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Re: Replacing discord...

by Chuck Anderson

Signal is too much--I have thousands of unread messages, most of which were sent by 2 people. Signal is for real-time conversations (like IRC), not discussions to be read at leisure (like email lists or forums). Fedora uses Discourse (not Discord). Maybe that's worth investigating? I've been mostly able to live with its email integration. "https://www.discourse.org/about Open source at heart Discourse has been open source since 2013, with our full codebase on GitHub. Your community data is never locked into a proprietary system; you can self-host, migrate away if your needs change, or customize the platform in ways closed software won't allow. Hundreds of developers have contributed security patches, accessibility improvements, and new features over the years. It's how we believe community software should be built." On Tue, Feb 10, 2026 at 05:20:16PM -0500, John Stoffel via WLUG wrote: > >>>>> "eroc1990" == eroc1990 <eroc1990(a)protonmail.com> writes: > > Did you read the article i posted? Part of the issue is CSAM being > pushed into matrix servers and the management was hard to make work. > But maybe that's gotten better and if we ran our own server it > wouldn't be a problem? > > Something to talk about for sure on thursday. I'm not up on these > tools at all, but I do want to make sure that email chats and signal > chats are shared widely as possible. > > And one of the choices I failed to list is: > > - instant messages (signal) > - email threads. > > Those are two aspects. When I got home sunday and found 130+ messages > in signal to catch up on, it was pretty funny. But did I really need > to read them all? Maybe. Did I enjoy it? Enventually once I read > them. > > But I like the mailing list and how I don't need to be watching it > constantly, nor do I get dinged with notifications. Whcih is both > good and bad. LOL! > > John > > > > I feel like the obvious winner in this case would be Matrix. Synapse > > can be a bit of a bear to set up, but you get E2EE in both 1:1 and > > Rooms, things can be organized into Spaces and you're able to freely > > join and leave any room or space that's irrelevant to > > you. Administration isn't all that bad when you're running a Private > > server, but it comes with costs in terms of the resources needed to > > store and serve the various components of Matrix. Would be curious > > if anyone has any proclivities toward another service with similar > > offerings. > > > > > On Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 3:49 PM, John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > > >> > >> Hi all, > >> A bunch of us are also chatting on signal (look in the email archives > >> for a link to join!) and I feel like we're leaving the email forum > >> users behind. > >> > >> And we need to keep the WLUG community working together and sharing > >> together, no matter what their systems or resources are. > >> > >> I found this interesting article on replacing discord with something > >> new. > >> > >> https://taggart-tech.com/discord-alternatives/ > >> > >> And I thought we as a group show evaluate some of these options as > >> well. In order of requirements I think: > >> > >> > >> - needs to be open > >> - WLUG needs to control the data > >> - needs to have clients across a swath of systems. > >> - web based > >> - CLI / plain text based > >> - Apple/Android clients. > >> - searchable > >> - able to organize a bit into channels. > >> - announcements > >> - regular chat > >> - questions or howtos > >> > >> Right now I enjoy the signal chat and how free form it is, but since I > >> can only read it on my phone because getting a CLI client working is a > >> pain... and I don't want to install the signal app on my work > >> laptop. > >> > >> So what do people think?

Feb. 11, 2026

Re: Replacing discord...

by John Stoffel

>>>>> "eroc1990" == eroc1990 <eroc1990(a)protonmail.com> writes: Did you read the article i posted? Part of the issue is CSAM being pushed into matrix servers and the management was hard to make work. But maybe that's gotten better and if we ran our own server it wouldn't be a problem? Something to talk about for sure on thursday. I'm not up on these tools at all, but I do want to make sure that email chats and signal chats are shared widely as possible. And one of the choices I failed to list is: - instant messages (signal) - email threads. Those are two aspects. When I got home sunday and found 130+ messages in signal to catch up on, it was pretty funny. But did I really need to read them all? Maybe. Did I enjoy it? Enventually once I read them. But I like the mailing list and how I don't need to be watching it constantly, nor do I get dinged with notifications. Whcih is both good and bad. LOL! John > I feel like the obvious winner in this case would be Matrix. Synapse > can be a bit of a bear to set up, but you get E2EE in both 1:1 and > Rooms, things can be organized into Spaces and you're able to freely > join and leave any room or space that's irrelevant to > you. Administration isn't all that bad when you're running a Private > server, but it comes with costs in terms of the resources needed to > store and serve the various components of Matrix. Would be curious > if anyone has any proclivities toward another service with similar > offerings. > On Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 3:49 PM, John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: >> >> Hi all, >> A bunch of us are also chatting on signal (look in the email archives >> for a link to join!) and I feel like we're leaving the email forum >> users behind. >> >> And we need to keep the WLUG community working together and sharing >> together, no matter what their systems or resources are. >> >> I found this interesting article on replacing discord with something >> new. >> >> https://taggart-tech.com/discord-alternatives/ >> >> And I thought we as a group show evaluate some of these options as >> well. In order of requirements I think: >> >> >> - needs to be open >> - WLUG needs to control the data >> - needs to have clients across a swath of systems. >> - web based >> - CLI / plain text based >> - Apple/Android clients. >> - searchable >> - able to organize a bit into channels. >> - announcements >> - regular chat >> - questions or howtos >> >> Right now I enjoy the signal chat and how free form it is, but since I >> can only read it on my phone because getting a CLI client working is a >> pain... and I don't want to install the signal app on my work >> laptop. >> >> So what do people think? >> >> John >> _______________________________________________ >> WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org >> Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ >> Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ >> Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/XQDKN… >>

