Free Geek Arkansas Information

Free Geek Arkansas is based on the successful model of computer recycling and community technology training of Free Geek, based in Portland, Oregon. Free Geek Arkansas has been operating since 2007, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and provides a place for individuals to use the internet, learn about technology and donate used computer equipment for free. The equipment that is donated is reused, refurbished, upcycled or recycled. To avoid overhead cost and encourage reductions to the financial barrier of access to technology, all software installed on Free Geek Arkansas built computer systems is based on the completely free Linux based Ubuntu software operating system. Day to day at Free Geek Arkansas you will find volunteers testing a variety of electronics from computer peripherals, motherboards, processors, memory, hard drives, power supplies, guitar amplifiers, LCD televisions, monitors, laptops, electronic signs, and many more. Besides just testing equipment we also build complete computers, both desktop and laptop. Sometimes we solder, sometimes we hammer, sometimes we saw or dremel, but most of the time we just have fun and go through whatever cool piece of gear walked in the door. Free Geek Arkansas recycles quite a large amount of electronics. In the first half of 2014 Free Geek Arkansas recycled more than 8 tons of e-waste, diverting it from area landfills and technology graveyards overseas. 8 tons is roughly 80,500 processors, 6,100 hard drives or 800 15" LCD screens.