Free Geek Calgary?

[kenter]

Has anyone looked into starting a FreeGeek in Calgary? It is a non-
profit running in over a dozen cities in North America that takes in
computers meant for recycle to rebuild into working computers
(salvaging working parts), and to provide computers for low income
people or other non profits.

From what I understand, the more established locations don't rely on
donation money anymore and are completely self sufficient. But the
actual startup is quite a daunting task due to the need for storage
space for donated computers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Geek - Wiki article

http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Main_Page - The free geek wiki
http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Free_Geek_Startups - Guideline for
new startups

http://freegeekvancouver.org/ - Free geek Vancouver
http://www.freegeek.org/ - Free geek Portland

[Doc]

That's certainly neat, but definitely sounds like a bit of a daunting task. I suppose I'd be a little bit interested in helping if the goal was to help push Ubuntu.. ha ha ha ha

CLUG may be interested in that? Any CLUG people around?

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[Shawn]

There are a couple of similar orgs in town. I'll repost the original
message to the CLUG mailing list anyways - I know there are a couple
there with interests in this sort of thing.

Shawn

[Andrew Vliet]

I'm technical a CLUG member, but not very active - too busy running my business(es) and raising a family.  

Ubuntu has come a long way and would certainly be an option provided that the machines are offered /with/ support and training.  Do not expect Windows users to jump at Ubuntu without a bit of help.  

In my experience, that's where Linux goes wrong - the learning curve doesn't seem very steep to people whom use it daily, but for those whom have only used Windows, and maybe Apple, the curve looks incredibly daunting.  I mean geez guys - all the buttons are in the wrong places, the pictures aren't right, and the colours aren't the same as Windows..!  Tongue in cheek of course...

I've found all that's required for an average user to accept Ubuntu is a warm friendly tone, reassurance that they can do everything they want even though they have been incorrectly informed that they need "Microsoft this" or "Windows that", and to build the understanding that if you have questions, ask them: solutions are available, and you will receive help.

And that's my 2¢ for what it's worth.