Free Geek, a local charitable computer recycling and donation center, has won a $4,000 award for the organization’s efforts to provide the public with access to open-source computer software.
Local computer charity Free Geek receives $4,000 award
Free Geek, a local charitable computer recycling and donation center, has won a $4,000 award for the organization’s efforts to provide the public with access to open-source computer software.
Free Geek was the only finalist for the prize from the United States, and was one of two initiatives picked for the award. The award will be shared with the other finalist, NepalLinux. An award ceremony will be held Jan. 6 in Rio de Janeiro to honor the prizewinners.
Free Geek refurbishes used computer systems, loads them with open-source software such as Linux and Open Office, and distributes them to individuals and organizations throughout the community that are in need of low-cost technology.
The organization also offers training in exchange for volunteer hours and provides free Internet access points in four cafes in southeast Portland for general public use.
The Association for Progressive Communications’ 2007 Chris Nicol FOSS Prize was named in honor of the late Chris Nicol, a member of the association and an activist for free and open-source software projects through the ’90’s until his death from cancer in August of 2005. Candidates for the prize are chosen throughout the globe for their efforts in making FOSS accessible to the masses.
