Hi Tom<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 2:29 PM, Thomas Pearson <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:twpear@gmail.com">twpear@gmail.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"> Hello: <br><div><br></div><div>I'm looking for someone to help me liberate my computer. I have a Dell laptop, about 3 1/2 years old, which ran on standard Microsoft crap. After clunky performance for about a year it recently suffered a complete meltdown. I have all my data files backed up, but now I need to bring the machine somewhere to be repaired. I recently learned about the Free Software movement several months ago while I was conducting research in Central America for my PhD in anthropology. I believe now it is time for me to switch over entirely to free software, but I know very little about how to do so -- much less get my computer running again. If anyone can help me or has a suggestion about where to go for help, please contact me. </div> <div><br></div><div>Thanks, </div><div><br></div><div>Tom</div></blockquote></div><br><br>Wow, that's cool how you found out about the Free Software movement.  I'm sure we'd like to hear more as to how this came about.  <br> <br>In regards to your PC, the big question is whether the troubles are hardware-related, or if the problem is related to a virus or some other kind of malware.  I'm not sure if you're seeking help from us with getting your PC repaired, or help with getting Linux installed on it once it is repaired.<br> <br>We're going to be having a meeting at the Institute of Design in downtown Chicago this Saturday.  You could feel free to stop by and bring your laptop if you'd like.  Details about the meeting are provided via a link below.<br> <br>Jim<br><br><a href="https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-us-chicago/2009-January/002007.html">https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-us-chicago/2009-January/002007.html</a><br>