Local Linux Community

[James Aaron]

I think forums, irc, google etc are great resources, however, I've been looking to start something local. I'm currently based in Columbia MO, which is a university town. Naturally one would look to a university for some kind of users group, but I've found that the university is extremely hard to navigate from the outside. Furthermore, I have an ambition for a project that's a little more than a user's group. I'd like to see open source computer labs, (much the same way people have community access television) that would offer an open place to discover open source. Linux is a community resource after all, but it's still a bit obscure.

I don't think I would have to sell a Linux forum on why a Windows computer lab as one might find at a local library is insufficient, though I imagine if I start talking about it more and more I might draw a few blank stares. I'm probably going to email the Free Software Foundation, would anyone know of people starting projects like this and where I might go for information.

Thanks.

 

[ryanvade]

I really like your idea. I am attending SIUE and unfortunately the university uses Windows and OS X. Very disappointing. Its great you want to take this initiative.

Anyway, I don't know of any particular group that focuses on freeing computer labs. The FSF would probably be best.
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/malware-microsoft.html

Good luck in your endeavors.

 

[MikeyD]

User groups may not be your ultimate goal, but they will be a great way to meet similar people in your area to jumpstart your idea.

I'd recommend checking out http://www.meetup.com/
Its not a dating website although the name sounds like one , but there are a lot of tech-based user groups you can get involved in to start meeting people. I know I signed up for a Python user group in my areas there