment Donattion
*Find someone in your local area
*List of People who have donated to us

Getting involved

Get a computer
Number of Computers given away thus far?

About Linux/Ubuntu?

Sponsors (hopefully)
Contact info
Perhaps a simple forum?

This is of course just a list off the top of my head, and of course it would need to look professional and legit.

[Swab]

Anyone come up with a mockup of how it should work, what we need on it etc. Off the top of my head we need:

About Us

Donations:
*About Donations
*Paypal or Money Donation?
*Equipment Donattion
*Find someone in your local area
*List of People who have donated to us

Getting involved

Number of Computers given away thus far?

About Linux/Ubuntu?

Contact info
Perhaps a simple forum?

This is of course just a list off the top of my head, and of course it would need to look professional and legit.

That seems like a sensible list.

On the home page I would have a count of computers currently awaiting a home / count of people waiting , number given away so far, list of people willing to accept donations.

[Swab]

I can make a website for any of ya'll who need it.
.

Daynah, do you have links to any websites you've worked on? Is the FreeITAthens site one of yours?

I know a guy who might be willing do help us also. He has done websites for other non-profits. I really like his work. Books Abroad (http://www.booksabroad.org.uk/)is one of his.

[plb]

Daynah, do you have links to any websites you've worked on? Is the FreeITAthens site one of yours?

I know a guy who might be willing do help us also. He has done websites for other non-profits. I really like his work. Books Abroad (http://www.booksabroad.org.uk/)is one of his.

Nice site.

[daynah]

eh? My dead domain is all that's up ;). Eventually, I should think, each area should be doing their own websites. If you're geek enough to make computers from scraps, you're geek enough to make a website. It's teaching the people who just haven't taken the time to learn html to learn enough to update it. And that is a very beautiful site. It's rare to see a repeating background done well.

I don't think anyone is going to sue us for computers catching on fire or loss of data. But it is important to keep donations legal for tax purposes.

I know you hate the word from your experiences in school, but money could also come from... fundraisers.

I think at first we wouldn't need a building like Free Geek, just like a garage (am I repeating myself?), because there would only be like 3 computers to make if you're lucky. More than likely there's going to be 8 half computers, ya know? all of them have dead power supplies or something odd like that.

Maybe what should be done first is each of us in our little areas find our who's going to be working in our little areas and figure out how it's going to be done in our little areas, ya know? If all of you are living in dorms, you will have a harder time figuring out where to build the computers. Each of our areas is going to have different problems.

Stalk down Linux groups in your area. The LoCo group, any LUG (Linux Users Group, just learned that today -_-). Talk to groups that are in your state, but maybe not in your area. They may know of linux groups that hang out but aren't online. Look up colleges that may have linux clubs. After that's done, don't limit yourself to Linux. Talk to computer clubs. Heck, even look up Windows clubs (are there such things). Though they may not linux, they may believe that when giving to charity, you can't pay for Vista for everyone. It may be a bummer having a "Too bad we have to give them crappy linux" sore thumb hanging around, but maybe they'll turn around, and it's all for the betterment of society.

[martymc]

i used to work for a non-profit called "computers for schools" and we did just that. refurb'd old computers and gave them away to students.

getting businesses to donate old pc's could be "fun" in this age of privacy concerns. you have to be able to verify that their old data is gone. we used wipe software and some companies wanted us to do three complete wipes - others wanted five.

also, receipts for donators so they have a tax write-off is a consideration.

aaaaaand finding others to volunteer their time...

it's definitely doable and worthwhile, but it can be trying at times.

every non-profit or charity has these hurdles to overcome though.

[daynah]

If only volunteering time was a tax write-off. Our nation would be a lot better then.

[Swab]

So yeah... anyone had any more ideas? :)

[H.E. Pennypacker]

You guys, what's the purpose of starting something new? FreeGeek DOES do free computers, but it also charges people. I guess they do whatever the person can afford.

Either way, regardless of what you plan to do, it is better to work with FreeGeek on this since the goals are very similar. FreeGeek may even be interested in setting up two different sides to its organization: one that provides computers for free, and one that charges people.

Going with an established organization makes sense in many ways. First, I'll tell you right now that setting up a not-for-profit organization is very difficult. Not setting up any kind of organization may result in trouble with the government. FreeGeek already has somewhat of a name recognition, a website, a formal structure, and resources necessary for doing this.

Starting something new rather than try to work with FreeGeek seems pointless. Ask yourself the pros and cons of going either way.

[Swab]

Of course FreeGeek are not the only people doing this..

I found a page full of links (http://opencollector.org/freecomputers.html) to other projects.

[Swab]

Come on people, lets revive this idea.

I just scored my first donated PC, should be collecting it over the next few days!

[Snowmayne]

Of course FreeGeek are not the only people doing this..

I found a page full of links (http://opencollector.org/freecomputers.html) to other projects.

(and yet, not one of the canadian url's works.....)

My problem is while the managers want to get rid of our old equipment (mainly old netfinity servers, but a few 3com hubs and cisco routers and a few monitors), finding someplace relatively local to montreal that's willing to pick it all up on the cheap... and I think that's where a lot of companies get stuck. They figured they already paid to have this equipment, why do they have to pay again to get rid of it?

(.....hmmmm....... might be a business in that: office-to-office pick up of used 'e-waste' to be recycled)

[john_spiral]

Excellent idea!

I like the idea of people connecting via a website with the prospect of getting their old machines a home or a OS refurbishment.

I'm sure Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/) could be used in some capacity.

Over the past few months I've found two machines on the streets of London, I'm sure If I went looking I would find thousands.

how about the name freebuntu ?

[CrazyG]

Regarding Freecycle:

In my Canadian city of 700,000, the Freecycle often has posts offering used parts, and monitors are fairly popular at the moment. Just offered my 6 year old Hansol monitor this evening, and had a nibble about 10 minutes later - things move fairly quickly on our board. There used to be a gentleman who would canvas others for spare parts & put together working systems (with Windows, alas) and offer them to Freecycle members.

However, and this could be an issue with any kind of "customer to pick up" scheme, no-shows can be a problem - people will express interest in picking up offered items, but won't show when they say they will and won't contact the giver either so the giver can offer the item to somebody else.

My 2 cents.

Edited to add: I think this is a great idea, and a good representation of the "Ubuntu spirit".