Linux community outreach and education/promotion
Hi All, I am new to this group but had a question about outreach programs an Linux education... something like this at TPL -- presented at a GTALUG meeting in 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvZ3gCzrXak 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? 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. Thanks.
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.
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.
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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Main problem with Linux for general public is, "What do I do with it?" What I do now on Linux, can be done on Windows. Eg. email, web, word processor, spreadsheet, calendar, video, VM, etc. There is no reason for general public to learn Linux just for Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, VirtualBox, etc. There is an argument for Linux on Raspberry Pi (and friends), because you can access GPIO pins from Linux shell. If you're careful not to go down rabbit's hole, those embedded boards are cheap way to get started on Linux. Then, you're back to the question, "Then, what?". I've been thinking about this issue (Linux and general public). I don't want to retire. I want to work. So, how do I leverage my *legacy skill sets*? God knows, I can't compete with new lingos. -- On 2026-07-22 10:51, Robert Soulliere via Talk wrote:
Hi All,
I am new to this group but had a question about outreach programs an Linux education... something like this at TPL -- presented at a GTALUG meeting in 2019:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvZ3gCzrXak
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?
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.
Thanks. ------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe viaTalk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread:talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived athttps://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/X52IJCW...
William Park via Talk wrote on 2026-07-22 20:30:
What I do now on Linux, can be done on Windows.
True, and it should be asked of the potential converts what they do with their computer, and stressed that they can do that on Linux. I think the unique selling point is a *lack* of things on Linux: AI, ads in start menus, forced upgrades that remove features (oops, don't suggest Gnome?), and a ton of other annoyances that seem to be driving people nuts. Plus the whole Free as in Speech and Free as in Beer angle. Then the uniqueness of "if it's free, you're the product" not being applicable in this case. But yeah, "you can do most everything you already do on Windows, but with less friction" is a decent sales pitch.
Actually, I would feel the selling point might be security and consistency over windows. Linux is largely more secure from major hacking. Windows is starting to charge for fundamental like office, with upgrading happening with less quality..and you can keep your current machine. Depending on the audience there is the open source, not corporate factor as well. The environmental sustainability too. I really feel showcasing an alternative for those who may feel powerless where their tech choices are concerned may draw in more than you believe. Kare On Wed, 22 Jul 2026, Ron via Talk wrote:
William Park via Talk wrote on 2026-07-22 20:30:
What I do now on Linux, can be done on Windows.
True, and it should be asked of the potential converts what they do with their computer, and stressed that they can do that on Linux.
I think the unique selling point is a *lack* of things on Linux: AI, ads in start menus, forced upgrades that remove features (oops, don't suggest Gnome?), and a ton of other annoyances that seem to be driving people nuts.
Plus the whole Free as in Speech and Free as in Beer angle.
Then the uniqueness of "if it's free, you're the product" not being applicable in this case.
But yeah, "you can do most everything you already do on Windows, but with less friction" is a decent sales pitch.
I also wonder about this Linux repair Cafe model based in Europe: Positive Feedback on our Linux Repair Café Webinar - summary now available! - Repaircafe | | | | | | | | | | | Positive Feedback on our Linux Repair Café Webinar - summary now availab... laura@repaircafe.nl On 12 June, Repair Café fans and Linux enthusiasts from all over the world joined us for our sixth international... | | | which touches on how Linux would encourage people in to make the switch. Of course, they focus on a specific distro which is easier for new users. One event I would love to attend would be a "Flavours of Linux" event where people could showcase their various Linux set-ups on different types of machines. Everything from 20+ year old retro computers to super sleek gaming rigs would be welcomed and open to all distros and desktop configs. I wonder if that has been done already or is even doable? On Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 01:40:30 p.m. EDT, Karen Lewellen via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote: Actually, I would feel the selling point might be security and consistency over windows. Linux is largely more secure from major hacking. Windows is starting to charge for fundamental like office, with upgrading happening with less quality..and you can keep your current machine. Depending on the audience there is the open source, not corporate factor as well. The environmental sustainability too. I really feel showcasing an alternative for those who may feel powerless where their tech choices are concerned may draw in more than you believe. Kare On Wed, 22 Jul 2026, Ron via Talk wrote:
William Park via Talk wrote on 2026-07-22 20:30:
What I do now on Linux, can be done on Windows.