Feb. 10, 2026

Re: Replacing discord...

by eroc1990

I feel like the obvious winner in this case would be Matrix. Synapse can be a bit of a bear to set up, but you get E2EE in both 1:1 and Rooms, things can be organized into Spaces and you're able to freely join and leave any room or space that's irrelevant to you. Administration isn't all that bad when you're running a Private server, but it comes with costs in terms of the resources needed to store and serve the various components of Matrix. Would be curious if anyone has any proclivities toward another service with similar offerings. On Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 3:49 PM, John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > > Hi all, > A bunch of us are also chatting on signal (look in the email archives > for a link to join!) and I feel like we're leaving the email forum > users behind. > > And we need to keep the WLUG community working together and sharing > together, no matter what their systems or resources are. > > I found this interesting article on replacing discord with something > new. > > https://taggart-tech.com/discord-alternatives/ > > And I thought we as a group show evaluate some of these options as > well. In order of requirements I think: > > > - needs to be open > - WLUG needs to control the data > - needs to have clients across a swath of systems. > - web based > - CLI / plain text based > - Apple/Android clients. > - searchable > - able to organize a bit into channels. > - announcements > - regular chat > - questions or howtos > > Right now I enjoy the signal chat and how free form it is, but since I > can only read it on my phone because getting a CLI client working is a > pain... and I don't want to install the signal app on my work > laptop. > > So what do people think? > > John > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/XQDKN… >

Feb. 10, 2026

Replacing discord...

by John Stoffel

Hi all, A bunch of us are also chatting on signal (look in the email archives for a link to join!) and I feel like we're leaving the email forum users behind. And we need to keep the WLUG community working together and sharing together, no matter what their systems or resources are. I found this interesting article on replacing discord with something new. https://taggart-tech.com/discord-alternatives/ And I thought we as a group show evaluate some of these options as well. In order of requirements I think: - needs to be open - WLUG needs to control the data - needs to have clients across a swath of systems. - web based - CLI / plain text based - Apple/Android clients. - searchable - able to organize a bit into channels. - announcements - regular chat - questions or howtos Right now I enjoy the signal chat and how free form it is, but since I can only read it on my phone because getting a CLI client working is a pain... and I don't want to install the signal app on my work laptop. So what do people think? John

Feb. 10, 2026

Reminder: WLUG Meeting Feb 12th, 2026: Topic: DNS Interception.

by Tim Keller

Hey Everybody, We've got a meeting! Date/Time: February 12th, 2026 @ 7PM Location: Technocopia, 44 Portland St. Worcester MA Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA Topic: DNS Interception. Speaker: Steve Thibault At every turn, companies are looking for ways to monetize data. It should be no surprise that DNS is one of these. Recently a fellow WLUG member Steve Thibault discovered that their upstream provider was intercepting his DNS queries and worked to fight against this. Steve is going to tell us his story of how he discovered what his provider was doing and what he did to foil their prying eyes. As usual, after the meeting we'll head out for dinner and keep the conversation going! Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Feb. 10, 2026

First WLUG meeting of the year!! January 8th 2026 @ 7PM Location: Technocopia!

by Tim Keller

Hey Everybody! This is our first WLUG meeting of the year! Date & Time: 1/8/26 @ 7PM Location: Technocopia, 44 Portland St. Worcester MA Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA Topic: Still figuring that out! Got ideas let me know. At a minimum we'll talk about what we want to talk about this year. Looking at the signal chat we can have a more thorough talk about BcacheFS vs OpenZFS vs. Btrfs. I can give people an update with my wife and her fun with Bazzite. I'm hoping I can get my hands on a couple pieces of identical laptop hardware and do a head to head performance test of CachyOS vs. some other distro to show off the greatness or lack thereof of the BORE (Burst-Oriented Response Enhancer) scheduler. We can talk about the Helium browser vs. Chromium vs. Chrome.. Lots to talk about. As usual we'll head out for dinner afterwards and we'll keep the conversation going! Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Jan. 5, 2026

Re: WLUG MEETING TONIGHT!

