Ok, this is a fun com…
I would like to take a moment to share my perspective on the discussions we’ve had so far regarding Linux interventions in our Repair Cafés. What I am going to express here is not intended as gratuitous criticism or an attempt to impose a single point of view, but rather to highlight what I consider to be a fundamental problem in our current approach: the fragmentation and lack of consistency in our interventions.
I have been observing this for a while, and as the discussions progress, this reality becomes more and more evident: we are complicating things instead of simplifying them. Each intervention seems like a leap into the unknown, with a different distribution, a different desktop environment, varying commands, sometimes untraceable update tools, and above all, a total lack of clear reference points.
We find ourselves dealing with Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Debian, Manjaro, Pop!_OS, Zorin OS, and the list goes on… And each time, it’s a real balancing act for the volunteers who have to juggle between different desktop environments, package managers (APT, Pacman, DNF, Zypper…), and interfaces that never look the same.
Let’s be honest: how can we expect clear and efficient maintenance if each volunteer first has to guess the environment they are in before even starting to troubleshoot? We’re talking about quick repairs, efficiency, and, above all, making sure people leave with a functional PC… but instead, we end up wasting time locating tools, searching for the right commands, and trying to understand why the update manager is different from the one on the previous machine.
If we want to be efficient, effective, and above all, logical, it is crucial to reduce this fragmentation. Not to dictate a choice, but to harmonize our practices. It’s simply a matter of common sense.
I am convinced that harmonizing our practices would be beneficial for everyone: the volunteers, the users, and especially for the sustainability of our interventions. Yes, it may seem a bit pretentious on my part to suggest a common direction, but I am doing it primarily out of professional logic.
When a volunteer arrives at a workstation, they should be able to:
- Identify the Linux environment at a glance,
- Know exactly where to find the update, maintenance, and troubleshooting tools,
- Apply a set of clear and unified procedures,
- Leave the machine ready to use, no matter who takes over after them.
We are not talking about a massive investment in training here: 30 minutes are enough to understand the basics, the essential commands, and the main maintenance points. This can be done:
- On a virtual machine to practice without any risk,
- On a recovered PC to get hands-on experience,
- Or even with a small practical guide, readable in less than an hour, summarizing the key points.
The idea is not to restrict but to set a common direction. Because in the event of a volunteer’s absence, someone else could pick up the work without struggling for 20 minutes to understand what was done before them. A clear, unified, and coherent system is a win-win for everyone.
I do not claim to have the magic solution, but I am convinced that if we focus on two flagship distributions (a lightweight one for very old systems and a more capable one for PCs that are still powerful, even if it means some greenwashing at the expense of common sense sometimes) and if we train volunteers on these environments, our interventions would be faster, smoother, and more understandable for users.
This is a call for logic, efficiency, and, above all, a harmonized user experience. Because repairing is not just about fixing a problem: it’s about leaving a machine in good hands and ensuring that, even if someone else takes over, the troubleshooting can continue in the same direction, without headaches.
To sum it up!
If everyone sticks to their own preferred distribution and personal comfort, we’re never going to get out of this maze. The truth is, not everyone has the skills and experience to handle all the systems we work with. Not everyone works with this technology 24/7, and not everyone is familiar with multiple solutions. We don’t all share the same background, profession, skills, or education.
But one thing is clear: everyone wants to move forward in the same direction. That’s exactly why it’s important to listen, learn, and grow these skills. Whether you are old, from the Middle Ages, young, or still studying, we all have a thirst for learning. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be having these discussions, and other professionals or even myself wouldn’t be here answering your questions. If everyone had all the knowledge in the world, there would be no need for these conversations.
Each person has their own experiences, their own ways of doing things, certain habits (good or bad), prerequisites (useful or not), fears (justified or not), and a unique background. But if we all keep going in different directions like this, we’ll still be discussing it 20 years from now, asking the same questions about Windows 28 after the end of Windows 27…
We need coherence, unity, and a clear direction to avoid running in circles.
Road Trip’
Current Issue: The Fragmentation of Linux Distributions in Repair Cafés
When a volunteer is faced with a Linux machine in a Repair Café, they might encounter a wide variety of different distributions, each with its own specificities:
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon, MATE, XFCE)
- Ubuntu (GNOME, KDE, Budgie)
- Debian (Stable, Testing, Unstable)
- Manjaro (KDE, GNOME, XFCE)
- Zorin OS, Elementary OS, MX Linux, Pop!_OS, Fedora, and so on…
Problem:
This diversity leads to several complications:
- Desktop environments are not the same (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, Cinnamon, etc.).
- System commands vary from one distribution to another (
apt,pacman,dnf,zypper, etc.). - Graphical interfaces and management tools are different: Update Manager, Synaptic, Discover, etc.
- Update and maintenance procedures are not unified.
- Software support (drivers, codecs) is not always consistent.
Objective: Create a Common Knowledge Base for Volunteers
The idea is to standardize the knowledge of volunteer repairers around a reduced set of Linux distributions for common interventions. This would allow us to:
- Reduce the time spent identifying the system and searching for commands.
- Standardize troubleshooting procedures.
- Improve the efficiency of interventions.
- Provide a consistent user experience for the people being helped.
Harmonization Proposal: Two Key Distributions + a Universal Boot Tool
I propose focusing on:
- Linux.
- Windows.
- Ventoy USB Multi-Boot: A multi-boot USB key allowing you to launch any Linux ISO from a single interface.
Detailed Action Plan:
Preparation of a Universal USB Key (Ventoy)
- Download and install Ventoy on a USB key of at least 32 GB (16 GB if only two distro like Mint and W, X or L Ubuntu).