True, and it should be asked of the potential converts what they do with their computer, and stressed that they can do that on Linux.
I think the unique selling point is a *lack* of things on Linux: AI, ads in start menus, forced upgrades that remove features (oops, don't suggest Gnome?), and a ton of other annoyances that seem to be driving people nuts.
Plus the whole Free as in Speech and Free as in Beer angle.
Then the uniqueness of "if it's free, you're the product" not being applicable in this case.
But yeah, "you can do most everything you already do on Windows, but with less friction" is a decent sales pitch.
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For selling points, I don't think it's been mentioned that Linux will run on older hardware that doesn't support the TPM level that Windows 11 requires (at least, without having to jump through hoops). -- Scott
The selling point, in my opinion, is that it is FREE and no different than Windows or Mac. There really is no geek factor if you stick with the main distributions - it's just like switching from a Win to a Mac or Android to iphone. Slightly different user interface, maybe, but once you get used to it, it's all the same. Most people just use their PCs for web browsing, streaming, email, and some office stuff. And all of these can be done through your browser. There is really nothing to 'learn'
Sam K via Talk wrote on 2026-07-23 15:46:
The selling point, in my opinion, is that it is FREE
That is a good feature, but to a normal user, the Windows that comes with their laptop is also free as there's no line item disclosing a Windows fee.
and no different than Windows or Mac. There really is no geek factor if you stick with the main distributions - it's just like switching from a Win to a Mac or Android to iphone. Slightly different user interface, maybe, but once you get used to it, it's all the same.
Agreed. Catch their attention with the "Wow factor" then demonstrate that it can do most everything needed. And, office software can be locally installed! And, no ribbon bar.
On Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:30:28 -0400 William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
Main problem with Linux for general public is, "What do I do with it?"
What I do now on Linux, can be done on Windows. Eg. email, web, word processor, spreadsheet, calendar, video, VM, etc. There is no reason for general public to learn Linux just for Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, VirtualBox, etc.
William, I am OACETT's (Ontario Association of Certified Technicians and Technologists) Toronto West chapter chair. I am looking for events that would interest our members, and I have been asking if anyone is interested in GNU/Linux. It might be fun to run an event in which we demonstrate a GNU/Linux install, probably of Ubuntu, even though I am a Fedora guy. We are supposed to reach out to colleges, corporations, and community. This might be a good community outreach. I can do the presentation, but it would be nice to have a second opinion or point of view. Any thoughts? Gratuitous boilerplate... OACETT, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, is Ontario's independent certifying body for engineering and applied science technicians and technologists and it confers the designations C.Tech. (Certified Technician) and C.E.T. (Certified Engineering Technologist). These designations are recognized across Canada by employers and other engineering professionals. -- Howard Gibson hgibson@eol.ca http://home.eol.ca/~hgibson
Howard, This sounds interesting. I work at Mohawk College in Hamilton and would like to push for more Linux based courses and resources in the college system. I wonder what responses you got when you asked your members if they would be interested in GNU/Linux? Were they interested? Could the question be asked to your members across Ontario or in an official survey? This could help in a push for more Linux in the Ontario education system. Thanks,Robert On Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 01:09:49 p.m. EDT, Howard Gibson via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote: On Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:30:28 -0400 William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
Main problem with Linux for general public is, "What do I do with it?"
What I do now on Linux, can be done on Windows. Eg. email, web, word processor, spreadsheet, calendar, video, VM, etc. There is no reason for general public to learn Linux just for Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, VirtualBox, etc.