by Evan White

> It all went too fast for me. I thought 'git' was for multi-programmer > group projects. Do you use it just to keep track of versions of > your own project? I have used git for solo projects or those in a group or organization. Jujutsu effectively extended the capabilities of Git to allow me to handcraft the recent version history, for the sake of better organization for myself, or making it easier for others to review. This is especially important now that algorithms (Claude, etc.) are writing a lot of my revisions. I need to be able to, e.g. combine a messy log of changes made in separate revisions during experimentation, and split it up into a clean and well-reviewed series of revisions. Once some revisions get pushed to the trunk, they become 'immutable' in Jujutsu, so nobody can go rewriting the history of the trunk. All of this was already possible in Git, and many Git power users suffered the roundabout way of doing these things. Jujutsu made it straightforward by removing the working tree and staging area of git, such that you are always editing a revision that is synchronized continuously with the filesystem, and allowing arbitrary revisions to be directly operated on with a rich set of tools. > Now I ask: Can I get a root shell? > Is Linux just hidden, or is it broken and forbidden? In Android, there are third-party facilities to give root access to apps, and one of those apps could be a terminal. Termux is one such app that is like a container without root which uses Debian packaging in it (Android is not natively capable of it). Termux can elevate to root access over all of Android if your installation allows it. The Android ecosystem, its graphical shell, and its application paradigm are generally much different from the free & open Linux ecosystem. Most vendors (smartphone manufacturers, etc.) default install of Android do not allow root access to apps, and you usually need third-party modifications to access root, or an unlocked bootloader to install an open version of Android for that platform if one even exists. > Would it be easier to install Debian on an Android machine than a Windows machine? > Are BIOS passwords a problem? That's a big issue, and it's even worse than a BIOS password; it's usually a fully locked bootloader. As far as I can tell, the smartphone ecosystem upon which Android is built was never really designed to be open and standardized like PCs were, and it was more profitable or "secure" for this to be the status quo. Since Windows machines are x86 PCs without locked bootloaders (at least for now), it will be much easier to install Debian with root on them. Android can permit you to use a Debian-like environment in a container app like Termux. Some manufacturers are making Linux-friendly smartphones, but if you're weighing the options between Android and Windows, I assume you are looking at small laptops. ________________________________ From: Keith Wright via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 10:32 PM To: Worcester Linux Users' Group General Discussion <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> Cc: Keith Wright <kwright(a)keithdiane.us> Subject: [WLUG] WLUG MEETING TONIGHT! >>Join the signal chat for more details. >> Thanks, Tim.A steve--- via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > how does one join the signal chat? I was about to ask the same question, but I thought I didn't need to, since somebody had already asked it. John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > Yeah, I don't know either for some reason. And is it private to WLUG > only or can we put details onto the web page? But now two people have asked and nobody answered. So: How is it done? Is this the same "signal" that the Secretary of Undeclared War got in trouble for using? ---------- Evan White via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > We had a great discussion mostly about Jujutsu, and the philosophy of > Git commit organization, ... , etc. It all went too fast for me. I thought 'git' was for multi-programmer group projects. Do you use it just to keep track of versions of your own project? ---------- Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > Topic: National Right to Repair day > Speaker: Jack Frimet from PIRG. > > Jack Frimet from PIRG reached out to me and asked that he speak at this meeting. PIRG > is an organization that among many other causes is advocating at the national level for > the right to repair. As we are all aware, with Win10 reaching EOL, this is causing a > tsunami of e-waste as people are forced to upgrade to run Win11. I was not clear if they are expecting people to bring old computers to have Linux installed, or if I can just give cash and get an old computer. Also I asked whether Android was Linux hidden behind a "user interface". People seemed to agree that that was about right. Now I ask: Can I get a root shell? Is Linux just hidden, or is it broken and forbidden? I am looking for a extra "back-up" laptop. Would it be easier to install Debian on an Android machine than a Windows machine? Are BIOS passwords a problem? -- Keith _______________________________________________ WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/QGC2Z…

