Free Linux Install Meetup — Apr 11
Join our community Linux install party on April 11, 2026 — bring a laptop and curiosity. Volunteers will help install and configure a friendly Linux Mint distro and get you up and running.
Location: Haney Conference — 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Seats are limited to 14; please reserve via the Contact page to guarantee a seat.
Our mission
We are evangelists for bringing Linux to Northwest Arkansas (NW Arkansas). Our mission is to make reliable, private, and affordable computing accessible to people and organizations across our community.
We do provide paid services and appreciate the support, but we’re also happy to help people even when no payment is exchanged. We’re friendly, patient, and committed to helping you get working, sensible systems.
How it works
We follow a simple, careful process: assess, backup, install & configure, verify, and hand off a short guide. For full details see the How it works page.
What makes Linux different from Windows/Mac
Linux is an operating system that runs on a wide range of hardware and is generally more flexible and adaptable than some proprietary systems. When Windows introduced stricter hardware requirements for newer versions, some users found they needed newer machines to upgrade; Linux often continues to run on older hardware.
After Windows 10 reached end of support, typical choices include:
- Buy a new computer that meets newer Windows requirements
- Continue running Windows 10 (without security updates)
- Attempt workarounds (not recommended — may cause instability or void warranties)
- Switch to Linux
Some common concerns people raise about proprietary platforms:
- Forced updates that can be disruptive or create compatibility issues
- Bundled features or services (including AI components) that may change the user experience
- Features that can capture usage data or screen contents for diagnostics; this raises privacy questions for some users
- Telemetry and data-collection practices that some users find intrusive
Linux is free and open source, focusing on transparency, customization, and efficiency. A broad community contributes to distributions, which results in many choices and active maintenance.
"Open source" means the source code is available for inspection, modification, and redistribution. Projects like Linux Mint and Ubuntu are examples of community-driven distributions. Linux Mint is a user-friendly distribution that started as a derivative of Ubuntu; Ubuntu itself began as a community and company-backed distribution based on Debian. Some companies earn revenue by offering services around these projects while still contributing back to the community.
In short: installing Linux gives you more control over your computer — you can inspect and modify the system, choose what runs on it, and avoid vendor lock-in if that matters to you.
Common questions
Does Linux work like Windows?
Each distribution has its own desktop environment, but they all have a taskbar, file manager, and app launcher. It’s not identical to Windows, but it’s similar enough to be intuitive. We’ll cover the differences in the handoff session.
No matter how much the desktop looks like Windows, it’s not the same. Linux is a different operating system with a different underlying architecture. There will be a learning curve, but it’s worth it.
Will I lose my files?
The short answer is YES. That is why it is very important to have a good backup plan.
Does Linux update require a reboot and can you control when it will reboot?
Linux updates do not require a reboot, but some updates may require a reboot to take effect. You can control when to reboot, and you will be notified when a reboot is required. You can also choose to install updates manually or automatically.
Is Linux faster than Windows on the same hardware?
Yes and no. Linux and Windows benchmarks show they run neck and neck with each other. However, Linux is more efficient with resources, so it can run faster on older hardware. Also, Windows has a lot of bloatware that slow it down. While it may not be faster, it is more efficient to the point you can tell the difference.
Can you run Windows applications on Linux?
Some Windows applications can run on Linux using compatibility layers like Wine, but it’s not guaranteed. We’ll help you find Linux alternatives for your essential apps, and if you have specific Windows-only applications, we can discuss options like web apps, virtual machines, or dual-boot setups.
Can I still use Microsoft Office?
Many people use LibreOffice. If you need Microsoft Office specifically, options include Office web apps, a Windows VM, or keeping Windows for the few apps that require it. We’ll choose what fits your workflow.
What about printers and scanners?
Most work well on Linux, especially common HP, Brother, Canon, etc. If a device is tricky, I’ll test drivers, CUPS setup, and alternatives.
Do you support businesses?
Yes—small office setups, workstations, basic networking, backups, user accounts, and ongoing maintenance. Remote support is available.