So, I got a haircut today and had about an hour long discussion with my barber about all sorts of topics.  We touched subjects varying from the new iPad, different upcoming technologies, and we ended up talking about operating systems.

I am finding myself being a smidge reserved when it comes to talking about Ubuntu, I don’t want to be “that guy,” (read: evangelist) but I do not hesitate to like to let people know that there exist free (libre, beer) alternatives to the software they’re used to.

We began talking and Ubuntu came into conversation, and, as per the usual, common questions did arise.  I felt he asked questions any responsible consumer would, and I wasn’t surprised as to his reaction to its (Ubuntu, and GNU/Linux in general) existence.

He asked me a few questions like:

• Why is it safer? No viruses?
• How is this free?
• What is “Open Source?”
• How do I get it?

One thing that is important to keep in mind when doing an Ubuntu Hour is that you should be prepared to answer questions like these accurately (or as accurately as you can, it’s okay to tell someone you’re not entirely sure).  I’d get into possible answers, but that would take a long time to write in a single post, and there are other explanations on the internet that are probably far better than I would be at explaining them.

He did seem generally intrigued and frustrated with his current setup, and liked the idea of “it” in general.  Of course, I could have gone into greater detail about a lot of things, but it’s important to know when to stop.  One thing that I will do next time I’m in for a haircut (or have spare time to run across the road; that’s all the farther away it is from my room on campus) is bring him a LiveCD to try out.  Maybe he’ll like it, maybe it won’t, but at least he is aware of an alternative.

You never know when an opportunity may arise and when you can make a difference, so be prepared.

According to the Ubuntu Hour Wiki, it’s a pretty simple event.

• Head over to a public place (like a local coffee shop, etc) and use Ubuntu in a place that you will be visible to others.
  • Of course, check with management before you do this.
• Perhaps have a sticker and/or make your desktop more easily visible that it’s something different.
  • A stock theme is pretty distinguishable from Windows or OSX, which is probably the method I’ll use.
  • Wobbly windows or the desktop cube can be eye-catching.
• Maybe have a stock of Live CD’s and some documentation about it if anyone were to ask what OS you’re using.
• Of course, follow the Ubuntu Code of Conduct while you’re there.
• Remember kids, stay safe offline – meet in a public place and take a friend.
• Document!  Send an email to the mailing list, blog about it, etc.  We’d like to hear what’s going on!
• Be approachable (it’s kinda the point)!

It’s a pretty laid-back event with little expectations.  If nobody asks one week, maybe you’ll talk to 4 people the next week.  It’s a good time to get some coffee, catch up on some work, or just browse the internet.  I’ll probably even take pictures of where I am each week.

Please, don’t forget to document, tell us what you’ve been up to, when and where you are, etc.

Here’s a list of the topics that will be covered:

• Introduction
• Switching to Ubuntu & Installation
• Command Line Basics
• Finding Helpful Resources
• Restricted Drivers
• Using Launchpad
• Seahorse and GnuPG
• Chosing Hardware That Works With Ubuntu
• Partitioning 101
• Ubuntu Equivalent Programs
• Getting Involved in the Ubuntu Community
• Trusted Software, Where to Find it, and Why
• Package Management Basics
• Using Ubuntu One
• Using IRC

Excited already?  Here’s how you can participate!

If you don’t have an IRC client installed, or don’t even know what an IRC client is, then you might want to try connecting to the channels using a web browser.  Click here to join in the discussion directly in your browser.

Use your IRC client (such as xchat, irssi or mIRC) to connect to the Freenode IRC network at irc.freenode.net. You can do this manually by typing:

/server irc.freenode.net

Then join #ubuntu-classroom for the time and date of the session you want to attend. You can manually join the channel by typing:

/join #ubuntu-classroom

To quiet various noise that happens in the IRC channels during the talk use this command (in supported clients only):

/ignore #ubuntu-classroom CRAP NOTICES SNOTES CTCPS JOINS PARTS QUITS KICKS MODES WALLOPS NICKS DCC DCCMSGS CLIENTNOTICES CLIENTCRAP CLIENTERRORS HILIGHTS

For more information, visit https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UserDays.