After the first Linux Install Party went so well, we're going to start doing this on a more regular basis - we're shooting for every two months currently.
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@fennix - Here you go! Let me know if you have any questions or need help along the way!
Tinker ☀️ (@tinker@infosec.exchange)
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
Infosec Exchange (infosec.exchange)
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R relay@relay.an.exchange shared this topic
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@fennix - Here you go! Let me know if you have any questions or need help along the way!
Tinker ☀️ (@tinker@infosec.exchange)
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
Infosec Exchange (infosec.exchange)
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@Nazani - Techs in the Burg seem really cool. I don't know if I've met anyone from there (maybe I have in other settings though). They ought to be able to install Linux onto your system and offer support for it.
If they don't, the next Linux Install Party is on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.
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After the first Linux Install Party went so well, we're going to start doing this on a more regular basis - we're shooting for every two months currently.
Date: Saturday, March 21st 2026
Time: 1:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: Howell Library Branch
Address: 806 Lyons Boulevard, Fredericksburg VA 22406
More Info: https://fxbginstall.party/Fees and Cost: Totally free. This is a library event. We have a couple librarians and a lot of volunteers. No subscriptions. No paid licenses. No tips or donations.
We're offering free installations of Linux Mint Operating System onto any laptop or computer! We're also there to help troubleshoot or offer guidance for previously installed Linux systems.
Long and short, if you:
- Want to use a modern, secure, private, and user friendly operating system that works with almost every laptop and computer made.
- No longer want to pay Microsoft for a license to use their software.
- No longer want to worry about AI and invasive monitoring of your PC.
- Have a perfectly good laptop or computer that you just want to keep using.
- Don't want to have to deal with new updates making your laptop no longer usable.
- Have an older laptop that you want get running again.Join us at the Linux Install Party!
----------
Note: The installation will erase your harddrive and install a clean "factory" installation of Linux onto your computer. Please make backups of any photos or files before bringing your laptop to the party.
Further Note: While we are experts and have a lot of experience doing this, because of the variety of computers out there and the number of variables that exist, the installation may fail. We will do our best and due diligence to get it working. While we expect all installations to succeed, some may not and the attempt may break your laptop. You'll sign a waiver and release form before the installation process. Please participate at your own discretion.
@tinker I want to do this locally in Michigan. What a great idea!
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@tinker I want to do this locally in Michigan. What a great idea!
@rmaloley - Post up when you do! Let us know if you have any questions or need guidance in the mean time!
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@rmaloley - Post up when you do! Let us know if you have any questions or need guidance in the mean time!
@tinker If this gets out of the ideation stage I will! Thanks for leading the way.
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After the first Linux Install Party went so well, we're going to start doing this on a more regular basis - we're shooting for every two months currently.
Date: Saturday, March 21st 2026
Time: 1:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: Howell Library Branch
Address: 806 Lyons Boulevard, Fredericksburg VA 22406
More Info: https://fxbginstall.party/Fees and Cost: Totally free. This is a library event. We have a couple librarians and a lot of volunteers. No subscriptions. No paid licenses. No tips or donations.
We're offering free installations of Linux Mint Operating System onto any laptop or computer! We're also there to help troubleshoot or offer guidance for previously installed Linux systems.
Long and short, if you:
- Want to use a modern, secure, private, and user friendly operating system that works with almost every laptop and computer made.
- No longer want to pay Microsoft for a license to use their software.
- No longer want to worry about AI and invasive monitoring of your PC.
- Have a perfectly good laptop or computer that you just want to keep using.
- Don't want to have to deal with new updates making your laptop no longer usable.
- Have an older laptop that you want get running again.Join us at the Linux Install Party!
----------
Note: The installation will erase your harddrive and install a clean "factory" installation of Linux onto your computer. Please make backups of any photos or files before bringing your laptop to the party.
Further Note: While we are experts and have a lot of experience doing this, because of the variety of computers out there and the number of variables that exist, the installation may fail. We will do our best and due diligence to get it working. While we expect all installations to succeed, some may not and the attempt may break your laptop. You'll sign a waiver and release form before the installation process. Please participate at your own discretion.
@tinker this is great... I wonder if I could setup something like that with a couple of friends in my region? Do you have a return of experience on the typical things that needs to be explained, the usual problems that happen and stuff like that? Hardware things that will definitely not work, typical alternative workflows you share?
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@tinker this is great... I wonder if I could setup something like that with a couple of friends in my region? Do you have a return of experience on the typical things that needs to be explained, the usual problems that happen and stuff like that? Hardware things that will definitely not work, typical alternative workflows you share?
@wowsuchcyber - Absolutely!