William, I am OACETT's (Ontario Association of Certified Technicians and Technologists) Toronto West chapter chair. I am looking for events that would interest our members, and I have been asking if anyone is interested in GNU/Linux. It might be fun to run an event in which we demonstrate a GNU/Linux install, probably of Ubuntu, even though I am a Fedora guy. We are supposed to reach out to colleges, corporations, and community. This might be a good community outreach. I can do the presentation, but it would be nice to have a second opinion or point of view. Any thoughts? Gratuitous boilerplate... OACETT, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, is Ontario's independent certifying body for engineering and applied science technicians and technologists and it confers the designations C.Tech. (Certified Technician) and C.E.T. (Certified Engineering Technologist). These designations are recognized across Canada by employers and other engineering professionals. -- Howard Gibson hgibson@eol.ca http://home.eol.ca/~hgibson ------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/QEX26DZ...
You guys may have better luck than purely "computer geek" angle of attack. People are talking about "robotics" and "automation" now. Eventually, though, what we need is workforce trained/educated in these robotics and automation. Problem is, "Linux course" is like those "shop classes" back in High School. You need teachers to teach the students, and you need jobs after they finish the courses. It's difficult to join all the dots, and create ecosystem. In robots, for example, you are essentially applying "Linux fundamentals" to robotic application. Eg. trouble shooting, editing file, writing scripts, running servers, etc. In Epson robots, you're working with custom Visual Basic and Visual Studio (customized for Epson robots, of course). You interact with "robotic controller" much like you would Android device. So, you guys may have better luck, if you set robot target, then say you need "Linux fundamentals" to work with these robots. Then, Linux will become means to an end. -- On 2026-07-23 14:19, Robert Soulliere via Talk wrote:
Howard,
This sounds interesting. I work at Mohawk College in Hamilton and would like to push for more Linux based courses and resources in the college system.
I wonder what responses you got when you asked your members if they would be interested in GNU/Linux? Were they interested? Could the question be asked to your members across Ontario or in an official survey? This could help in a push for more Linux in the Ontario education system.
Thanks, Robert
On Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 01:09:49 p.m. EDT, Howard Gibson via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
On Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:30:28 -0400 William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
Main problem with Linux for general public is, "What do I do with it?"
What I do now on Linux, can be done on Windows. Eg. email, web, word processor, spreadsheet, calendar, video, VM, etc. There is no reason for general public to learn Linux just for Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, VirtualBox, etc.
William,
I am OACETT's (Ontario Association of Certified Technicians and Technologists) Toronto West chapter chair. I am looking for events that would interest our members, and I have been asking if anyone is interested in GNU/Linux. It might be fun to run an event in which we demonstrate a GNU/Linux install, probably of Ubuntu, even though I am a Fedora guy. We are supposed to reach out to colleges, corporations, and community. This might be a good community outreach. I can do the presentation, but it would be nice to have a second opinion or point of view.
Any thoughts?
Gratuitous boilerplate...
OACETT, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, is Ontario's independent certifying body for engineering and applied science technicians and technologists and it confers the designations C.Tech. (Certified Technician) and C.E.T. (Certified Engineering Technologist). These designations are recognized across Canada by employers and other engineering professionals.
-- Howard Gibson hgibson@eol.ca http://home.eol.ca/~hgibson ------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/QEX26DZ...
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It would be nice to have an educational package for new/potential non-profit projects about Linux/FLOSS, and home servers, ecosystem. Including things like Toronto Free-Net and local hosting companies like Web.net. Too many sign up for free services at first to save money, then get pulled into the paid tiers. Costing money, and not understanding that they could be part of an environment that lines up with their values. On 2026-07-23 15:45, William Park via Talk wrote:
You guys may have better luck than purely "computer geek" angle of attack. People are talking about "robotics" and "automation" now. Eventually, though, what we need is workforce trained/educated in these robotics and automation.
Problem is, "Linux course" is like those "shop classes" back in High School. You need teachers to teach the students, and you need jobs after they finish the courses. It's difficult to join all the dots, and create ecosystem.
