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We need to look good in 2025. Given that we have more important things to worry about such as the aggressive stance made by big tech, the rise of AI or the fact AI is being put in to everything, the fact user choice is being impacted or appears on the surface it is.
BTW I am not Anti AI, In some cases I object to it being shoved in to everything without much choice. From a science viewpoint it is great for analyzing data, but science doesn't seem to be taking away human oversight.
Paul On 17/09/2025 16:35, John Harris via list wrote:
And in that same vein, it gives a good look for a LUG to be sufficiently flexible that it doesn't just say "you're in the wrong place, this is Linux only". Approachable regardless of focus. We're Linux users but that doesn't mean selectively unhelpful and I have confidence we're not.On 17/09/2025 15:18, Paul Sutton via list wrote:Hi JohnYou raise a good point here, and I feel as a LUG we can be a force for good on this one. without risking becoming a Windows support group, we can support free software that runs on Windows, but also give impartial advice as to what people could do.This is important for people who may struggle with a new system, may not want to upgrade, have specific software they have working (even games) and importantly may not want to save all their data to the cloud.A lot of places that offer training / advice are Windows only and will probably give advice to that effect i.e do without support or upgrade or buy new hardware, but if we can give more options that is a good thing.There are also people here who do IT support as part of their jobs, I am sure they won't object to a few clients in sent their direction.I don't mind helping people, but am more comfortable helping via the list or chat, as that way my answer is scrutinized by others, and a better / alternative answer given if needed.Paul On 17/09/2025 11:05, John Harris via list wrote:There will as you say be a huge number of laptops and desktops incapable of using a Microsoft released OS. The Register mentioned 600k in Britain of I read it right. For those who won't there's tiny10 which I've put on two machines so far for people who balk. But as Linux machines they'd be a major addition and often fairly recent.On 17 September 2025 07:22:07 UTC, zleap via list <list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:Just giving this a mention I think with Windows 10 hitting End of Support (October 14) and both Recall and CoPilot being forced in to Windows 11, people, even Windows users are just getting fed up and some are looking at moving to Linux. We do have a window of opportunity to switch people over or at least help them avoid buying new hardware (which they may not be able to afford) If nothing else, it is about being able to have that conversation. This should not be about trying to impose Linux based systems on people, or we will be just as bad as Microsoft, but giving people a choice, so they don't have to fork out on a new computer, so that a sales person gets a bonus, it is also about saving perfectly good computers from being thrown away. Given the cost of living crisis we are facing, I feel people will appreciate that. It does go without saying that the scammers will be planning their moves around. Paul
-- Paul Sutton, Cert Cont Sci (Open) https://zleap.net/ Mastodon : @zleap@xxxxxxxx -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG FAQ: https://www.dcglug.org.uk/faq/