Linux Community Tech Workshop

Curious about Linux? Got an older laptop gathering dust? Wondering what your computer can do outside of Windows or macOS?

Come hang out at the Linux Workshop, a friendly, hands-on community event where you can explore Linux on your own computer without replacing your current operating system or committing to an installation.

Think of it a little like the Repair Café, but for exploring a different way to use the computers we already own.

We'll have tables set up with volunteers who can help you boot your laptop from one of our prepared USB drives and try Linux for yourself. You can poke around, connect to Wi-Fi, browse the web, open some applications, ask questions, and see how Linux works on your actual hardware.

No Linux experience required. No coding required. You don't even have to know what Linux is yet. Curiosity is enough.

So... What Is Linux?

Linux is a free and open-source operating system. Like Windows or macOS, it's the software that lets you interact with your computer and run applications.

Linux comes in many different versions (called distributions or "distros"), ranging from beginner-friendly desktop systems to highly specialized tools. It's used everywhere from personal computers and servers to tiny devices and some of the world's largest computing systems.

And yes, you can use it on a regular laptop.

Try Linux Without Installing It

For this Linux Workshop, we're keeping things simple.

We'll have USB drives prepared with Linux so you can boot into another operating system without replacing the one already installed on your computer.

Restart your laptop, boot from our USB drive, and suddenly you're using Linux.

When you're finished, shut it down, remove the USB drive, and your computer can boot normally again.

It's a great way to experiment with Linux and find out whether you like it without making a permanent change to your computer.

What Can We Explore?

Bring your laptop and your questions. Together we can explore things like:

• Booting Linux from a USB drive
• Navigating a Linux desktop
• Connecting to Wi-Fi and testing your hardware
• Browsing the web and trying everyday applications
• Free and open-source alternatives to familiar software
• Different beginner-friendly versions of Linux
• Whether Linux might give an older computer a second life
• How Linux and open-source software actually work
• Where to go next if you decide you want to learn more

Or just sit down, experiment, and see what happens.

Why Is the Queen City Resiliency Salon Doing This?

Because community resilience includes technological resilience.

A resilient community isn't just one with emergency supplies. It's one where people have knowledge, practical skills, confidence, and neighbors who can help one another solve problems.

Learning about Linux and open-source software can help us better understand the technology we depend on every day. It can help extend the useful life of older computers, introduce alternatives to proprietary software ecosystems, and give people more confidence troubleshooting and maintaining their own technology.

Most importantly, the Linux Workshop creates another opportunity for people to learn from one another.

What Should I Bring?

Bring a laptop if you have one. An older laptop you've been wondering what to do with is especially welcome.

We'll provide USB drives and volunteers to help you experiment.

Don't have a laptop to bring? You're still welcome to stop by, watch, ask questions, and learn alongside us.

Want to Take Linux Home?

If you’d like to leave the Linux Café with your own USB drive so you can keep exploring Linux at home, please let us know when you register! We’ll prepare a take-home Linux USB for everyone who requests one. Signing up in advance helps us know how many drives to purchase and prepare, so please only request one if you plan to take it home and continue your Linux adventures.

A Quick Note About Your Data

For this introductory Linux Café, our goal is exploration rather than permanent installation.

We will not erase your existing operating system or intentionally modify the data stored on your computer. Instead, we'll focus on running Linux temporarily from USB drives.

As with any hands-on computer event, it's always a good idea to have important files backed up before bringing your device.

Want to Help?

The Linux Workshop is powered by neighbors helping neighbors! We’re looking for volunteers who are comfortable with Linux and willing to help attendees explore, troubleshoot, and learn.

We’re also accepting donations of new or gently used USB flash drives that we can prepare with Linux and give to attendees to continue experimenting at home.

Have some Linux knowledge, spare USB drives, or both? We’d love to have you be part of it.