In robots, for example, you are essentially applying "Linux fundamentals" to robotic application. Eg. trouble shooting, editing file, writing scripts, running servers, etc. In Epson robots, you're working with custom Visual Basic and Visual Studio (customized for Epson robots, of course). You interact with "robotic controller" much like you would Android device.
So, you guys may have better luck, if you set robot target, then say you need "Linux fundamentals" to work with these robots. Then, Linux will become means to an end. --
On 2026-07-23 14:19, Robert Soulliere via Talk wrote:
Howard,
This sounds interesting. I work at Mohawk College in Hamilton and would like to push for more Linux based courses and resources in the college system.
I wonder what responses you got when you asked your members if they would be interested in GNU/Linux? Were they interested? Could the question be asked to your members across Ontario or in an official survey? This could help in a push for more Linux in the Ontario education system.
Thanks, Robert
On Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 01:09:49 p.m. EDT, Howard Gibson via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
On Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:30:28 -0400 William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
Main problem with Linux for general public is, "What do I do with it?"
What I do now on Linux, can be done on Windows. Eg. email, web, word processor, spreadsheet, calendar, video, VM, etc. There is no reason for general public to learn Linux just for Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, VirtualBox, etc.
William,
I am OACETT's (Ontario Association of Certified Technicians and Technologists) Toronto West chapter chair. I am looking for events that would interest our members, and I have been asking if anyone is interested in GNU/Linux. It might be fun to run an event in which we demonstrate a GNU/Linux install, probably of Ubuntu, even though I am a Fedora guy. We are supposed to reach out to colleges, corporations, and community. This might be a good community outreach. I can do the presentation, but it would be nice to have a second opinion or point of view.
Any thoughts?
Gratuitous boilerplate...
OACETT, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, is Ontario's independent certifying body for engineering and applied science technicians and technologists and it confers the designations C.Tech. (Certified Technician) and C.E.T. (Certified Engineering Technologist). These designations are recognized across Canada by employers and other engineering professionals.
-- Howard Gibson hgibson@eol.ca http://home.eol.ca/~hgibson ------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/QEX26DZ...
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On Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:45:56 -0400 William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
You guys may have better luck than purely "computer geek" angle of attack. People are talking about "robotics" and "automation" now. Eventually, though, what we need is workforce trained/educated in these robotics and automation.
William, My thinking is that people are intimidated by computers. If they see how easy it is to install Ubuntu, and get a working office, browser and email, they will consider installing their own OS. It's your computer. You ought to be in control of it. This point is a discussion in itself! I have a soup cookbook here with a lovely quote... "We can't help but wonder sometimes if maybe the make-it-look-hard school hasn't played a major role in the steady deterioration of the American diet. 'Convenience' foods rule the marketplace and once Madison Avenue has you convinced that they are indeed convenient, what does that make the other foods? Inconvenient, of course..." -- Howard Gibson hgibson@eol.ca http://home.eol.ca/~hgibson
No, they are not. They drive car, without understanding heat cycles. They just don't know what to do with Linux. Linux is means, but to what end? They would be fine with Mac, if price is right. -- On 2026-07-23 16:57, Howard Gibson via Talk wrote:
My thinking is that people are intimidated by computers.
I think the ends are digital freedom, freedom from vendor lock-in, ling-term cost savings, control over hardware and software, etc.... However, the heaviest costs include inconvenience and time. I think these are the two things high on the priority list for many users. It is also important to remember that people are pretty locked into their OS eco-systems and might not know how to get out. E.g. a user using Windows has a lot of stuff in the Windows cloud. An apple user has even more locked into the Apple cloud. Not to mention the dependency on proprietary apps like Adobe. I know a few people and organizations who have chosen to pay Microsoft a fee for extended support to run Windows 10 because they cannot or do not want to upgrade to Windows 11 and refuse to just install Linux to get out of that loop. When consumers buy a computer, the vast majority of the options comes with Windows preinstalled. Or they can go to the Apple store and buy a Mac with software installed. Linux takes time to either shop for a computer with Linux or to install themselves. I think many people do think they have the time to do that and the long-term benefits do not outweigh the short-term pain for them. Convenience is king in our society. It is also important to understand the monopoly. Many workplaces use Windows and force employees to use it as well. Education systems use Windows or sometimes Mac and force students to use it in order to use specific apps. People grew up on Microsoft or Mac with no choice or knowledge of options. The question is can that thinking be changed or is the convenience factor too strong? I do have hope that education could be a changing factor along with the growing frustrations against big tech companies like Microsoft and their products. On Friday, July 24, 2026 at 10:40:15 a.m. EDT, William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote: No, they are not. They drive car, without understanding heat cycles. They just don't know what to do with Linux. Linux is means, but to what end? They would be fine with Mac, if price is right. -- On 2026-07-23 16:57, Howard Gibson via Talk wrote:
My thinking is that people are intimidated by computers.