Dec. 24, 2025

Re: cool hw probe/info command: inxi

by eroc1990

For other recentish Windows expats like me that miss hwinfo64, I recently discivered OCCT (https://www.ocbase.com/download) It's a good way to get similar information out of a GUI like hwinfo64 presented. -------- Original Message -------- On Monday, 12/15/25 at 08:25 Chuck Anderson via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: Another one I've seen going around on the forums: fastfetch It shows a cute color ASCII logo of your OS followed by system info. Here is the Fedora logo: .',;::::;,'. .';:cccccccccccc:;,. .;cccccccccccccccccccccc;. .:cccccccccccccccccccccccccc:. .;ccccccccccccc;.:dddl:.;ccccccc;. .:ccccccccccccc;OWMKOOXMWd;ccccccc:. .:ccccccccccccc;KMMc;cc;xMMc;ccccccc:. ,cccccccccccccc;MMM.;cc;;WW:;cccccccc, :cccccccccccccc;MMM.;cccccccccccccccc: :ccccccc;oxOOOo;MMM000k.;cccccccccccc: cccccc;0MMKxdd:;MMMkddc.;cccccccccccc; ccccc;XMO';cccc;MMM.;cccccccccccccccc' ccccc;MMo;ccccc;MMW.;ccccccccccccccc; ccccc;0MNc.ccc.xMMd;ccccccccccccccc; cccccc;dNMWXXXWM0:;cccccccccccccc:, cccccccc;.:odl:.;cccccccccccccc:,. ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc:'. :ccccccccccccccccccccccc:;,.. ':cccccccccccccccc::;,. On Sun, Dec 14, 2025 at 03:51:51PM -0500, John Stoffel via WLUG wrote: > >>>>> "Doug" == Doug Mildram via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > > > If this is already familiar to most/all of you pardon my excitement! > > Nope, very first time I've heard of this! I usually use just the > basics: > > lshw > lspci > blkid > lsscsi > lsusb > lscpu (new to me...) > uname -a > cat /etc/os-release (only on distros in past 10 years > usually?) > > But this is a great thing to share! > John _______________________________________________ WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/D2FCL…

Dec. 16, 2025

Re: cool hw probe/info command: inxi

by Chuck Anderson

Another one I've seen going around on the forums: fastfetch It shows a cute color ASCII logo of your OS followed by system info. Here is the Fedora logo: .',;::::;,'. .';:cccccccccccc:;,. .;cccccccccccccccccccccc;. .:cccccccccccccccccccccccccc:. .;ccccccccccccc;.:dddl:.;ccccccc;. .:ccccccccccccc;OWMKOOXMWd;ccccccc:. .:ccccccccccccc;KMMc;cc;xMMc;ccccccc:. ,cccccccccccccc;MMM.;cc;;WW:;cccccccc, :cccccccccccccc;MMM.;cccccccccccccccc: :ccccccc;oxOOOo;MMM000k.;cccccccccccc: cccccc;0MMKxdd:;MMMkddc.;cccccccccccc; ccccc;XMO';cccc;MMM.;cccccccccccccccc' ccccc;MMo;ccccc;MMW.;ccccccccccccccc; ccccc;0MNc.ccc.xMMd;ccccccccccccccc; cccccc;dNMWXXXWM0:;cccccccccccccc:, cccccccc;.:odl:.;cccccccccccccc:,. ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc:'. :ccccccccccccccccccccccc:;,.. ':cccccccccccccccc::;,. On Sun, Dec 14, 2025 at 03:51:51PM -0500, John Stoffel via WLUG wrote: > >>>>> "Doug" == Doug Mildram via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > > > If this is already familiar to most/all of you pardon my excitement! > > Nope, very first time I've heard of this! I usually use just the > basics: > > lshw > lspci > blkid > lsscsi > lsusb > lscpu (new to me...) > uname -a > cat /etc/os-release (only on distros in past 10 years > usually?) > > But this is a great thing to share! > John

Dec. 15, 2025

Re: cool hw probe/info command: inxi

by John Stoffel

>>>>> "Doug" == Doug Mildram via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > If this is already familiar to most/all of you pardon my excitement! Nope, very first time I've heard of this! I usually use just the basics: lshw lspci blkid lsscsi lsusb lscpu (new to me...) uname -a cat /etc/os-release (only on distros in past 10 years usually?) But this is a great thing to share! John > I have always been interested in the ways to get info about PC > hardware. ( using "cat" on various bizarre files in /proc/.... ) > "dmesg" output ...so much more. > Today I finally ran into inxi. One interesting flag/arg is -x > ..extra level(s) of output for various options. > -xx : double extra info. -xxx : triple extra info. > Trivia: inxi --help outputs 549 lines on my Mint 22.2 > man inxi is almost 3000 lines long..w big thanks to > contributors at the end. > It's a perl script! /usr/bin/ixni is over 38,000 lines long. > One common choice of flags for a big picture is: inxi -Fs > Here's a few sample outputs on 2011 Lenovo Thinkpad with the original > SSD and original oversized battery: > doug0@X230:~$ inxi -Dxxx > Drives: > Local Storage: total: 119.24 GiB used: 37.2 GiB (31.2%) > ID-1: /dev/sda vendor: Samsung model: MZ7PC128HAFU-000L1 size: 119.24 GiB > speed: 6.0 Gb/s tech: SSD serial: S0U8NSAC532113 fw-rev: 4L1Q scheme: MBR > doug0@X230:~$ inxi -Bxxx > Battery: > ID-1: BAT0 charge: 28.1 Wh (99.3%) condition: 28.3/86.6 Wh (32.7%) > volts: 12.1 min: 11.1 model: LGC 45N1029 type: Li-ion serial: 8428 > status: not charging > Above, i had charger plugged in but it was fully charged =="not charging". > Below, after I unplugged charger, interesting to see "power" on batt: > doug0@X230:~$ inxi -Bxxx > Battery: > ID-1: BAT0 charge: 28.1 Wh (99.3%) condition: 28.3/86.6 Wh (32.7%) > power: 6.9 W volts: 11.8 min: 11.1 model: LGC 45N1029 type: Li-ion > serial: 8428 status: discharging > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/QQKH4…