- Add the following ISOs to the key:
- Linux Mint (all version)
- Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Wubuntu LTS
- Tiny 11 (for i3-2xxx to i7-7xxx but in certain case, the next ISO is good enough too ^^)
- Windows 11 (23H2 unlocked, ES or tweaked version)
- Rescatux (repair and recovery tool)
- Clonezilla (backup and restoration)
- GParted Live (partition management)
- Define common hyper lightweight linux for very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very old pieces
Standardization of Procedures for Volunteers
A manual could be written with the following sections:
Startup and Distribution Recognition
- Quickly identify the desktop environment (Cinnamon, XFCE, GNOME, KDE…).
- Check available commands (
apt,dnf,pacman). - Locate the update managers (MintUpdate, Discover, etc.).
Standardized Troubleshooting Procedures
- Internet connection (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Proxy).
- Boot issues (Grub, UEFI, Secure Boot).
- System updates (
apt update && apt upgrade). - Driver management (
Driver Managerfor Mint,Additional Driversfor Ubuntu). - User password reset (recovery mode or
passwd user). - Boot repair (Rescatux or Boot-Repair from the live USB).
Snapshot Creation and Backups
- Clear explanation of Timeshift and Clonezilla.
- Procedure to perform a snapshot before any intervention.
- Restoration in case of critical failure.
Quick Training for Volunteers
A short training program lasting a few hours could be set up with the following components:
Live Demonstration of Linux Mint and Xubuntu
- Hands-on exploration of the desktop environments, update managers, and system settings.
Simulation of Common Issues
- Troubleshooting simulations for:
- Black screen issues
- Network problems
- No sound
- Boot failures
Practice with Backup and Recovery Tools
- Hands-on training with:
- Timeshift for system snapshots
- GParted for partition management
- Clonezilla for backup and restoration
Next Step: Setting Up the Unified Troubleshooting Manual
Would you like us to start writing this detailed manual, with a chapter-by-chapter structure?
Proposed Structure:
Environment Identification
- Recognizing the desktop environment (Cinnamon, XFCE, GNOME, KDE…)
- Detecting the Linux distribution in use
- Checking available package managers (
apt,dnf,pacman, etc.)
System Startup and Recognition
- Boot process and GRUB understanding
- UEFI vs Legacy BIOS
- Secure Boot management and deactivation if necessary
Common Interventions
- Network troubleshooting (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Proxy)
- Driver installation and updates (graphics, audio, network)
- Password recovery and user account management
- Boot repair (Rescatux, Boot-Repair)
Maintenance and Updates
- System update commands (
apt update,apt upgrade) - Setting up automatic updates
- Managing package installations and removals
Backup and Recovery
- Creating snapshots with Timeshift
- Full system backups with Clonezilla
- Partition management with GParted
- Restoration procedures in case of critical issues
Complete Checklist of Questions/Answers for the Average User:
Below is the concept of a decision tree, step by step, where each question leads to a sub-question or a solution. This method is designed to guide the user smoothly and intuitively toward the right solution, without unnecessary jargon.
Installation and Updates
- Is Linux already installed on your computer?
Yes → Move to the next question.
No → Do you want assistance with the installation?
- Yes → Choose a suitable distribution (Linux Mint for newer PCs, Xubuntu for older ones).
- No → End of the assistance.
- Is the version of Linux installed up to date?
- Yes → Great! Just keep checking regularly.
- No → Would you like to learn how to do it yourself?
- Yes → Open the Update Manager → Scan → Install updates.
- No → Enable automatic updates in the Update Manager.
- Would you like updates to be installed automatically?
- Yes → Activate automatic updates in the Update Manager.
- No → You will need to check manually every week.
Backup and Security
- Would you like to secure your system against data loss?
- Yes → Do you want it done manually or automatically?
- Manually → Learn about Timeshift and backup tools.
- Automatically → Set up Timeshift for regular snapshots.
- No → Be aware of the risk of data loss in case of major issues.
Common Problems
- Is your PC running slowly?
- Yes → Do you have enough RAM?
- Yes → Check CPU usage and running processes.
- No → Consider adding RAM or switching to a lighter desktop environment (XFCE).
- No → Everything is in order.
- Is your Internet connection not working?
- Yes → Is the cable plugged in or is Wi-Fi enabled?
- Yes → Try another cable or another Wi-Fi network.
- No → Plug in the cable or enable Wi-Fi.
- No → Everything is in order.
- Is there no sound?
- Yes → Are the speakers connected and turned on?
- Yes → Check the system sound settings.
- No → Connect the speakers or turn them on.
- No → No further action needed.
Migration and Major Updates (If its necessary to do…)
- In 2029, would you like to migrate to the next version of Linux Mint?
- Yes → Follow the major update guide (e.g., 22 → 23).
- No → Security updates will stop; you will need to consider alternatives.
Hardware and Peripheral Issues
- Is your printer not working?
- Yes → Is it detected by the system?
- Yes → Try reinstalling the drivers.
- No → Check the cable connection or try a different USB port.
- No → Nothing to fix.
- Do external USB devices not show up?
- Yes → Try another USB port or cable.
- No → Everything is functioning correctly.
Advanced Troubleshooting
- Do you want to perform advanced maintenance?
- Yes → Are you comfortable with terminal commands?
- Yes → Use commands for cleanup (
sudo apt autoremove,sudo apt clean). - No → Stick to GUI tools for safety.
- No → No further action required.
I want to do more, give more, and help more, instead of just talking about things we already know. I’m offering my time, just like others here. I can dedicate hours to it if I’m passionate about it, but right now, it feels like we’re being asked to climb Everest. I’m ready to take on the responsibility of the project if necessary.