Lmst

I've been thinking about how I can use my skills to help fight fascism. I keep coming back to helping folks #selfhost and move to #linux which helps us all be more #resilient and less reliant on Big Tech (which funds and drives fascism). I'm a #sysadmin by day and I have lots of experience with #helpdesk tasks like supporting end users with #tech and I think hosting a local #linuxinstallparty might be a great way to help my community. Anyone else in the #twincities of #MN have similar thoughts?

In prep for the Windows 12 rollout, now is a good time to get your town's Linux Install Parties planned and advertised.

Here's my town's https://fxbginstall.party/

Here's a quick how-to guide to spinning one up in your town:

Goals:
- Install Linux on your neighbors' laptops. This preserves older laptops ( #permacomputing #ewaste prevention). This removes people from one part of the surveillance economy. And it saves people money.
- The party should be geared towards NON-TECHIES. This is NOT a Linux Users Group. This is not for enthusiasts. This for folks who just want their computer to work and let them do the basics. Bend the tech to the people, not the people to the tech.

Date and Time:
- Shoot for monthly parties. Try for a specific day of the week. Say the "First Saturday" or "Second Sunday" of every month.
- Easy for folks to remember and if they miss one month, they'll be there the next month
- Try for between two hours to four hours for the event.
- Be consistent. Show up for the full time even if no one shows up. Some times it takes two or three meetings before people start to come regularly.

Location:
- Shoot for a public community area
- The best bet is your local library if they have rooms or conference areas.
- City community centers are good, too
- Also look for religious institutions, civic orgs, or fraternal orgs if need be. It needs to be open to
the public, though, with no requirements to push other agendas on to visitors.

Linux Distro:
- Shoot for a single distro that caters to folks who are new. I usually go for Linux Mint, but go with what you like. Focus on ease of use and familiarity for folks who arent used to Linux or various Desktop Environments.

Waivers & Backups:
- Everyone should sign a waiver. You keep the signed waiver. They can have a copy of the waiver
- Explain that while you and other volunteers will make your best attempt to install Linux, you make no guarantees. You may brick their machine accidentally. And no files that were on the harddrive will remain. Everything will be deleted.
- They should make backups of their files before you start the install process (either online/cloud, or local on a USB)
- Some folks want you to try for a dual-boot, but thats up to you if you want to offer it. Still let them know that you might brick the machine even (especially?) if you try for a dual boot install.
- Example Waiver: https://tldp.org/HOWTO/Installfest-HOWTO/legalprotection.html

Advertisements:
- Create a simple brochure website and fliers with info and time and date
- Use words like "Update to a modern, private, and fast operating system. No monthly subscription. No cost. Volunteers will install for you." Appeal to folks whose laptops cant upgrade. "Can't install Windows 11 or 12? Don't throw your laptop away, install Linux. It's free, up to date, and secure" Etc etc.
- Use your town's local social media (eg Town Subreddit, Online/Offline Classifieds, Library Announcements, Town Events Page)
- Post fliers in various coffee shops, libraries, bars, restrooms, and community centers
- Tell other similar groups (hacker spaces, maker spaces, linux groups, etc) both to spread the word and get volunteers
- Word of Mouth: Just tell everyone you run into. And tell them to tell everyone they know.

What to bring:
- Multiple install media/USBs with your Distro on it to install on the laptops
- A couple "Demo Laptops" with your distro of choice installed for people to try out (install games, office suites, common programs for folks to try it out - aim for what people use so various browsers including Firefox and Chrome, Zoom / Teams, LibreOffice, MS Office on browser, browser games, desktop games, etc)
- Your own laptops to do internet lookups and specialized downloads (weird stuff happens - its good to be prepared)
- Extension cables and power strips
- Cheap USBs for last minute backups prior to installation that folks can take home with them
- Some screwdrivers or tools to open up laptops for light repair if you like

What to do:
- Greet folks as they come in and invite them to try out the demos
- Encourage questions and discussions (AVOID DISTRO FLAME WARS OR WHICH WINDOWS MANAGER BEATS WHAT DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT FOR FUCKS SAKE! THESE ARE NORMAL PEOPLE DONT SCARE THEM AWAY WITH YOUR NERD SHIT!!!!)
- If folks brought laptops for installation explain and have them sign their waivers, make sure they know all files will be deleted, ask if they've made backups, and then install!
- Help folks troubleshoot issues or install programs for those that already have Linux installed and need community support

That's it. Make it a regular occurrence and you'll get folks coming in for fresh installs monthly and to ask for help with previous installs. Also a really chill way to meet other folks and have a lovely afternoon.

If you have any questions, post up in this thread.

If you have any suggestions or tips and tricks that have worked at your own Linux Install Party, share with us as well!