Dec. 14, 2025

cool hw probe/info command: inxi

by Doug Mildram

If this is already familiar to most/all of you pardon my excitement! I have always been interested in the ways to get info about PC hardware. ( using "cat" on various bizarre files in /proc/.... ) "dmesg" output ...so much more. Today I finally ran into inxi. One interesting flag/arg is -x ..extra level(s) of output for various options. -xx : double extra info. -xxx : triple extra info. Trivia: inxi --help outputs 549 lines on my Mint 22.2 man inxi is almost 3000 lines long..w big thanks to contributors at the end. It's a perl script! /usr/bin/ixni is over 38,000 lines long. One common choice of flags for a big picture is: inxi -Fs Here's a few sample outputs on 2011 Lenovo Thinkpad with the original SSD and original oversized battery: doug0@X230:~$ inxi -Dxxx Drives: Local Storage: total: 119.24 GiB used: 37.2 GiB (31.2%) ID-1: /dev/sda vendor: Samsung model: MZ7PC128HAFU-000L1 size: 119.24 GiB speed: 6.0 Gb/s tech: SSD serial: S0U8NSAC532113 fw-rev: 4L1Q scheme: MBR doug0@X230:~$ inxi -Bxxx Battery: ID-1: BAT0 charge: 28.1 Wh (99.3%) condition: 28.3/86.6 Wh (32.7%) volts: 12.1 min: 11.1 model: LGC 45N1029 type: Li-ion serial: 8428 status: not charging Above, i had charger plugged in but it was fully charged =="not charging". Below, after I unplugged charger, interesting to see "power" on batt: doug0@X230:~$ inxi -Bxxx Battery: ID-1: BAT0 charge: 28.1 Wh (99.3%) condition: 28.3/86.6 Wh (32.7%) power: 6.9 W volts: 11.8 min: 11.1 model: LGC 45N1029 type: Li-ion serial: 8428 status: discharging

Dec. 13, 2025

Re: WLUG MEETING TONIGHT!

by Tim Keller

Here is the link to the signal channel! https://signal.group/#CjQKIKlVuif-XKEyM_OE5NlItazdhKRrhXlI_l6aRlYx37T6EhCAK… Thanks, Tim. I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers". On Thu, Dec 11, 2025, 5:48 AM steve--- via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > I missed the original message about it even though it’s in my mailbox. I > forwarded it to the list. And I do recall getting a reply to my message > about joining but I cannot find it. Hopefully though the link in the > forward works? > > > On Dec 10, 2025, at 10:34 PM, Keith Wright via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> > wrote: > > > > > >> > >>> Join the signal chat for more details. >> Thanks, Tim.A > > steve--- via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > >> how does one join the signal chat? > > > > I was about to ask the same question, but I thought I didn't > > need to, since somebody had already asked it. > > > > John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > > > >> Yeah, I don't know either for some reason. And is it private to WLUG > >> only or can we put details onto the web page? > > > > But now two people have asked and nobody answered. > > > > So: How is it done? > > > > Is this the same "signal" that the Secretary of Undeclared War > > got in trouble for using? > > > > ---------- > > > > Evan White via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > > > >> We had a great discussion mostly about Jujutsu, and the philosophy of > >> Git commit organization, ... , etc. > > > > It all went too fast for me. I thought 'git' was for multi-programmer > > group projects. Do you use it just to keep track of versions of > > your own project? > > > > ---------- > > > > Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > > > >> Topic: National Right to Repair day > >> Speaker: Jack Frimet from PIRG. > >> > >> Jack Frimet from PIRG reached out to me and asked that he speak at this > meeting. PIRG > >> is an organization that among many other causes is advocating at the > national level for > >> the right to repair. As we are all aware, with Win10 reaching EOL, this > is causing a > >> tsunami of e-waste as people are forced to upgrade to run Win11. > > > > I was not clear if they are expecting people to bring old computers > > to have Linux installed, or if I can just give cash and get an > > old computer. > > > > Also I asked whether Android was Linux hidden behind a "user interface". > > People seemed to agree that that was about right. > > Now I ask: Can I get a root shell? > > > > Is Linux just hidden, or is it broken and forbidden? > > > > I am looking for a extra "back-up" laptop. Would it be easier to > > install Debian on an Android machine than a Windows machine? > > > > Are BIOS passwords a problem? > > > > -- Keith > > _______________________________________________ > > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/QGC2Z… > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/PZROP… >

Dec. 11, 2025

Re: WLUG MEETING TONIGHT!

