The computers pictured are models sold prior to GNU/Linux existing in an
installable form. It probably wasn't the ideal systems to have on display at
a GNU/Linux conference although I think the idea is to promote recycling.
Showing a really old computer is just a representative of that.
"Free Geek’s mission is to recycle technology and provide access to
computers, the internet, education and job skills in exchange for community
service."
They do that primarily through the utilization of free software. The systems
they sold/or donated to schools and other non-profit organizations early on
had Debian on them. Later they moved to Ubuntu.
They are dealing with a very sticky situation. They get systems to refurbish
from the masses. These are primarily systems designed for old versions of
Microsoft Windows. Many/most don't/can't run Microsoft Windows well-
especially new versions.
For those who aren't aware Microsoft Windows users face the same issue with
non-free software that GNU/Linux users face. After some point the hardware
stops working as the manufacturers stop supporting the non-free drivers
firmware users are dependent on.
This is a nightmare situation for support. The systems Freegeek gets for
recycling are donated by the masses and there isn't much they can do beyond
education. Unfortunately the people Freegeek is targeting are not the ones
with the power to change the situation. They aren't buying new systems.
If I recall they had/have a policy on refusing to teach classes on WINE. I
believe that is/was due to its primary usefulness as a means to install
non-free software.
It would be great if they started testing hardware with Trisquel instead of
Ubuntu. Then disposed of hardware dependent on non-free software in an
environmentally friendly manor. I believe this would work as the amount of
hardware received greatly exceeds the amount of hardware which can be
sold/donated.
They do receive and refurbish Mac systems. They are loaded with GNU/Linux
when sold/donated. There policy is one of supporting GNU/Linux only.
The main Freegeek is in Portland Oregon:
http://www.freegeek.org/
This Freegeek here is the one in Columbus, Ohio.
http://freegeekcolumbus.org/
Note: I'm not familiar with Freegeek Columbus and the above is at least true
of Freegeek Portland.
