Do you have an old laptop that you do not know what to do with? Are you a Windows or Mac user that is tired of forced upgrades that bog your old hardware down? Sick of new AI assistants taking up space on your Laptop? Frustrated seeing older but perfectly useable laptops destroyed or recycled because Microsoft or Apple no longer provide security updates? Then join us for our first ever Linux install party, in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Linux is a free and open-source operating system that is gaining traction across the globe as a competitor to Windows and Apple operating systems. Linux comes with very useable everyday applications for sending emails, writing and editing documents, managing media, and more, just like any other operating system you're used to. 

Linux operating systems do not embed or use AI, they run well on older machines, and require less processing power, so it's a great way to feel like you're getting a snappy, new computer, for free!  

Here's what we plan to do in this workshop: 

• bring in your old laptop and we will help you to install Linux on it (we will provide the installation files for you)
• Do our best to troubleshoot and fix any troublesome installations
• Discuss the basics of how to use your new Linux operating system 
• Eat snacks (some provided) and have some laughs together 

Prerequisites for attendance: 

• Accept that we could end up breaking your computer. This is always a possibility with any new operating system installation. 
• Make sure that the laptop you bring in can power up and is otherwise functional, meaning that you can log into it and use it. 
• Laptops only: no desktop computers (at least for this first event).
• Windows laptops or older Mac laptops with Intel processors only. If your Mac laptop was made before 2020, it will have an Intel processor. Not sure what you have? See this Apple help page for details. 
• Accept that will be overwriting/deleting your old operating system with Linux. For those in the know, we will not be doing dual-boot installations. 
• Bring in your laptop's charger cable and make sure it is functional prior to showing up. 
• Finally, and this is important: be sure to save/back-up any files, folders, images, movies, etc. prior to showing up. Installing Linux will erase all the files, folders, and other content currently stored on your computer.