by steve＠patternsoft.net

I missed the original message about it even though it’s in my mailbox. I forwarded it to the list. And I do recall getting a reply to my message about joining but I cannot find it. Hopefully though the link in the forward works? > On Dec 10, 2025, at 10:34 PM, Keith Wright via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > > >> >>> Join the signal chat for more details. >> Thanks, Tim.A > steve--- via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: >> how does one join the signal chat? > > I was about to ask the same question, but I thought I didn't > need to, since somebody had already asked it. > > John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > >> Yeah, I don't know either for some reason. And is it private to WLUG >> only or can we put details onto the web page? > > But now two people have asked and nobody answered. > > So: How is it done? > > Is this the same "signal" that the Secretary of Undeclared War > got in trouble for using? > > ---------- > > Evan White via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > >> We had a great discussion mostly about Jujutsu, and the philosophy of >> Git commit organization, ... , etc. > > It all went too fast for me. I thought 'git' was for multi-programmer > group projects. Do you use it just to keep track of versions of > your own project? > > ---------- > > Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > >> Topic: National Right to Repair day >> Speaker: Jack Frimet from PIRG. >> >> Jack Frimet from PIRG reached out to me and asked that he speak at this meeting. PIRG >> is an organization that among many other causes is advocating at the national level for >> the right to repair. As we are all aware, with Win10 reaching EOL, this is causing a >> tsunami of e-waste as people are forced to upgrade to run Win11. > > I was not clear if they are expecting people to bring old computers > to have Linux installed, or if I can just give cash and get an > old computer. > > Also I asked whether Android was Linux hidden behind a "user interface". > People seemed to agree that that was about right. > Now I ask: Can I get a root shell? > > Is Linux just hidden, or is it broken and forbidden? > > I am looking for a extra "back-up" laptop. Would it be easier to > install Debian on an Android machine than a Windows machine? > > Are BIOS passwords a problem? > > -- Keith > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/QGC2Z…

Dec. 11, 2025

Fwd: Signal channel..

by steve＠patternsoft.net

Begin forwarded message: > From: Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> > Date: October 9, 2025 at 10:17:54 AM EDT > To: Worcester Linux Users' Group General Discussion <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> > Cc: Tim Keller <turbofx(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [WLUG] Signal channel.. > Reply-To: Worcester Linux Users' Group General Discussion <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> > > > I've created a signal channel for all of us. Signal has a nice linux desktop client as well. > > https://signal.group/#CjQKIKlVuif-XKEyM_OE5NlItazdhKRrhXlI_l6aRlYx37T6EhCAK… > > Currently myself, Jansen and Evan are in it. > > Thanks, > Tim. > > -- > I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers". > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/LEKFZ…

Dec. 11, 2025

WLUG MEETING TONIGHT!

by Keith Wright

>>Join the signal chat for more details. >> Thanks, Tim.A steve--- via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > how does one join the signal chat? I was about to ask the same question, but I thought I didn't need to, since somebody had already asked it. John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > Yeah, I don't know either for some reason. And is it private to WLUG > only or can we put details onto the web page? But now two people have asked and nobody answered. So: How is it done? Is this the same "signal" that the Secretary of Undeclared War got in trouble for using? ---------- Evan White via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > We had a great discussion mostly about Jujutsu, and the philosophy of > Git commit organization, ... , etc. It all went too fast for me. I thought 'git' was for multi-programmer group projects. Do you use it just to keep track of versions of your own project? ---------- Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > Topic: National Right to Repair day > Speaker: Jack Frimet from PIRG. > > Jack Frimet from PIRG reached out to me and asked that he speak at this meeting. PIRG > is an organization that among many other causes is advocating at the national level for > the right to repair. As we are all aware, with Win10 reaching EOL, this is causing a > tsunami of e-waste as people are forced to upgrade to run Win11. I was not clear if they are expecting people to bring old computers to have Linux installed, or if I can just give cash and get an old computer. Also I asked whether Android was Linux hidden behind a "user interface". People seemed to agree that that was about right. Now I ask: Can I get a root shell? Is Linux just hidden, or is it broken and forbidden? I am looking for a extra "back-up" laptop. Would it be easier to install Debian on an Android machine than a Windows machine? Are BIOS passwords a problem? -- Keith

Dec. 11, 2025

REMINDER!! WLUG MEETING TOMORROW!! Dec 11th 2025! Topic: Bazzite!

