On this page, you can read all about the Linux Repair Café. Are you already convinced and want to get started with your own local initiative? Request our special starter pack using the button below. Would you like to know more first? Then take your time to read through this page.
Why a Linux Repair Café?
Many people want to become less dependent on commercial software such as Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS. However, they are often reluctant to switch to Linux, an open source alternative. To help overcome this hesitation, we now have the Linux Repair Café!
With Linux as your operating system, you can use your computer for much longer. Commercial software is no longer supported after a few years, and updates often cannot be installed on older computers. As a result, people buy new computers too quickly and too many computers end up in landfill. With Linux as your operating system, this is not necessary. Open source software is always being developed further. So you never have to get rid of a Linux computer because it is no longer supported.
In October 2025, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10, the operating system that runs on most computers worldwide. Millions of older computers are not suitable for upgrading to Windows 11. They are at risk of becoming e-waste.
So it’s high time to introduce more people to Linux!
Get to know Linux in a fun way
At the Linux Repair Café, you will learn everything you need to know about Linux. You can try out the operating system for yourself on computers provided. You will discover that switching is not difficult and that you can do everything on a Linux computer that you can do on any other computer: surf the internet, send emails, read and write texts, etc. If you wish, you can have Linux installed on your own laptop for free on the spot. Please note: during installation, all data on your laptop will be deleted. So, transfer any files you want to keep to a USB stick beforehand.
Find a Linux Repair Café
You can find all Linux Repair Cafés on our world map; type ‘Linux’ in the search box below the map, which says ‘Type the name of your town’.
Is there no Linux Repair Café in your area yet? Then contact your local regular Repair Café and ask if they would like to start one. You can refer the volunteers to this page.
Start your own Linux Repair Café
But you can also start your own Linux Repair Café! Repair Café International has developed a special starter kit for this purpose. It includes a manual that guides you step by step through the entire process: from recruiting suitable volunteers, through technical preparation, to your first meeting. A comprehensive script explains what you need to do at each stage to make your Linux Repair Café a success.
The starter pack also contains all kinds of additional materials, such as a ready-made press release for local media, fill-in flyers that you can distribute in your neighbourhood, instructions for volunteers, and a slideshow about Linux that you can play for visitors during your meeting. We also offer a special installation version of Linux Mint, which makes installation quick and easy.
You can request the starter pack via the button below. This will take you to our general registration page, where you can become a full member of our network. You will then have access to all our downloads, including the regular Repair Café starter pack.
Is your Linux Repair Café ready to go? Then we will put your location on our world map and make your initiative visible to everyone. In this way, you actively contribute to a more sustainable digital world without unnecessary e-waste.
Information for new Linux users
Have you already had Linux installed on your computer at a Linux Repair Café? This manual will help you complete the installation and find your way around your Linux computer. Good luck!