The XP to Ubuntu Workshop was held on Saturday, June 14th, in the DACS Resource Center. Bruce Preston led the workshop by starting with a presentation on why it is dangerous to operate an XP machine with internet access, and on the available upgrade options. He demonstrated how to disable internet access while retaining file and print sharing in a local area network. He then explained why upgrading a typical XP-era computer to a newer Windows operating system such as Windows 7 or Windows 8 is not viable, but that converting to Ubuntu Desktop might be a good option. After explaining the pros and cons of dual boot, he demonstrated the Ubuntu environment and some of the bundled applications such as Firefox, Libre Office Writer, Calc and Impress – the functional and file-compatible equivalents of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Once the slide show and explanations were complete, the attendees who had brought notebook computers then proceeded to install Ubuntu Desktop 12.04 LTS or, in some cases, Ubuntu Desktop 14.04 LTS. Those who had desktop machines at home observed the process and took the installation DVD for use at home. Those installing were assisted by David Mawdsley and Jim Ritterbusch of the DACS Linux SIG, Sean Henderson, and Charlie Bovaird. Total attendance was 17, and it appears that DACS and the Linux SIG have gained a number of new members.