Triangle Linux Users Group

May 14 - Creating Embedded Linux Stenography + Elections

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Topic: Creating Embedded Linux Stenography
Presenter: Bennet Petzold
When: Thursday, 14 May 2026 - 7:00 to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Not yet Recorded

Summary:

Bennett will be covering making a custom stenographic keyboard this month (it may not be fully done...)! He will discuss what stenography is, what open source things people have made for it, and how to get from designing a PCB to making an embedded Linux image. This will touch on KiCAD, ordering PCBs, assembling them, dealing with your mistakes, making an image with Yocto, and testing everything you've made. Bennett will cover his embedded design philosophy and bumps along the way. Unfortunately, the USB spec is also involved.

Bennett Petzold is local to Raleigh and a 2024 NC State alumni. While studying computer engineering, he was president of the Linux Users' Group at NC State for two years and wrested a Jetson Nano on a robot for three. Bennett now works as an Embedded Linux Engineer at Schneider Electric. He always gets a UNIX terminal on a new computer and runs minimalist i3 at home.

This month we are running elections! if you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, feel free to do so at the form here

As usual, pizza and beverages will be provided and the meeting will be held at the North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606 at 7:00 PM.

Please sign up using the Meetup link so that an accurate headcount can be gathered for pizza and drinks. That link is: TriLUG Meetup

There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM.

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at mabkar124@gmail.com

April 09 - AsteroidOS - Free your wrist!

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Topic: AsteroidOS - Free your wrist!
Presenter: Ed Beroset
When: Thursday, 09 April 2026 - 7:00 to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Meeting Recording

Summary:

AsteroidOS is an open source Linux distribution that runs on many different smartwatches. It uses Qt and QML to provide the graphical interface. One of the main goals of AsteroidOS is to provide users with greater control over their devices and data privacy. The operating system is fully customizable, and users can modify it to meet their specific needs. This talk is by one of the maintainers of this project, which is now 11 years old. Topics covered include: - What is AsteroidOS? - Why not just use the original watch OS? - So how does this work? - What apps are available now? - Is it entirely open source? - How does the sausage get made? - What can I do? - How do I create a watchface? - How do I create an application? - How do I port a new watch? - What's the future?

As usual, pizza and beverages will be provided and the meeting will be held at the North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606 at 7:00 PM.

Please sign up using the Meetup link so that an accurate headcount can be gathered for pizza and drinks. That link is: TriLUG Meetup

There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM.

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at mabkar124@gmail.com

March 12 - The PDP-11 and the roots of Linux

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Topic: The PDP-11 and the roots of Linux
Presenter: Dwain Sims
When: Thursday, 12 March 2026 - 7:00 to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Meeting Recording
Slides: Slides Here
Summary:

Let's explore UNIX on the Digital PDP-11/70 and the Emulator simh. We will mimic the original hardware using the PiDP-11 kit at about 1/10 the size, 1/50 the weight and 100x the capability. At probably way less than 1% of the price. We will take a look:
* The original PDP-11
* UNIX on the PDP-11
* Building a PDP-11 emulator with the PiDP-11
* Open Source simh
* Serial Terminals and other fun things.

Dwain Sims has been attending TriLug since 2008. He became a Triangle resident in August 2000, relocating with his wife and 3 (now 4) kids from the Bay Area in California. Dwain has a Master's Degree in Computer Science from West Virginia University, and has worked for so many companies that it's getting hard to count them. Among these were Lockheed, Sun Microsystems, SteelEye Technology, Fusion-io, SanDisk, and finally SUSE where he started in 2018 and retired in January 2025. Dwain and his wife Cleo have been doing some traveling (Florida, California, and Alaska in 2025) and are looking forward to their first granddaughter who should arrive this summer.

As usual, pizza and beverages will be provided and the meeting will be held at the North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606 at 7:00 PM.

Please sign up using the Meetup link so that an accurate headcount can be gathered for pizza and drinks. That link is: TriLUG Meetup

There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM.

