[GLLUG] GLLUG still alive?

[Chris Bell]

On Tuesday, 13 August 2024 21:30:12 BST Christopher Hunter via GLLUG wrote:
> On 13/08/2024 17:52, Polarian via GLLUG wrote:
> >> I think the main problem is that Linux has both become mainstream
> >> enough that help is available through many other channels, and also
> >> complex/fragmented enough that a general Linux mailing list may not
> >> be the best place to get help.
> > 
> > I believe this is still untrue.
> > 
> > You will very rarely find any Linux/FOSS enthusiasts if you pop to the
> > local boozer (I am yet to hear any techy convos :P), or even at
> > University, very few people know what Linux is at my University, and
> > only a few have started using it since they started. And this is within
> > computer science, where you would expect to find Linux users, in other
> > subjects where people who may be interested in Linux/FOSS but studying
> > say mathematics, or maybe literature, they will be even less likely to
> > bump into another Linux user.
> > 
> > It has become much more mainstream online sure, but locally?
> 
> In my new locale, it seems that there is a preponderance of oldster
> Linux users.  Most got there by becoming disillusioned with the dreadful
> proprietary OSs, and we have a local OAP computing group who only use
> Linux (predominantly "Mint")!  I was pleased to discover that our local
> library has a reasonable supply of books on Linux and Linux applications.
> 
> The spectacularly widespread use of "Android" phones and tablets has
> pushed Linux into the mainstream.  Its widespread use in embedded
> systems, routers, and so on has also brought it to wider attention. 
> Widespread adoption in business is now happening, and as Windows 10
> support dies out next year, and >90% of hardware isn't equipped with
> TCMs, (so can't "upgrade" or install Windows 11), businesses and home
> users are looking for ways to keep their hardware working and fully
> supported.  This forthcoming Windows debacle will prove interesting for
> the major Distros - they're going to be inundated with new users!
> 
> As mentioned earlier, LUGs are becoming redundant.  It's wonderful to
> have an option for support with the more abstruse aspects of our
> favourite OS, but there are various Distro-based fora that supply this
> support very effectively.  However, I really wouldn't want mailing lists
> like this to die out altogether!
> 
> Cheers
> 
> Chris (in Limburg, NL)

Years ago, school curriculum's were changed, and pupils were not taught how 
computers work again until recently. Now many new users are learning how to 
program using Debian Linux and RaspberryPi computers, joining beginner clubs, 
and progressing to general computing. They may again want to learn more 
advanced techniques and security.

-- 
Chris Bell
www.chrisbell.org.uk