by Tim Keller

Here we are, the last WLUG meeting for 2025! Time: 7PM Date: December 11th, 2025 Location: Technocopia, 44 Portland St. Worcester MA. Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA Topic: Gaming on Linux! I'm going to be showing off my bazzite powered gaming desktop (that my wife is going to be the primary driver on) In the past I've had lots of conversations with potential linux users that go something like "Linux is so cool, but about my games.." and then the conversation gets awkward. I know there's some complicated stuff going on at Steam, but one thing they have done as a company is really pushed the envelope for gaming on linux. Bazzite aims to be a distro that just has it all working out of the box and makes use of the silver/blue bootc environment to make the machine more resilient to novice linux users that might accidentally break something or lose power mid upgrade, etc. I'm sure it's going to be a lively discussion and there will be lots to talk about. I also know that Technocopia is doing a xmas party / maker swap so we'll want to be respectful to them as well. As always afterwards we'll head out for some dinner and keep the conversation going. Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Dec. 10, 2025

WLUG Meeting December 11th 2025! Topic: Bazzite

by Tim Keller

Hey Everybody! Here are the details: Date: December 11th, 2025 @ 7pm Location: Technocopia, 44 Portland Ave. Worcester Ma. Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA Topic: Bazzite Wow, it's been a crazy year! I'm going to do a quick talk on bazzite. A linux distribution focused on gaming. Atomic in nature it's focused on providing a great stable gaming environment. This is a topic that's hitting close to me as my wife's gaming windows 10 machine is incapable of running win11.. My hope is that this will do everything she needs to do and more. Hopefully I'll have a demo to do as well showing off a machine running bazzite. After the meeting we'll head off for dinner and continue the conversation! I hope to see you there! Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Dec. 3, 2025

Re: Reminder! Meeting TONIGHT!!! 11/19 Location: Technocopia, Topic: Jujitsu

by John Stoffel

Evan, Thanks so much for your talk wednesday, it was really interesting to learn about all these new tools. Insprired me to improve my workflow as well when I use git. And thank you for all the references and links to primary sources, that really helps alot! Cheers, John

Nov. 21, 2025

Re: Reminder! Meeting TONIGHT!!! 11/19 Location: Technocopia, Topic: Jujitsu

by Evan White

We had a great discussion mostly about Jujutsu, and the philosophy of Git commit organization, giraffe violence, etc. This is the main resource that got me acquainted with jj https://maddie.wtf/posts/2025-07-21-jujutsu-for-busy-devs and otherwise jjui exposes a lot of jj functionality intuitively. I've also reviewed a lot of this more step-by-step comprehensive guide at https://steveklabnik.github.io/jujutsu-tutorial/. Here's a list of the auxiliary tools we looked at, which will require little extra config to set up with jj. Most of these can also be used with plain git. * Difftastic https://github.com/Wilfred/difftastic syntax-aware diff renderer * Mergiraf https://mergiraf.org/ resolves or narrows merge conflicts safely using syntax-aware algorithms * opencode https://opencode.ai/ a FOSS provider-agnostic TUI for AI coding (I am working on opencode features that closely integrate with my usage of jj) * jjui https://github.com/idursun/jjui a modal TUI with helpful hints Some more emerging topics from usage of jj: * Immutable changes: The log shows a blue diamond instead of an empty circle node for tree segments that are immutable, which protects shared history (usually remote-only branches) from all the methods you would normally use modify commits in jj. * Stacked pull requests: I don't wait for pull requests to be merged before I start working on more on top of their work. It's easy to rebase the stacked work for another PR when the first one gets merged. This does risk my time being spent on more code that gets thrown away if a PR is rejected, but writing and learning from code is not considered wasted time by me. * Optimizing the graph for review: We discussed the balance of whether the entire history should be preserved in Git, and I prefer to keep a balance of preserving history and splitting/squashing commits into more functional steps that can be easily reviewed by others. Jujutsu locally preserves the evolution of each change across the commits behind it, and has a rich undo system, so I don't lose my raw history that I might need to recover in anger. Still, I can intentionally organize commits with a balance of reviewability, preserving the intentions behind changes, demonstrating evolution of a large change, etc. * Megamerges: If I have any number of open and/or stacked pull requests that I want to test all together, I can set them as parents to a single merge commit. This is easy and conflict-free when they deal with different functional areas in a codebase, but finding 3+ sided merge conflicts can be a signal that I need to reconsider how I've organized my changes. * Absorb: For each hunk in a change, this jj command will automatically squash them into adjacent/overlapping hunks further up the tree. This allows you to hack away at the tip of the tree, then instead of choosing where to squash disparate edits, absorb will squash them into any non-immutable commit for you. This works for merged branches as well, so I can e.g. absorb doc changes into my docs PR branch, and absorb the feature changes into the feature PR branch. ________________________________ From: Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 5:14 PM To: Worcester Linux Users' Group General Discussion <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> Cc: Tim Keller <turbofx(a)gmail.com> Subject: [WLUG] Reminder! Meeting TONIGHT!!! 11/19 Location: Technocopia, Topic: Jujitsu Hey Everybody, We've got a meeting this WEDNESDAY. The fine folks at Technocopia have graciously allowed us to use their space on a non open hack night. Thanks!! Here are the details: Time: 7PM Date: 11/19 Location: Technocopia Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA Topic: Jujitsu https://jj-vcs.github.io/jj/latest/ Fellow WLUGer Evan White is going to do a presentation about Jujitsu. While using the git internals it has a different workflow than the one us daily git users are used to. Evan is going to show off how he uses it and maybe convince a couple of us to give it a try! Afterward we'll head out for dinner and keep the conversation going! Hope to see you there! Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Nov. 20, 2025

