1:14 Arch record https://youtu.be/8utpbbdj0LQ (jokes aside the tmux trick is insane didn’t even know you could do that before I saw this video)
They used the regular Anaconda installer (used for Feodra, RHEL and related distros) to install the rootfs from a tarball, even doing a live demo - tha machine was doingn something - the reybooted it into the installer, which wiped the storage, unpacked the tarball and configured the system. After reboot the new system was up, ready to do something else - all in less than 60 seconds, including 2 reboots, back in 2013.
Would it be possible to create a Zorin OS USB drive that after inserting it into the USB drive of a laptop:
The user would get a running Linux, with the UX they know(win 10/11), with full speed and full capabilities - without installation ?
As for the distributions mentioned, the points are definitely sage, but I would argue that the Flatpak-centered Fedora Silverblue is the best distribution for beginners, and that the sentence "...but the system can be potentially more unstable than Debian" is no longer true nowadays.
It was always a pleasure to meet new people and explain how basically "their computer is working" and how they can free from Windows.
The most interested person at that time was a 55 years old woman who knew nothing in computer. I installed Ubuntu on its computer and she came the next year with strong system knowledge for a linux-newbie, and the same laptop... with Debian in it!
I'm also interested in smartphone operating systems like Ubuntu Touch and postmarketOS etc.
- make sure bring extension chords, and make sure you have enough fast wifi for all participants
- bring enough USB-s. Installation on older laptops can take time
- ventoy is useful
- for beginners stick to Fedora/Debian. Popular distros come and go, but these two are constant and will be supported for a long time
- don't give options to beginners if they don't ask for it. You will induce paralysis of choice
- automatic dual boot setup by Debian installer works very well. Partition shrinking on Windows isn't scary as I thought before
- sometimes you can't install BIOS/UEFI drivers without windows (on older devices). You maybe want to do that before installing Linux
- i think it is good to have a windows installation ready. At least for windows boot loader recovery if anything goes bad
- bitLocker can be PITA. Don't lock users device
- after installation update system
- write some material, what-to-do-after-installation guide, and give to participants. Maybe create group on some social network or messaging app
First time users might appreciate seeing the USB drive method since that's probably what they'd attempt next time at home.
For a risk free just trying out, have linux live usb sticks prepared.
aerzen•2mo ago
mentos1386•2mo ago
ubavic•2mo ago