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http://www.heliosinitiative.or... is not quite the same thing, but if you're the type who does homework, you might find interesting stuff.

I'm not being contrary, I really am curious. I have installed Linux on over 1500 machines in the span of 5 years and since the .27 kernel, wifi, sound and printers just work (TM) OOTB. At least the majority of the time. There are the occasional hiccups sure but I've had way more trouble getting some drivers to work in Windows than Linux. When you are dealing with a computing public that can't differentiate between "download" and "install", or those who cannot understand the concept of a browser, then you are never going to get them to consider another operating system. It takes me about 5 minutes of conversation to decide if I am going to introduce someone to Linux. Sadly, about 70 percent of the time, I decide as a paid tech, to keep taking their money as a Windows User. It makes my life easier and after all, I have a kid to put through college.

It might be worth taking a look at the Helios Project, (Website: http://www.heliosinitiative.org/ , Blog of bloke running it: http://linuxlock.blogspot.com/ ), as this is exactly what they do, collect together donated PCs and stuff, and provide refurbished PCs with Linux on to people on a charitable basis (predominantly disadvantaged kids I believe). (And they do some training etc as well I think).

Anyway, a lot of the postings on their have been quite interesting over the years, and I think they currently use either Ubuntu or Linux Mint.

The HeliOS Project

Ragtag bunch that's rebuilt and given away over 1300 computers to poor Texas kids.