Windows updates got you down?

Old laptop in need of new life?

Curious about penguins?

This week we'll be kicking off the first of hopefully many technical workshops, and our first one is

Installing Linux on Older Hardware on Monday 6th October!

While Microsoft seems to be caving at the last minute with the extension of Windows 10 support, it serves to highlight how quickly even relatively new, perfectly functional hardware can be left behind.

Many old laptops and computers are generally completely fine, yet the mounting e-waste crisis continues as support for older platforms is dropped.

Enter Linux on the desktop.

Linux is not yet a household name in the same way as Windows or MacOS, yet it has a lot to offer those looking to keep hardware running and useful.

With mountains of configuration options, efficient and powerful software, and endless customisability that puts the control of your machine firmly in your hands, it's perfect for anyone looking to rebuild their relationship with technology (plus it has a cute mascot!)

If you have a computer or laptop that you'd like to try Linux out on, bring it along to our Monday session on October 6th! Please also bring a usb flash drive if you have one available. We'll be spending the session installing and taking you through the basics of how to use Linux on the desktop, how to install applications, and how you can start making it your day-to-day computer.

Please note that the installation will overwrite all contents of your hard drive and the usb drive, so make sure all important documents have been copied off the computer you're bringing as they will not be retrievable afterwards

If you want to read up ahead of the workshop to get an idea of what Linux has to offer you and what to expect, see our explainer doc here: https://www.are.na/block/40054406