Build Program

How it works

The Build Program is our primary ongoing volunteer program. We take donated computers and see if they work. If they don't work, we replace hardware as necessary to fix them. If we can't fix them, we strip them for useful components and send them to a certified recycler for disposal.

Once our computers have been made functional, we install our standard desktop Linux distro (currently Xubuntu) on them to replace whatever they had before (most likely Windows) and turn it into a fully-functional multipurpose desktop! Also because Linux is both free and resource-efficient, it's a great way to give new life to old hardware.

All of this is done by volunteers and is intended to be an excellent way for them to learn about PC hardware and repair. Build 4 computers, keep one!.

Steps

Safety Class - first step for all new volunteers.

Pre-Build - safety and basic hardware ID lecture. Should take ~45 mins

Assessment - pick out some hardware that has already been received/logged, see if it boots. Note, hardware logging/determining whether its suitable for the build program or should just be recycled is something done by Donations beforehand. Wipe the HDD if it hasn't been done already.

Assembly - do whatever is needed to make the hardware bootable, install an OS. If the computer can't be fixed, divert to recycle

QC - make sure everything works and the computer is ready for sale or grant