Ozark Regional Library logo which is an abstracted sun rising over horizon. 12 lines from the circle as rays of light. Text: Ozark Regional Library
Find icon, a magnfying glass to alert user to a search box Search

To hide search results tap the search button again.

Community Computer Upcycle

Computer hardware UpCycling program

Get assistance upgrading your computer to GNU+Linux Mint

Our quickstart guide to learning Linux

Donate your older used computer

Sign-up to receive an UpCycled computer

Get one of our GNU/Linux Computers

A green rectangle logo with the words Community Computer Upcycle

The Community Computer Upcycle project has computers available but please note, we have only a few to give away!

Our computers are older computers and were donated so that they could be UpCycled with an installation of GNU/Linux which is a secure operating system that works very well with older computers. Because these are older computers they usually do not have much memory and likely have a spinning hard drive rather than an SSD for storage. You won't want to try playing games on these computers.

These computers are great for browsing the web, checking email and creating documents with the included LibreOffice suite of applications. Word processing documents, presentations, diagrams, spreadsheets are all easily created with LibreOffice and can be shared and exchanged with users of Microsoft Office with no problem.These computers are perfect for home use or for students.

We currently (10/13/2025) have several laptops and one desktop available. Please note, the batteries in these laptops do not hold a charge so they need to stay plugged into an outlet. The desktop computer will need a keyboard, mouse and display. We only have the computer available.

If you're interested in receiving one of these computers please contact our volunteer Denny at ccu1@sudomail.com . If you prefer a laptop or desktop please indicate that in your email. We will be giving away the computers in the order that the emails are received. Only send one email. Denny will contact you when a computer is available and make arrangements to meet you at the library to set up your user account and offer a brief tutorial on using GNU/Linux.

If you have an older computer that you do not intend to use and would like to donate, please get in touch, again, you can email Denny at ccu1@sudomail.com . We will install GNU/Linux on it and give it away in a future batch.

If you have an older computer that is no longer being updated with current security updates we would be happy to help you keep using it safely! Yes, email Denny at ccu1@sudomail.com and request an assisted install of GNU/Linux. He'll help you install it here at the library!

Anyone receiving a free GNU/Linux computer or getting an assisted install can request training from Denny, free of charge. We're also offering a series of ongoing presentations to help you learn more about using GNU/Linux and the Free Software that comes on all new installs. It's just as easy to use as Windows but with no ads! Check the Library website for upcoming presentations and other learning opportunities. Our next scheduled presentation is Privacy and Security and is scheduled for Tuesday, 10/28 from 6-7:30 at the Fredericktown Branch.