What?

Linux is an operating system that runs your hardware. It is a bit like Windows, except that it is not owned by anyone: it is free and open source software, built by and for the community.

Why?

You avoid growing even more dependent on Big Tech

Companies like Microsoft are increasingly nudging us towards more cloud usage and GenAI usage, and they do so by making small changes to its operating system (Windows). Looking at the ease at which Big Tech has bent the knee to the Trump regime, we might want to reduce, rather than increase this dependence. Linux has an important role to pay here.

You have more control

If you want to, Linux can be as easy and “plug and play” as Windows and MacOS. But with Linux there are also infinite possibilities to customize your computer to your own liking. Isn’t it strange that we spend days/weeks customizing our living rooms, but when it comes to our digital spaces - where we also spend considerable time - we just accept whatever companies give us? Make your computer your own!

You learn more about the digital world

Again, if you want to, Linux can be as simple “hands off” as Windows. But moving to Linux is a bit like getting a nice bicycle: the more care you put in, the more joy you find in tinkering with it, and the more you end up learning about it.

You can revive your old laptop

If you have an old laptop that is slowing down, you can substantially speed it up by replacing Windows, which contains a lot of unnecessary software (bloatware), with a light version (“distribution”) of Linux.

It’s fun

There is a growing group of people (staff and students) at AUC that is super happy to help you with any problems you encounter. Together we can help each other escape to a better digital world. However small and local it is (for now)!

Borrow a laptop!

If you want to switch to Linux on your own main computer/laptop, make sure that you have a full backup of your important documents somewhere before coming to the workshop.

If you have an old unused laptop lying around, bring it to the workshop! We might be able to revive it.

If you want to try Linux, but you’re not ready yet to replace your current operating system: we will bring a couple of refurbished laptops that you can take home over the reading week to try things out (first come, first serve).

Looking forward to seeing some of you there!