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at mabkar124@gmail.com

Febuary 12 - Why I use Linux -- And have never used Windows

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Topic: Why I use Linux -- And have never used Windows
Presenter: David Both
When: Thursday, 12 Febuary 2026 - 7:00 to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Meeting Recording
Slides: Link
Summary:

In this presentation, David Both, Linux Geek Extraordinaire, explores why Linux is the best operating system for him. He also looks at why, despite having used nearly every version of Windows ever created, he's never used Windows as the primary OS on any of his own computers. He will look at the best Linux distributions for new users and explain why each is a good choice. David encourages questions and comments at any time during this session.

David Both is an Open Source Software and GNU/Linux advocate, trainer, writer, and speaker who lives in Raleigh North Carolina. He is a strong proponent of and evangelist for the "Linux Philosophy." He’s been in the IT industry for over 55 years. He taught RHCE classes for Red Hat and has worked at IBM, MCI Worldcom, Cisco, BB&T, and the State of North Carolina, among others. He has been working with Linux and Open Source Software since 1996. David likes to build his own computers to ensure that each new computer meets his exacting specifications. He has written articles for magazines and websites including, Linux Magazine, Linux Journal, and Opensource.com, as well as hundreds of articles for his own site, www.Both.org. He currently has 9 books published with Apress.

As usual, pizza and beverages will be provided and the meeting will be held at the North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606 at 7:00 PM.

Please sign up using the Meetup link so that an accurate headcount can be gathered for pizza and drinks. That link is: TriLUG Meetup

There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM.

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at mabkar124@gmail.com

January 08 - Where Is Linux Gaming Going in 2026

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Topic: Where Is Linux Gaming Going in 2026
Presenter: Barry Peddycord
When: Thursday, 08 January 2026 - 7:00 to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Meeting Recording

Summary:

This month, Barry Peddycord is returning to share his experiences going all-in on Linux as a PC gamer.
In this presentation, he will summarize the history of gaming on Linux, the work taking place in cross-platform compatibility, his new favorite Linux distribution Bazzite, and useful resources for those interested in taking the plunge themselves.

Barry is a former TriLUG Chair (2014-2015) and currently works as an Open Source Program Manager at SAS. In addition to gaming, Barry's interests include embedded programming and homelab maintenance.

As usual, pizza and beverages will be provided and the meeting will be held at the North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606 at 7:00 PM.

Please sign up using the Meetup link so that an accurate headcount can be gathered for pizza and drinks. That link is: TriLUG Meetup

There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM.

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at mabkar124@gmail.com

Dec 11 - December Holiday Social

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Topic: TriLUG Holiday Social and Project Showcase with Pizza and Potluck!
Presenter: You!
When: Thursday, 11 December 2025 - 7:00 to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Will not be Recorded
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/trilug/events/308616545/

Summary:

Save the date!! Thursday, December 12th at 7pm, is the traditional TriLUG Holiday Social and Project Showcase Event! It is your chance to show off your toys, projects, and fun stuff that you have discovered in the past year or more. Is your project half finished, a mere inkling in the making? a nifty homelab setup? open source contributions you are proud of? We want to hear about it! Food will be in the lobby and projects will be in the lecture hall. Everyone is encouraged to bring a potluck food item.

For anyone needing to clear out their bookshelves or looking for a new read, there will also be a book swap table for the cause! Come celebrate the coming of the holiday with fellow TriLUG members.

As is tradition, we invite YOU to come show off any interesting project you are doing this year, and enjoy some food. Don't forget to bring that holiday cheer :)

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Also, please let us know if you have topics in mind that you would like to see presented. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at steering@trilug.org

If you are interested in presenting at TriLUG or have concerns for the Steering Committee, reach out to mabkar124@gmail.com with your topic and the Steering Committee will reach out to you.

