For a more extensive explanation you can check out this article: Why Ean Likes Linux
Windows and Linux are two examples of common "operating systems" which are software platforms that help you communicate with your computer. Both allow you to install programs that you might need, and to surf the internet in search of cute cat videos in whatever internet browser you've chosen (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, etc.).
The difference is that while Windows is closed source, meaning that only Microsoft technicians can look at and manipulate the code, Linux is open source. Open Source may sound less secure as anyone who wants to can open a program and take a look through the code, but it actually means that there are more potential eyes available to find security holes and broken pieces of code.
Windows under Microsoft has a much higher budget for advertising and development because it's not a free product, and Linux benefits from crowd sourced security, and community support when there's a problem.
We normally recommend Linux to any of our clients that don't have much experience with Windows since Linux is a lot easier to secure, and runs lighter on older computer hardware.
First, it’s unfortunate in some ways, but we’re unable to sell our equipment to the general public. We’re funded to be a program that isn’t competing with businesses in the community, but instead prioritizing helping people who otherwise might not have easy access to technology.
So you are qualified to request equipment from us if you’re an educator or student, a First Nation member, or part of a Yukon not-for-profit organization. We just need to see proof of enrollment or affiliation, and we can get started with helping you!
We have an application form on our website that details out most of our options for equipment, but as we do have some irregular stock, if it’s not on the application form, please feel free to call us to ask about other equipment.
If our application form is too overwhelming (there’s a lot of details laid out) you can give us a call and we’d be happy to help interview you to find a balance in what you’re needing or wanting.
We have a range of different equipment and an updated list of prices on the "Apply for A Computer" section of the site, but our prices range from free to $240 for the top of the line laptop. All of our prices remain much lower than what it is worth as we prioritize access and impact in our community. There are also various upgrades available, and if you’re interested in something in particular, feel free to ask us about it in the extra notes at the bottom of the application, or give us a call.
Some of our computers are sourced from the public drop off at Raven ReCentre, or here at our shop, but the large majority of our computer desktops come from the Yukon Government, and most of our laptops are actually shipped up from Ontario and sourced from the Federal Government. The Yukon seems to hold on to what laptops they have more often.
The main qualification is that the individual is between 15 and 30 years of age. This is a Federally funded internship and our government wanted to focus on youth, especially giving first time job experience to graduates right out of post secondary studies. A lot of the time people like this have the knowledge, but not enough job experience to back it up.
Our technicians can come from any background, the main thing is that they want to pursue development of their technical skills for their future.
If you know someone young who is interested in this kind of work but doesn’t have the experience needed to get a job in this industry, please have them send us a resume to consider. We typically interview in March for a start in the beginning of April, and in September for a start in the beginning of October, both for a 6 month term.