🐧 Thank you to the 62 Linux enthusiasts present (including 28 virtually) for this wonderful meeting in Montreal!
On August 4, 2026, the Linux Meetings community in Quebec gathered at ÉTS, as well as online on BigBlueButton, for an evening dedicated to the sovereignty of our networks and the organization of our next major Open House Day on Linux.
5 to 7 of EvoluData and Linux-Meetup in Quebec at the ÉTS pub
As usual, the meeting began with the 5 à 7 of EvoluData, a friendly moment allowing participants to exchange, network, and discuss Linux, free software, and open technologies. The evening then continued with presentations, conducted in the spirit of mutual aid and sharing that characterizes the Linux Meetings in Quebec.
PRESENTATION #1 - Fabián Rodríguez
Reason #42 to switch to GNU/Linux: take back control of your local network
A warm thank you to Fabián Rodríguez, founder of Le Goût du Libre, for his enlightening presentation on a fundamental pillar of free software: the sovereignty of our networks.
Through a concrete and accessible approach, Fabián showed us that taking back control of your local network is not just about replacing a few pieces of equipment. It is more about regaining true technological autonomy through free software.
The presentation allowed for the discussion of several essential elements:
- Why the "reason #42" for switching to GNU/Linux is related to controlling your local network.
- The basic concepts for better understanding the network ecosystem.
- The challenges related to hardware selection, outdated software, security, and compatibility.
- Concrete examples with OpenWrt and OPNsense, two open-source solutions that allow you to regain control of your infrastructure.
- The advantages of an open approach: transparency, security, privacy, sustainability, and technological independence.
- A call to action to encourage everyone to gradually take back control of their digital environment.
Whether for individuals, self-employed workers, organizations, or SMEs, this presentation demonstrated that it is possible to build a high-performance, sustainable network infrastructure tailored to one's needs, without relying exclusively on proprietary solutions.
She also reminded us that free software is not limited to personal computers or servers: it can also transform the way we manage routers, firewalls, wireless access points, and our entire local network.
YouTube Video: Available soon
PRESENTATION #2 - Martial Bigras
Organization of the Linux Open House Day 2026
Thank you also to Martial Bigras (of Services-Conseils Linux) for his presentation on the organization of the Linux Open House Day 2026 (JPOL), which will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the École de technologie supérieure.
This presentation served to remind us of the journey since the organization of its first Linux Meetup in Montreal on May 6, 2003 (at the Intertainment Café). After 23 years of community engagement, the Linux Meetings in Quebec continue their mission: to democratize Linux and free software among the general public, businesses, organizations, and enthusiasts of open technologies.
For the 2026 edition of the JPOL, the goal is ambitious: to elevate the event to a higher level through a more collaborative, distributed, and sustainable organization.
Among the elements presented:
- Two dedicated courses in separate rooms:
- a public segment focused on the installation and exploration of Linux;
- a business component, with conferences to reassure IT decision-makers regarding the transition to Linux and open-source software.
- A hybrid and provincial deployment, with physical rooms at ÉTS and up to six interconnected virtual rooms across Quebec.
- A desire to support local Linux clubs through the sharing of open infrastructures, notably BigBlueButton.
- Initiatives for refurbishing computers running Linux to provide them to students, families in need, or visually impaired individuals.
- A strong ambition: to double participation each year and prepare for a significant 25th anniversary in 2028.
The presentation also made a call for volunteers, speakers, regional Linux ambassadors, and partners wishing to contribute to the promotion of Linux and free software in Quebec.
Whether you are a passionate individual, a business, an organization, a local club, or simply someone who wants to learn by contributing, your participation can make a real difference.
YouTube Video: Available soon
PRESENTATION #3 - presentation postponed
The presentation "Good AI Engineering is Green Engineering" by Trevor Longino, scheduled to be in English, did not take place during this meeting. It has been postponed to a later date.
Networking and community
The evening ended with a networking moment among Linux users.
Beginners, experts, students, professionals, managers, programmers, teachers, or retirees: the Linux Meetings in Quebec remain an open space for all individuals who wish to learn, share, and contribute to a dynamic Francophone community around Linux and free software.
Thank you to everyone present, both in the room and online, for their participation, questions, and discussions.
Montréal, august 4 2026