31 Aug 2025
installfest notes
Previously: August 30, 2025: Alameda Linux Installfest
If you missed this one: Endof10 Linux Install Party on Tuesday, October 14 in San Francisco.
We had a Linux installfest at the Alameda Free Library and got a pretty decent turnout. Some of us were there all day and we had people coming in and out as intended. So yay us.
Besides run-of-the-mill laptops, one of our volunteers helped a new user install Linux on a Chromebook (from across the table it looked like the hard part was removing a bunch of screws to put it in developer mode, and then putting all the screws back) and some people brought Steam Decks that already had Linux on them. Thanks to everyone who helped with the event and with getting the word out.
Mailing list thread: [conspire] Linux Installfest in Alameda, Saturday Aug. 30
Reddit: Linux Installfest at the main library, August 30 : r/alameda
The library is considering running a couple of follow-up events. I’ll post here when I know more. I also found out that they have a make your own clothing group on the Alameda Free Library events calendar, which seems promising. The Alameda Linux Installfest Signal group is still up for those who have follow-up questions.
I did find out that this blog is blocked on the library WiFi and I
had to use my local copy to look up the Linux books for
beginners list. At one point I had a meatloaf recipe on here that
was blocked for hacking
…
…but I don’t really know why I’m still blocked (my SPEAKING TRUTH TO
POWER is CENSORED BY THE MAN obviously, but details, not yet) but now as
a Hamilton
fan I really want a mug with as long as he can hold
a pen, he’s a threat
on it. More: Return of the
power user
Bonus links
Developer
Unlocks Newly Enshittified Echelon Exercise Bikes But Can’t Legally
Release His Software by Jason Koebler. Last month, Peloton
competitor Echelon pushed a firmware update to its exercise equipment
that forces its machines to connect to the company’s servers in order to
work properly.
Open
Source is one person by Josh Bressers. If you want to talk about
possible risks to your supply chain, a single maintainer that’s grossly
underpaid and overworked.
(Also see the More talks
section of the ydotool README. Since ydotool has the opportunity
to benefit large IT companies who won’t pay a penny to us, we’ve changed
the license to AGPLv3. These large IT companies are the main cause of
life pressure here, such as the “996” working hours.
) normally I am all meh
on software licenses but when
I see lawyers
for big evil companies clutching their pearls about AGPL it’s hard
not to be an AGPL fan these days.
“For
All Issues So Triable” by Dean W. Ball. (content warning: suicide.
Related: After
teen suicide, OpenAI claims it is helping people when they need it
most
by Benj Edwards, and 31%
of employees are sabotaging
your gen AI strategy by Evan
Schuman. Sounds like an open and shut case for self-defense at this
point. Also related: AI
Slop
Websites Are Publishing Climate Science Denial by Joey
Grostern.)
North
Carolina man sues gaming operators for predatory gambling practices
by Rachael Davies. (This is a good start, but we really need better
right to know
on surveillance advertising practices by gambling
firms. It’s likely that ML somewhere within Meta is learning
to
optimize ad targeting to exploit people with gambling
disorder, which is a documented
health condition for all you state privacy law buffs out there.
More: Do
you have a license for that robot bookie?)
Here
We Go Again: German Courts Reopen The Is Ad Blocking Copyright
Infringement?
Nonsense We Thought We’d Put To Bed by Mike
Masnick. (Personally I’m willing to bet that this is a
Nichtsburger of a case, just by watching who would have already
put themselves at hella risk if Axel Springer had a chance here. Google
has cautious lawyers and also releases their Chrome browser with Heavy Ad
Interventions which is a complete ad blocker but with exception
rules based on CPU and bandwidth used.)