Skill-Share Workshop: How to switch your PC to Linux

Name: Skill-Share Workshop: How to switch your PC to Linux
Start: 2025-11-22T14:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-11-22T14:30:00+00:00
Location: Fraser House

About

An estimated 40% of PCs still run Windows 10. Many of them don't meet the minimum specs for Windows 11, and what Microsoft wants users to do is trash them and buy a new computer.
We think there is a better way.

Linux-based systems such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint and others have come a long way from when you needed to be a tech geek to understand and run them. For most users, there are in fact very few differences now in the day-to-day use of Linux, and there is much to be gained: It will make you independent from a commercial operating system and allow you to get plenty of good use out of older PCs, saving money and waste.

In this skillshare workshop, we'll look at what Linux is and the main differences to Windows you can expect, how to install it, useful open source apps to replace windows apps, where to find and how to install open source apps, common challenges for people used to Windows, common questions as well as plenty of time for your questions. We'll also go through options for testing Linux before making the final switch.

Do sign up if you're completely new to Linux and need some help and confidence before taking the plunge. Also sign up if you've already tried Linux and ran into some challenges.
If you're already an expert in Linux, please get in touch first and we can explore how you could support the workshop.

You can bring along your laptop to check compatibility and try out Linux (from a bootable usb drive, without affecting your windows installation).

The workshop is hosted by Closing Loops, a FoodFutures project that aims reduce waste and build a regenerative economy in North Lancashire, and LAMM (Lancaster and Morecambe Makers) who run the Lancaster Community Makerspace. With kind support from Fraser House Hub.