Powering On

The Rockwoods Linux Group started off with a combination of me seeing a lot of discontent about how Microsoft is pushing users into Windows 11, and at the same time seeing an increase in the number of “Linux Installation Parties” in different communities.

I’ve been using Linux off an on for 15 years. When I first started playing with it, it was definitely not what I would call “user-friendly.” Support for Wi-Fi was spotty and required a lot of trial and error, and error, and more error. The Ubuntu distribution came along in 2004 and was my first introduction to a Linux distribution that both worked well after installation, and also looked nice.

Fast forward to 2025, and Linux support for computers (like the aforementioned Wi-Fi) is almost a given, and more and more distros have taken a user-centric focus. Online communities of enthusiasts post pictures of how they’ve customized their computers to look like works of art, and others have Youtube channels where they discuss how they’ve automated their professional and personal workflows. On top of all this, we are living in the age of Generative AI tools like ChatGPT that can help users of all abilities both troubleshoot specific issues, as well as learn how explore even more technical aspects of Linux.

In short, the Linux operating system has become an exemplar of the best of what the culture of Free and Open Source Software has to offer, and I’m excited to meet other members of the community who share in the sense of curiosity and learning.