Re: Reminder we've got a meeting tonight! Topic: JetKVM!

by John Stoffel

Guys, Tim and I are both running a little late tonight so please hold on and keep trying to join jitsi until 7:20 please! John Sent from my iPhone > On Feb 13, 2025, at 5:46 PM, Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > > > We've got a meeting Tonight!! > Time: 7PM > Date: 2/13/2025 > Location: Technocopia, 44 Portland St. Worcester MA. > Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA > Topic: JetKVM > Long time WLUG Member John Stoffel is going to be demoing his JetKVM (https://jetkvm.com/) > It's a next generation KVM over IP that started as a kickstarter and is now a "real product". Fully hackable, this FOSS KVM has a bunch of neat features. > As usual expect a lively conversation, a cool demo and our usual shenanigans. > > Afterwards we'll likely head off for dinner and keep the conversation going! > > I hope to see you all there! > Later, > Tim. > > > -- > I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers". > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/CBLYC…

Nov. 19, 2025

Reminder! Meeting TONIGHT!!! 11/19 Location: Technocopia, Topic: Jujitsu

by Tim Keller

Hey Everybody, We've got a meeting this WEDNESDAY. The fine folks at Technocopia have graciously allowed us to use their space on a non open hack night. Thanks!! Here are the details: Time: 7PM Date: 11/19 Location: Technocopia Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA Topic: Jujitsu https://jj-vcs.github.io/jj/latest/ Fellow WLUGer Evan White is going to do a presentation about Jujitsu. While using the git internals it has a different workflow than the one us daily git users are used to. Evan is going to show off how he uses it and maybe convince a couple of us to give it a try! Afterward we'll head out for dinner and keep the conversation going! Hope to see you there! Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Nov. 19, 2025

Re: Reminder! Meeting THIS WEDNESDAY!!! 11/19 Location: Technocopia, Topic: Jujitsu

by John Stoffel

>>>>> "Tim" == Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > We've got a meeting this WEDNESDAY. Looking forward to it! > The fine folks at Technocopia have graciously allowed us to use their space on a non open hack > night. Thanks!! > Here are the details: > Time: 7PM > Date: 11/19 > Location: Technocopia > Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA > Topic: Jujitsu https://jj-vcs.github.io/jj/latest/ > Fellow WLUGer Evan White is going to do a presentation about Jujitsu. While using the git > internals it has a different workflow than the one us daily git users are used to. Evan is going > to show off how he uses it and maybe convince a couple of us to give it a try! > Afterward we'll head out for dinner and keep the conversation going! > Hope to see you there! > Tim. > -- > I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers". > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/YFWGR…

Nov. 18, 2025

Reminder! Meeting THIS WEDNESDAY!!! 11/19 Location: Technocopia, Topic: Jujitsu

by Tim Keller

Hey Everybody, We've got a meeting this WEDNESDAY. The fine folks at Technocopia have graciously allowed us to use their space on a non open hack night. Thanks!! Here are the details: Time: 7PM Date: 11/19 Location: Technocopia Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA Topic: Jujitsu https://jj-vcs.github.io/jj/latest/ Fellow WLUGer Evan White is going to do a presentation about Jujitsu. While using the git internals it has a different workflow than the one us daily git users are used to. Evan is going to show off how he uses it and maybe convince a couple of us to give it a try! Afterward we'll head out for dinner and keep the conversation going! Hope to see you there! Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Nov. 17, 2025

Re: NO WLUG MEETING TONIGHT!

by John Stoffel

>>>>> "steve---" == steve--- via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: Yeah, I don't know either for some reason. And is it private to WLUG only or can we put details onto the web page? > how does one join the signal chat? >> On Nov 13, 2025, at 11:39 AM, Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: >> >> >> Hey Everybody, >> >> THERE IS NO WLUG MEETING TONIGHT. >> >> We will be having a meeting next week. Join the signal chat for more details. >> Thanks, >> Tim. >> >> -- >> I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers". >> _______________________________________________ >> WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org >> Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ >> Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ >> Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/JL4JV… > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/YUEFJ…

Nov. 16, 2025

Re: NO WLUG MEETING TONIGHT!

by steve＠patternsoft.net

how does one join the signal chat? > On Nov 13, 2025, at 11:39 AM, Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > > > Hey Everybody, > > THERE IS NO WLUG MEETING TONIGHT. > > We will be having a meeting next week. Join the signal chat for more details. > Thanks, > Tim. > > -- > I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers". > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/JL4JV…

Nov. 13, 2025