Event Schedule:

Session 1: Monday, 8/7/17, 6:30-8:30pm

Session 2: Monday, 8/14/17, 6:30-8:30pm

Session 3: Monday, 8/21/17, 6:30-8:30pm

Session 4: Monday, 8/28/17, 6:30-8:30pm

Description:

Join Free Computer Labs at Artisan's Asylum to learn all about computers from inside out, through building your own computer from rescued computer parts!

What is Free Computer Labs? Free Computer Labs (FCL) is a grass roots project to bring computers to people in the community that need them. FCL aims to connect those who need computers with free, powerful technology and software. FCL is open to everyone who wants to learn who to use, understand, and even fix computers in a friendly environment. No previous knowledge needed. We collect computers that were destined for the trash and make them work like new using free software.

We teach students how to 1) build their computer, 2) fix their computer, and 3) use their computer with empowering free/libre software.

Class Goals:

Students will explore a) How to build a computer; b) how to fix a computer; c) how to install free/libre operating systems; and d) how to be empowered with your computer! Students will be given a repurposed computer loaded with powerful software upon successful completion of the course.

Prerequisites:

Students must be at least 18 years of age.

No prior experience with computers necessary. However, access to email communication is greatly appreciated.

Materials:

Special computer screwdrivers, computers, and software will be provided for all students. Students should wear closed-toed shoes and clothes they don't mind getting a little dirty. If you wear glasses, bring the ones you use for computing or reading, as close-up vision is important.

Class Minimum:

This class will not run with fewer than 5 students, so sign yourself and a friend up!

Instructor Biography:

Devin Ulibarri and Tom Balazs are both avid free software advocates and active in the free software community. Devin is a lead collaborator for the software Music Blocks (www.musicblocks.net), a Sugar Labs project that teaches children both music and programming. This software was debuted at the 2016 Constructionism conference in Thailand with great enthusiasm. Tom is a former FCL student and an Artisan's Asylum member who participates in: Circuit Hacking nights, free/libre and open source computing projects, woodworking, and Android hacking projects. He recently used a laser pointer lens to create a cell phone microscope!