Libre Las Vegas: GNU/Linux Free Software Users Group

Are you ready to unplug from the Matrix?

Whether you’re running GNU/Linux already as your desktop operating system or are interested in doing so, this group is for you.

Join Our next Virtual User Group Meeting

Join us every Sunday at 1pm Pacific on Jitsi

Join Our 2 Way Discussion List

Join our discussion list by sending email to librelasvegas-request@freelists.org with ‘subscribe’ in the Subject field OR by visiting your list page at http://www.freelists.org/list/librelasvegas. This is a two way discussion list so you can ask and answer questions to and from all members.

Our goal is to create an environment that is welcoming, fun, and educational.

What is FREE Software?

Download this video in a free format (HD) (SD). English slides. Similar slides in Spanish, created by Victorhck. Similar slides in Italian.

If you’re interested in learning more about GNU/Linux and the Free Software Movement join use at the next Libre Las Libre Las Vegas: GNU/Linux Free Software Users Group.

What Is Free Software?

There's so much great software out there that is FREE of cost and more importantly FREE from spying, tracking, and infomation gathering about you the end user. Imagine that! Software exists that actually respects it's users privacy and rights. You may not understand that concept right now but I will explain, keep reading and bookmark this website and share it with other people!.

The Free Software Foundation has an annual event called Libre Planet. The event used to be live pre-covid, now it's online. Libre Planet 2021 - March 20-21, 2021 Watch past LibrePlanet Recordings.

Proprietary Software Controls You!

Most people use non-free proprietary software from Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, Google, Facebook, Twitter and many others on a daily basis. These software companies won't tell you about FREE Sofware. Free Software is not to be confused with Freemium Software. Freemium Software is like crack, they give you a little bit for free (no cost) to get you hooked so you buy the paid version of the software. Free Software is all about respecting you and your rights and most of the time there is no cost to use the software. Free Software is not only FREE Software if it gives you the 4 Essential Freedoms.

What About OpenSource Software?

Most likely you've heard the term Open Source Software. Free Software is open source by definition but it's much more than Open Source Software and some people like Richard Stallman say that Open Source Misses The Point. I'm want to help educate you about Free Software so you can decide what you want to use. You may decide to continue to be a slave, YES! You are a SLAVE if you don't use Free Software.

Software To Check Out

There is really no reason why you need to use proprietary software personally. It's a choice you have to make. Do you want to be controlled, tracked, traced and pay hard earned money for crap software or use FREE Software. I use a lot of Free Software daily at home. At work I still have to use Windows and other proprietary software because that's what my company chooses to use. I'm always recommending FREE Software to them and I'm looking at new software all the time. I will be writing articles, doing an oggcast (not a podcast) and tutorial videos about Free Software and posting them here on this website. Here's a quick list of software that I currently use or will use that you should check out. If you have any questions email me at fr33d0m at sdf.org.

Become A Digital Vegan!

One of my friends calls me a digial vegan. It's true, embracing Free Software is like becoming a Vegan you have to Google or Facebook. It's hard at first but let me tell you from someone that was all in on technology it is possible to unplug from the Matrix. I used to use all the same software you currently use but I don't anymore unless I absolutely have to do so. If you're not educated about these proprietary softwares you may think it's a crazy idea but my goal is to educate you and help you unplug yourself from the Matrix.

Articles To Read

Take Back Your Data

Before the Internet was created we had computers and we managed to use all kinds of great software and manage our own data locally, we didn't need the Cloud or Subscription software. Today people can't work on their computer without a live internet connection. I got caught up in it too, I used Facebook, Google Mail, Calendar, Documents, and Cloud Storage, then one day I looked up and realized if I didn't have an internet connection I could not do any work on my computer.

I've made it my mission to get back to managing my own data and using programs that work locally on my own computer and allow me to work without an internet connection and I recommend you do the same. This will be a consistent theme in my articles, audios and videos.

Other Freedom Supporting Websites

OggCasts/Podcasts

Free Software Resources

The 4 Essential Freedoms

A program is free software if the program’s users have the four essential freedoms:

  • The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose (freedom 0).
  • The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
  • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others (freedom 2).
  • The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others (freedom 3). By doing this you can give the whole community a chance to benefit from your changes. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

A program is free software if it gives users adequately all of these freedoms. Otherwise, it is nonfree. While we can distinguish various nonfree distribution schemes in terms of how far they fall short of being free, we consider them all equally unethical.

The argument for open source (“free” as in speech) software is stronger now than ever before.

GNU/Linux has been wildly successful in the server market.

Desktop GNU/Linux operating systems like Ubuntu provide a rich end-user experience on par or better than commercial rivals in many respects.

…Yet the uptake of using GNU/Linux as an end-user (desktop/laptop) operating system still lags. This user group aims to end that by:

Libre Las Vegas: GNU/Linux Free Software Users Group

Whether you’re running GNU/Linux already as your desktop operating system or are interested in doing so, this group is for you. Our goal is to create an environment that is welcoming, fun, and educational.

Mission Statement

  • The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose (freedom 0).
  • The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does
    • precondition for this.
  • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others (freedom 2).
  • The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others
  • Creating a community of GNU/Linux enthusiasts.
  • Providing a venue where GNU/Linux users of all experience levels can learn and share their knowledge.
  • Fostering members in GNU/Linux evangelism.

We welcome long time GNU/Linux users and enthusiasts as well as those who don’t know what Linux is and want to possibly get away from Windwos and Apple operating systems.

Join us at our next meeting:

Join our next Virtual Meeting every Sunday at 1pm Pacific on Jitsi

We hold small informal get togethers at different dates, times and locations. If you would like to be notified about the next meeting location email us at info@librelasvegas.org to get the location of our next meeting.