So here is a thread on a general how-to: https://infosec.exchange/@tinker/116171867757917404
And here is a thread of the first one we did with lessons learned: https://infosec.exchange/@tinker/115515106175684621
Check through the various hashtags like #installparty and #linuxinstallpary for other folks doing similar things!
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@wowsuchcyber - Absolutely!
So here is a thread on a general how-to: https://infosec.exchange/@tinker/116171867757917404
And here is a thread of the first one we did with lessons learned: https://infosec.exchange/@tinker/115515106175684621
Check through the various hashtags like #installparty and #linuxinstallpary for other folks doing similar things!
@tinker oh wow! Excellent, thanks!
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@tinker oh wow! Excellent, thanks!
@wowsuchcyber - Cheers! Let me know if you have any questions or need guidance in the mean time! Have fun spinning it up!
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@jackson_sweater @tinker @fennix
adding in the free laptops is an excellent goal. reminds me of #freegeek in portland. very likely there is a practically endless supply of "obsolete" (to the corporate world) hardware you can get your hands on, as long as you can convince them your idea is better than a landfill. 🥴 https://www.freegeek.org/
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After the first Linux Install Party went so well, we're going to start doing this on a more regular basis - we're shooting for every two months currently.
Date: Saturday, March 21st 2026
Time: 1:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: Howell Library Branch
Address: 806 Lyons Boulevard, Fredericksburg VA 22406
More Info: https://fxbginstall.party/Fees and Cost: Totally free. This is a library event. We have a couple librarians and a lot of volunteers. No subscriptions. No paid licenses. No tips or donations.
We're offering free installations of Linux Mint Operating System onto any laptop or computer! We're also there to help troubleshoot or offer guidance for previously installed Linux systems.
Long and short, if you:
- Want to use a modern, secure, private, and user friendly operating system that works with almost every laptop and computer made.
- No longer want to pay Microsoft for a license to use their software.
- No longer want to worry about AI and invasive monitoring of your PC.
- Have a perfectly good laptop or computer that you just want to keep using.
- Don't want to have to deal with new updates making your laptop no longer usable.
- Have an older laptop that you want get running again.Join us at the Linux Install Party!
----------
Note: The installation will erase your harddrive and install a clean "factory" installation of Linux onto your computer. Please make backups of any photos or files before bringing your laptop to the party.
Further Note: While we are experts and have a lot of experience doing this, because of the variety of computers out there and the number of variables that exist, the installation may fail. We will do our best and due diligence to get it working. While we expect all installations to succeed, some may not and the attempt may break your laptop. You'll sign a waiver and release form before the installation process. Please participate at your own discretion.
I want to highlight something as it relates to starting up new community groups - whether it be this Linux Install Party or a Food group or whatever...
Folks often worry that they will have to do it all on their own. But I've found that once you get something going, other folks in town will come help out. If you do the work of getting a place, loosely organizing it, and providing the basic tools needed, plenty of folks will show up to lend a hand.
To put it another way, many people are looking for ways to help or to hang out or to just make their town better. And they're just waiting at home for someone to give them something to do.
If you do the part of giving them something to do, they'll help you out.
For example, look at this screenshot. I just posted the Linux Install Party in the town's sub reddit. It was NOT a call for volunteers. It was just a posting about the event and welcoming folks to come hang out.
And someone posted up wanting to help out with the event.
This happens all the time, no matter what type of event. Just put something together. Have a place, a time, and the things you want to do. And others will help you out.
#solarPunk #community #mutualAid
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@Clutha - MacBooks can be wonky when it comes to Linux installs. That said, its totally doable, just takes a bit more work and may need some troubleshooting.
If you end up doing it and need help, post it up and tag me. Either I or someone else in the fediverse will help out!
Here is a solid guide: https://medium.com/@aleksej.gudkov/how-to-run-linux-on-an-old-mac-pro-db5477dd0c9b
Here is another similar guide: https://www.linuxnest.com/how-to-install-linux-on-a-macbook-m1-m2-m3-intel-the-complete-2025-guide/
-
After the first Linux Install Party went so well, we're going to start doing this on a more regular basis - we're shooting for every two months currently.
Date: Saturday, March 21st 2026
Time: 1:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: Howell Library Branch
Address: 806 Lyons Boulevard, Fredericksburg VA 22406
More Info: https://fxbginstall.party/Fees and Cost: Totally free. This is a library event. We have a couple librarians and a lot of volunteers. No subscriptions. No paid licenses. No tips or donations.
We're offering free installations of Linux Mint Operating System onto any laptop or computer! We're also there to help troubleshoot or offer guidance for previously installed Linux systems.
Long and short, if you:
- Want to use a modern, secure, private, and user friendly operating system that works with almost every laptop and computer made.
- No longer want to pay Microsoft for a license to use their software.