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On Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:33:20 +0000 (UTC) Robert Soulliere via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
I think the ends are digital freedom, freedom from vendor lock-in, ling-term cost savings, control over hardware and software, etc.... However, the heaviest costs include inconvenience and time. I think these are the two things high on the priority list for many users. It is also important to remember that people are pretty locked into their OS eco-systems and might not know how to get out. E.g. a user using Windows has a lot of stuff in the Windows cloud. An apple user has even more locked into the Apple cloud. Not to mention the dependency on proprietary apps like Adobe. I know a few people and organizations who have chosen to pay Microsoft a fee for extended support to run Windows 10 because they cannot or do not want to upgrade to Windows 11 and refuse to just install Linux to get out of that loop.
Robert, This is less a training issue and more of an advocacy issue. Your data is yours, and it should be on your hard drive, which you have backed up somehow. The cloud is functional up until the cloud service goes out of business, or it changes its business model. -- Howard Gibson hgibson@eol.ca http://home.eol.ca/~hgibson
Welcome Robert! What courses were you thinking of re: linux? cheers Sam
Hi Sam, For a longer College CE Course geared towards general (non-system admin) users, I was thinking of an intro course with the following modules: 1) Hardware Overview -- Explanation of the different components (CPU, GPU, memory etc...). Goal is to help user make good consumer choices by understanding specs and hardware. If possible, have students build or dissect a computer. Or look at consumer choices when buying a computer. E.g. where to get a computer with Linux or no OS. 2) Linux distributions overview -- Understand the different families and distributions. Get into the philosophies and histories. Understand the difference between kernel and distros. 3) Desktops and servers -- Understand the desktop environment options. Get into considerations for customization vs familiarity/ease of use vs resource usage of the various desktop environments which might be critical depending on the system hardware. Also mention server (non-desktop) environment possibilities too. 4) Installation -- Installation process from creating installation media to testing. Cover ways to try before installation such as from the installation media on some distros and via virtualization. Also cover requirements before installation. 5) Networking, security and updates 6) Configuration and GUI customization 7) Basic bash commands (essentials) 8) Text editors (GUI and command line based) 9) Other opensource software -- Open source principles and the wonders of freedom. Cover a wide range of software available in the opens-server universe. Might also cover consideration for software from the official repositories vs software in the wild with a caution when selecting software not from official sources. 10) Advanced bash commands and scripts. Did I miss anything? For a community based workshop/sessions, These can be broken down into individual workshops as part of a Linux series. Of course, audience needs to be considered for content and pace of delivery perhaps. The opensource software session could also be expanded to cover specific software tools or simple projects such as Pixel art using Gimp, Game development with Godot, music making with LMMS, Gaming on Linux, business apps on Linux, etc... That possibilities for workshops are endless once users get the basics. Regards,Robert On Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 06:51:04 p.m. EDT, Sam K via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote: Welcome Robert! What courses were you thinking of re: linux? cheers Sam ------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/ITVUZUY...
participants (9)
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Arthur Gron -
Howard Gibson -
Karen Lewellen -
Robert Soulliere -
Ron -
rsoulliere＠yahoo.com
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Sam K -
Scott Allen -
William Park