A year ago, we launched the starter kit to help you set up your own Linux Repair Café. Today, more than 160 Repair Cafés around the world are helping visitors to extend the life of their laptops by installing Linux. Our advice is to get in touch with local Linux organisations, as they are eager to help!
One year after the launch of the Linux Repair Café starter kit, there are 165 active Linux Repair Cafés. This figure is steadily increasing. Are you unsure about offering Linux installations for old laptops due to a lack of in-house expertise? If so, rest assured that you don’t have to go it alone. Our Linux starter kit will, of course, help you get started. However, you can also reach out to national organisations dedicated to promoting the use of Linux. They can, for example, help you find expert volunteers.
Remind me, what is Linux?
Linux is an operating system that allows you to use your computer for much longer. This year, Microsoft issued another reminder that it will stop supporting Windows 10 in October 2027. Around the world, approximately 400 million computers cannot be updated to Windows 11, and Linux is the ideal solution. It’s a free and open source, so it’s constantly being developed. It runs faster and is more secure, making you much less dependent on big tech companies. To help reduce electronic waste, more and more Linux Repair Cafés are opening, providing a place where people can get Linux Mint installed on their laptop.
Here’s how to seek out collaboration
Distribution of BuurtLinux in the NetherlandsIn the Netherlands, to involve as many enthusiastic and knowledgeable Linux users as possible, we collaborate with organisations such as the Nederlandse Linux Gebruikers Groep (Dutch Linux User Group). This association is the go-to place for people who enjoy working with Linux. The group has set up BuurtLinux, a network of volunteers who provide free support for using Linux Mint, even after it’s been installed.
Similar clubs of enthusiastic Linux users can be found in other countries. If you run a Repair Café and would like to offer Linux installations but can’t find volunteers to do so, please contact your national Linux user group. Check out the links below — you might be able to collaborate on giving laptops a second life!
More information
- England: UK Linux User Groups, and on November 30, there will be a presentation on the Linux Repair Café during the online UK Repair Café Conference
- Belgium: Linux Mint Belgium (recently launched) and Linux User Groups
- France: AFUL and Alternatiba
- Germany: Linux Guides Community
- Extensive international forum: Linux Mint Forum
Opening photo: Linux Repair Café Ede-Bennekom in the Netherlands
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