- No longer want to worry about AI and invasive monitoring of your PC.
- Have a perfectly good laptop or computer that you just want to keep using.
- Don't want to have to deal with new updates making your laptop no longer usable.
- Have an older laptop that you want get running again.Join us at the Linux Install Party!
----------
Note: The installation will erase your harddrive and install a clean "factory" installation of Linux onto your computer. Please make backups of any photos or files before bringing your laptop to the party.
Further Note: While we are experts and have a lot of experience doing this, because of the variety of computers out there and the number of variables that exist, the installation may fail. We will do our best and due diligence to get it working. While we expect all installations to succeed, some may not and the attempt may break your laptop. You'll sign a waiver and release form before the installation process. Please participate at your own discretion.
@tinker Beware the T2 chipped intel MacBook https://t2linux.org
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I want to highlight something as it relates to starting up new community groups - whether it be this Linux Install Party or a Food group or whatever...
Folks often worry that they will have to do it all on their own. But I've found that once you get something going, other folks in town will come help out. If you do the work of getting a place, loosely organizing it, and providing the basic tools needed, plenty of folks will show up to lend a hand.
To put it another way, many people are looking for ways to help or to hang out or to just make their town better. And they're just waiting at home for someone to give them something to do.
If you do the part of giving them something to do, they'll help you out.
For example, look at this screenshot. I just posted the Linux Install Party in the town's sub reddit. It was NOT a call for volunteers. It was just a posting about the event and welcoming folks to come hang out.
And someone posted up wanting to help out with the event.
This happens all the time, no matter what type of event. Just put something together. Have a place, a time, and the things you want to do. And others will help you out.
#solarPunk #community #mutualAid
@tinker where are these events held? I'd love to be apart of it.
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I want to highlight something as it relates to starting up new community groups - whether it be this Linux Install Party or a Food group or whatever...
Folks often worry that they will have to do it all on their own. But I've found that once you get something going, other folks in town will come help out. If you do the work of getting a place, loosely organizing it, and providing the basic tools needed, plenty of folks will show up to lend a hand.
To put it another way, many people are looking for ways to help or to hang out or to just make their town better. And they're just waiting at home for someone to give them something to do.
If you do the part of giving them something to do, they'll help you out.
For example, look at this screenshot. I just posted the Linux Install Party in the town's sub reddit. It was NOT a call for volunteers. It was just a posting about the event and welcoming folks to come hang out.
And someone posted up wanting to help out with the event.
This happens all the time, no matter what type of event. Just put something together. Have a place, a time, and the things you want to do. And others will help you out.
#solarPunk #community #mutualAid
@tinker This! people can be amazing, the number of times I've seen people come into the repair cafe to get something fixed and then end up helping someone else while they are there is wonderful. Even people who've turned up early and help us set up the space when they could just sit there and wait.
Humans are a lot better than those with a vested interest in keeping us apart would have us think.
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@tinker Beware the T2 chipped intel MacBook https://t2linux.org
@humanhorseshoes - Cheers for the resource! Yeah, Macs can be goofy with Linux.
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@tinker where are these events held? I'd love to be apart of it.
@Kosei - So we're down in Fredericksburg and its held at various library branches. Tomorrows is here: https://www.librarypoint.org/locations/howell/
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I want to highlight something as it relates to starting up new community groups - whether it be this Linux Install Party or a Food group or whatever...
Folks often worry that they will have to do it all on their own. But I've found that once you get something going, other folks in town will come help out. If you do the work of getting a place, loosely organizing it, and providing the basic tools needed, plenty of folks will show up to lend a hand.
To put it another way, many people are looking for ways to help or to hang out or to just make their town better. And they're just waiting at home for someone to give them something to do.
If you do the part of giving them something to do, they'll help you out.
For example, look at this screenshot. I just posted the Linux Install Party in the town's sub reddit. It was NOT a call for volunteers. It was just a posting about the event and welcoming folks to come hang out.
And someone posted up wanting to help out with the event.
This happens all the time, no matter what type of event. Just put something together. Have a place, a time, and the things you want to do. And others will help you out.
#solarPunk #community #mutualAid
addendum; I've tried to start a Good Thing that had worked in a different city and it didn't take in mine. Annoying and slightly embarassing, but hey, I tried.
Turning up and helping in everyone else's trying a thing is really relaxing now.
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addendum; I've tried to start a Good Thing that had worked in a different city and it didn't take in mine. Annoying and slightly embarassing, but hey, I tried.
Turning up and helping in everyone else's trying a thing is really relaxing now.
@clew - Fully get that.
I try to limit my bandwidth and effort at organizing to one or MAYBE two things. Anything else that I do is NOT in a leadership position, hahahaha!
