Linux User Group Nijmegen
In 2007, I switched from Windows XP to Linux and started using Linux as my main operating system. Five years later, in 2012, Linux User Group Nijmegen became a reality.
Around that time, I was regularly invited to speak at Joomla User Groups throughout the Netherlands. I really enjoyed these meetups, especially the interaction with other users, exchanging experiences and learning from each other.
Those Joomla User Groups inspired me to create something similar for Linux. In 2012, I started Linux User Group Nijmegen together with Donné Brok, bringing local Linux enthusiasts together to share knowledge and experiences. In 2017, Donné moved away from Nijmegen and Oscar Buse joined me as co-organiser. Oscar and I have been organising the group together ever since.
Monthly Linux meetings
We organise a meeting in Nijmegen every month, usually with one or two presentations about Linux, open source software or related technology.
The subjects are deliberately varied. Over the years, we have discussed Linux distributions, servers, networking, Docker, Raspberry Pi, privacy, security, self-hosting, hardware, programming and artificial intelligence, among many other topics.
I organise the monthly meetings and regularly give presentations myself, often about technologies or projects that I have been experimenting with.
Sharing Linux knowledge
The group is open to anyone interested in Linux, from people taking their first steps with Linux to experienced system administrators and developers.
What I particularly like about user groups is the interaction between people. A presentation can introduce you to a completely new technology, while an informal conversation can give you a different perspective or solve a problem you've been struggling with.
That same experience I enjoyed at Joomla User Groups years ago is still at the heart of Linux User Group Nijmegen: meeting other users, exchanging ideas and learning from each other.