November 13 - Life of a Pixel

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Topic: Life of the Pixel
Presenter: Spencer Fricke
When: Thursday, 13 November 2025 - 7:00 to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Meeting Recording

Summary:

This month, join Spenser Fricke as he talks about Linux 3D Graphics!
This meeting will be A fun deep dive into the world of 3D graphics, how a GPU works, how one programs it, and most importantly, how Linux 3D Graphics actually works (Buzzwords: Vulkan, Mesa, Proton)

Spencer Fricke is currently working professionally for a Valve-sponsored company (LunarG) to help improve all things related to the Vulkan ecosystem. This includes building and maintaining all the open-source tools that are required to do development with Vulkan. Most noticeable is all the work that goes into things such as the Steam Deck. Spencer originally began working in the 3D Graphics space for Android, but has recently moved over to supporting general Linux development.

As usual, pizza and beverages will be provided and the meeting will be held at the North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606 at 7:00 PM.

Please sign up using the Meetup link so that an accurate headcount can be gathered for pizza and drinks. That link is: TriLUG Meetup

There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM.

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at mabkar124@gmail.com

October 9 -- Linux From Scratch

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Topic: Linux From Scratch
Presenter: Bruce Dubbs, Douglas R Reno
When: Thursday, 9 October 2025 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Meeting Recording

Summary:

We have a special meeting this month, with two leaders from the Linux From Scratch group travelling in to Raleigh especially for our meeting.

Linux From Scratch (LFS) is a project that provides you with step-by-step instructions for building your own custom Linux system, entirely from source code.

This enabling resource can transform Linux noobs into highly confident Linux command line power users with a deep understanding of what is going on under the hood of a Linux OS.

Save the date and come meet the LFS guys. We want this to be a well attended event so please spread the word and let everyone who might be interested know they are welcome to attend!

As usual, pizza and beverages will be provided and the meeting will be held at the North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606 at 7:00 PM.

Please sign up using the Meetup link so that an accurate headcount can be gathered for pizza and drinks. That link is: TriLUG Meetup

There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM.

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at steering@trilug.org

September 20 - End of Windows 10 [Community Event!]

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Topic: End of Windows 10
Presenter: James Toebes
When: Saturday, 20 September 2025 - 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: Christ Our Hope Church, 203 Capcom Ave, Suite 114 Wake Forest, NC 27587
Parking: The Church parking lot parking
Map: Google Maps
Video: N/A -- In Person Event

Summary:

With Windows 10 losing support October 14th, learn about the possibility of Linux on your existing hardware! A great event for those who are new to Linux and would like an overview of the OS as well as community support. Please use this forum to let us know you will be attending: Link here

Topics covered:

A brief Linux Introduction

- what it is.

- what it is not.

- cost (Hint: it can be $0)

- how to try it without changing your system.

- how to get help.

Bring your questions. Bring a 8GB or larger USB drive if you want a copy of Linux. You can even a bring laptop. People will be there to help you try it.

Read more about this campaign from an article our own David Both wrote on the matter! Read Here

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at steering@trilug.org

September 11 - Hypervisors in the Homelab with Xen Orchestra

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Topic: Hypervisors in the Homelab with Xen Orchestra
Presenter: Jeff Moore
When: Thursday, 11 September 2025 - 7:00 to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Meeting Recording

Summary:

This month, join Jeff Moore as he talks about homelabbing with Xen Orchestra!
Xen Orchestra has become a popular hypervisor due in part to the licensing changes in vSphere. this will be a walkthrough of an overview of Xen Orchestra with Jeff Moore, explore how it is deployed and the design decisions behind those choices, and explore in-depth some its advanced features and how they are used within a broader homelab environment. Topics include things like: VLANs, VM automation, backups, BGP, load balancing. If there's time and/or interest, there will also be an overview of how the popular media streaming app Jellyfin is deployed within Xen Orchestra and Kubernetes.

Jeff is a site reliability engineer and former TriLUG chair who enthusiastically maintains a homelab and enjoys pickleball.

As usual, pizza and beverages will be provided and the meeting will be held at the North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606 at 7:00 PM.

Please sign up using the Meetup link so that an accurate headcount can be gathered for pizza and drinks. That link is: TriLUG Meetup

There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM.

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at steering@trilug.org