Oh! I forgot one. Nonprofit organizations and small charities. Ron's idea might work well for that audience. My employers office here in Toronto is based at the centre for social innovation. www.socialinnovation.ca Setting up a display like what Ron outlined. say either in the common office area, or the main co-working space, and invite folks to ask questions about how Linux could help their businesses. I reference Linux often, with few having a clue. Kare On Wed, 22 Jul 2026, Karen Lewellen via Talk wrote:
Welcome indeed! It is interesting because I recall that for a while freegeeks, or something comparative took a more direct approach. Because so many newcomers need machines, they would outfit laptops with Linux, hold classes, and get folks inspired by showing them how Linux could help them. hunt for work, manage school tasks with their children, those sorts of things. I still feel there may be a market for this, or comparatively with seniors who need just enough technology to stay connected, and not so much computer that they are vulnerable to scams and so forth because they cannot keep up with risks. Perhaps even for those with print disabilities, not screen reader users, but those needing enlargement, or accessing the comparative tools for the learning challenged population. Kare
On Wed, 22 Jul 2026, Ron via Talk wrote:
Robert Soulliere via Talk wrote on 2026-07-22 07:51:
I am new to this group
Welcome!
Is anyone involved in programs like this or have experience? Would there be any demand from the general public if it was a program proposal done through a public library as an in-person event?
My opinion on demand is that it's negligible, because most people:
1. Use their phones for computing 2. Are entirely unaware of Linux 3. If they've heard of Linux, they think it's for expert users
So, the best way to attract new users is not by saying, "Come and learn Linux" or via install fests.
It's setting up a computer in a prominent location, with lots of monitors and / or a giant monitor, installing KDE, turning the eye candy up to max, and just play around with desktop cube, presentation mode, wobbly windows, "dodge" feature (where windows slide around and behind each other when focus changes), that stuff.
It'll get people to stop and pay attention for a moment, maybe ask what the heck they're looking at.
THEN there's a chance to introduce all the useful features to them, answer any questions they have, let them test drive it...
FreeGeek Toronto had this program as well more recently: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/install-linux-on-an-old-computer-tickets-1669753... and I wonder how that went.
I'm curious too. It feels like install fests are so 1990s.
Who's going to bring in their computer for some random guys to install some unfamiliar OS on it when it contains all their files and the OS their familiar with (even if it annoys the heck out of them)?
And anyone with the knowledge and interest in trying Linux can use the gazillion online resources to accomplish that.
Granted they may want some hand-holding or advice on which of these "distros" to choose...
I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying outreach programs, but my method would be to be as eye-catching as possible then discuss the useful stuff.
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