Edit to add: The Windows 12... scare?... seems to be a hoax brought upon by AIslop. But there will be a Win12 at some point, and a 13, and so on. And the recent Win11 forced upgrade is what spurred my group to create a Linux Install Party in the first place. It's always best to have a place for folks to land, one that is already running and well established. So, honestly, still in prep for the Windows12 rollout, whenever it comes, get a Linux Install Party going now.

#ewaste #linuxinstallparty #installparty #solarpunk #windows12 #windows11 #linux

Pour la rencontre mensuelle de ce 5 mars 2026 (entre 19h et 22h) au LgHS, pas d'exposé prévu (sauf peut-être une petite improvisation) mais la discussion est ouverte !
Plus d'infos sur https://lilit.be

#linuxinstallparty #liege #hackerspace #AdieuWindows
https://lghs.be

Gestern am #DiDay haben wir wieder eine #LinuxInstallParty veranstaltet, es war wieder gut besucht! #DiDit :linux:
Und wir haben außerdem fast 10 Unterschriften auf Papier gegen #Office365 in Bayerns Behörden gesammelt.
Teilt bitte die #Petition weiter damit wir #Microsoft aus #Bayern raus bekommen:
https://www.openpetition.de/petition/online/petition-gegen-die-ausstattung-bayerischer-behoerden-mit-microsoft-365 :bayern: ⛓️‍💥

#Linux #Limux #AlternativeFürMicrosoft #unPlugTrump #PiratenMuc #Piraten #DUT

OH: NixOS und Arch nur mit Consent!

#diday #linuxinstallparty

Er der nogen, der ved, om der findes en hjemmeside, hvor jeg kan finde en Linux Install Party i nærheden af mig?

#linux #LinuxInstallParty #DanmarkSkifter

#EdinburghUK - #LinuxInstallParty @ Inverleith St Serfs Church Hall

Sun, 22 Feb • 01:30 PM

2.5 hours

Inverleith St Serf's Church Centre
1A Clark Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Free

"#Edinburgh #LinuxCafé is a group of IT professionals that want to help people save money - and reduce #ElectronicWaste along the way.

We can help you:

- Try out #LinuxMint for the first time without installing anything on your computer
- Install Linux Mint if you decide you want it (You can keep Windows too and then choose which one to start when you turn on the computer)
- Transfer your files
- Install your favourite software and show you how to keep it updated

This is a drop-in event, but we are operating informal time slots to help avoid congestion. Please book a slot below and come along with your laptop or a USB stick.

Things to bear in mind before the event:

- Do backup your personal files
- Do bring along your laptop charger
- If you aren't able to bring your device (e.g. a desktop computer), please bring a USB stick with you so we can put Linux Mint on it for you"

https://allevents.in/edinburgh/linux-install-party-inverleith-st-serfs-church-hall/100001982390933647

#SolarPunkSunday #EndOfWindows10 #Computers #LinuxAssistance #ComputerAssistance #LinuxInstall #ReduceEWaste

Freie Software ist gelebte Solidarität. Und alle können mithelfen. Ein paar Ideen:

Nutzt Freie Software!
Helft weniger erfahrenen Nutzenden geduldig im Hilfeforum!
Sprecht mit anderen über Freie Software, aber missioniert nicht!
Schreibt gute Fehlerberichte in den Issue Tracker und antwortet dort auf Nachfragen!
Zeigt den Programmierenden und den Softwarepflegenden eure Anerkennung!
Spendet für Freie Software!
Veröffentlicht Software unter einer Freien Lizenz!
Helft bei der Dokumentation! Dafür muss man nicht programmieren können.
Übernehmt leichte Aufgaben in Softwareprojekten, sammelt Erfahrungen und bildet euch so weiter! Vielleicht werdet ihr die nächste Maintainerin.

Freie Software ermöglicht informationelle Selbstbestimmung und funktioniert auch dann, wenn die kapitalistische Verwertungslogik keine Anreize bietet und die Politik versagt.

Wir lieben Freie Software und sorgen für ihre Verbreitung bei #LinuxInstallParty⁠s (#EndOf10), #CryptoParty⁠s, #SmartphoneParty⁠s und anderen kostenlosen IT-Sicherheits- und Datenschutz-Workshops.

Und wir betreiben Internetdienste mit Freier Software, z.B. die Mastodon/GlitchSoc-Instanz https://fedifreu.de, auf der auch du einen Account haben darfst.

Heute ist #ILoveFreeSoftwareDay. Wie kannst du die Welt mit Freier Software schöner machen?

#ILoveFS

@cybervegan @NTOY - I gotchu, fam

https://web.archive.org/web/20190725063027/https://www.angelfire.com/linux/linuxitna/InstallFest_Waiver.html

(Note this is just an example waiver. I think the one we used was a little bit different. I think we used something along these lines: https://tldp.org/HOWTO/Installfest-HOWTO/legalprotection.html )

#linux #linuxInstallParty #installParty #solarPunk

A (mini) Linux Install Party está de volta! 🐧

Este semestre, teremos mais uma sessão onde os teus colegas mais velhos te ajudarão na instalação dual boot de Ubuntu 24.04 (juntamente com Windows).
No dia 18 de fevereiro, às 18:00h vem a esta party destinada a todos os curiosos por tecnologia!

Dia 📆 18/02/2026
Hora 🕥 : 18:00h
Sala 📍:Anf IV
Inscrição ❗ : Só aparecer na sala, no dia e horas indicado.

Ps: The cake is a lie.

Ilustração por Ana Santos.

#lip25 #glua #ua #linux #ubuntu #aettua #linuxinstallparty #deti #aveiro

Zeit für ein wenig #LinuxFun mit dem Pinguin #tux

DER #STANDARD berichtet: "#Windows11 ist kaputt: #Microsoft verspricht große Fehlerkorrektur"

Der Microsoft-Präsident für Windows und Geräte, Pavan Davuluri verspricht ein Reparaturprogramm für Windows 11.

Unsere #KI hat das Bild des Standards ein wenig der #Endof10 , ähm #Endof11 Kampagne angepasst.

Mensch Microsoft - strengt euch endlich an!

https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000306516/windows-11-ist-kaputt-microsoft-verspricht-grosse-fehlerkorrektur

#AdieuWindows #Linux #LinuxInstallParty #FreeSoftware

Auf dem satirisch ergänzten Bild sieht man eine Präsentation von Pavan Davuluri, der laut dem STANDARD ein Reparaturprogramm für Windows 11. verspricht (AFP/JASON REDMOND). Auf dem Bild sind Ergänzungen vorgenommen worden: Man sieht den Linux-Pinguin Tux mit Schraubenschlüssel und Werkzeugkasten, sowie den Slogan "Linux will fix it,".
Davuluri werden in einer Sprechblase folgende Worte in den Mund gelegt: "We proudly present the solution to repair the unusable Windows 11:
Mr. Tux from the Linux team will help you install Linux, and you'll be rid of your worries for good!" Deutsch: "Wir präsentieren stolz die Lösung, um das unbrauchbar entwickelte Windows 11 zu reparieren: Mr. Tux vom Linux-Team wird Ihnen helfen Linux zu installieren und Sie sind ihre Sorgen für alle Zeiten los!"

Gestern war es soweit: Wir hatten die erste Anschlussveranstaltung für eine #LinuxInstallParty in der #KlimaWerkStadt, um nach den Installationen und etwas Eingewöhnungszeit noch offene Fragen und Probleme zu besprechen.
Danke für das Interesse, sich mehr mit #Linux zu beschäftigen, und danke an die Helfenden!
Wir hatten sechs Gäst*innen, denen wir dabei geholfen haben, ihre Computer mit frischen Linux-Installationen länger zu benutzen.

RE: https://muenchen.social/@piraten_muc/115961524102186208

Danke für das zahlreiche erscheinen, wir hatten viele interessierte Gäste🚀🐧 und Gespräche und es war sogar ein Pressevertreter dem ich ein Interview gegeben habe da ;D
Von @lora924 zum nachhören hier: https://lora924.de/podpress/magazin-mo-fr/

#LinuxInstallParty #DiDay #DUT #DiDit #München #PiratenMuc #PiratenMünchen #Piraten #Piratenpartei

Hier gehts zur #LinuxInstallParty 🎉🚀

#München #MessestadtOst #Messestadt_Ost

Eingang zum Saal, am RioGrande Bücherschrank vorbei, links!

Blick von der U-Bahn Messestadt Ost, zur Willy-Brandt-Allee 30, München

Today we did a #linuxinstallparty at the IT club.

https://www.ideal35.fr/

I helped a lady install #Debian. A colleague helped someone install #Mint, and another installed Mint on his own. My wife helped someone get to grips with #Ubuntu, and afterwards I tweaked Debian to make sure the splash screen runs over the text messages.

Not bad even if we had to fight with the BIOS to get into some of the systems.

@vegos_f06 Mobilizon verwendet ActivityPub, klar kannst du denen Folgen(zumindest den Organisationen) und die Termine Liken/Teilen/usw., direktlinks zu den nächsten 3 Terminen in München:
#Fediverse Info am 01.02.: https://termine.di.day/events/51550ac5-a112-47c9-8110-2241b19f32fb
#LinuxInstallParty am 01.02.: https://termine.di.day/events/f08357c5-cf9d-494f-a1ab-647f77ef605a
#Linux Präsentation 23.02.: https://termine.di.day/events/2fc89123-3742-4839-a3db-51a353b56d33

@stuwerkmuc

La rencontre mensuelle du jeudi 5 février 2026 (entre 19h et 22h) au LgHS sera l'occasion d'un petit exposé sur les distributions Linux, que vous pouvez également suivre la veille au Café Crypté(https://crypto.bawet.org/).
Plus d'infos sur https://lilit.be

#linuxinstallparty #liege #hackerspace #AdieuWindows
https://lghs.be