Why Linux? (Especially with Windows 11 Challenges)
Linux is entirely free, super secure, runs light (gets better performance out of old hardware), easy to use, and quick to install. For the average home user, it's a drop-in replacement and improvement on Windows – no more forced updates, bloatware, or privacy concerns. It gives you full control of your computer.
With Windows 11's hardware requirements and other issues, now is the perfect time to switch. Linux revives old PCs, offers endless customization, and respects your privacy. It's great for small businesses too – cost-effective and reliable.
How I Can Help You Transition
I want to show you how awesome Linux is, how easy it is to install, and answer your questions. If you want, I can help you migrate. Whether you're a home user tired of Windows, a small business looking for affordable tech solutions, or you need ongoing support, I'm here.
- Free consultations and Q&A sessions
- Guided installations
- Custom setups for your needs
- Tech support for Linux systems
- Workshops and presentations on Linux basics
I've helped many people migrate seamlessly – let's make it easy for you!
Skills & Tools I Use
Operating Systems
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Ubuntu (Debian-based): The original "Linux for human beings", easy to use out of the box and rock solid. It is well funded and has a 6 month update cycle.
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Manjaro (Arch-based): A rolling-release distro with the absolute latest software, kernels, and drivers, and excellent hardware support.
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Fedora, Red Hat: A purely open source distro with leading edge innovation and security, and a 6 month update cycle.
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OMV (OpenMediaVault): Transforms any computer, including ARM based systems, into a highly customizable, Debian-based NAS with an intuitive web interface.
Networking & Security
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WireGuard: Fast, secure and modern VPN tunnels.
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Pi-hole: Network-wide ad-blocking and DNS filtering.
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FreshTomato: Custom router OS that breathes new life into aging hardware. It is rock-solid, receives regular updates, and provides advanced features through a clean web UI.
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Angry IP Scanner: A network scanner. It identifies open ports, mac addresses, logged-in users, computer names, etc.
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SSH (SecureSHell): Secure command-line protocol for remote login, command execution, port tunneling, and encrypted file transfer (SCP/SFTP)
Scripting & Development
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Bash: Interactive command-line language for performing and automating system tasks.
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Python: Versatile scripting and application language.
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HTML/CSS: Building blocks for static web pages.
Containers & Virtualization
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Docker, Podman: Engines for building and running applications in lightweight, portable containers.
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Portainer: A web-based dashboard to manage and monitor containers.
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VirtualBox: Virtualization software that can run multiple complete operating systems at the same time, on the same computer.
Web & Media Services
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Caddy: A simple, secure and powerful webserver with automatic HTTPS. It serves static sites, reverse proxies apps, and handles TLS/certificates.
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Jellyfin: A self-hosted media server that manages and streams movies, TV shows, music and photos.
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Komga: A server that hosts a web bookshelf for reading comic, manga, and e-book libraries.
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copyparty: A quick, lightweight file server with resumable uploads through a web UI.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
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Ollama + Open WebUI: A local AI powerhouse — Self-host offline LLMs with a beautiful web chat UI.
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KoboldCPP + Silly Tavern: A fast, local AI for creative roleplay and storytelling through a feature-rich browser interface.
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OpenClaw: (testing) A local AI agent that remembers conversations, evolves a personality, communicates through messaging/chat apps, and performs real tasks — inbox triage, emails, calendar, flights, etc.
Productivity Tools
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LibreOffice: The leading alternative to Microsoft Office. It works perfectly with Word/Excel/PowerPoint docs.
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GIMP: The leading alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Tools for photo editing, retouching, digital art, graphic design, and image manipulation.
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Cockpit: A web-based GUI for Linux server administration.
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GNOME Remote Desktop: A built-in RDP/VNC server for GNOME. It lets you share your current desktop session or enables headless remote access.
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Clonezilla: A disk imaging and cloning tool, used to backup and restore partitions and full disks, and multi-machine deployment.
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Heimdall: A self-hosted application dashboard. It creates an elegant homepage to organize/launch web apps, services, and links with customizable icons.
Experience
Self-Directed IT & Linux Advocacy (2012–Present)
Managed a home lab with Ubuntu and Manjaro systems, Docker containers (Jellyfin, Komga, Caddy), and a Minecraft server. Flashed routers with FreshTomato, set up WireGuard VPNs, and configured GNOME Remote Desktop and Cockpit for network management. Migrated friends’ and family systems to Linux, optimizing performance and providing ongoing support.
Vancouver Airport (2010–2011)
Maintained mission-critical security systems, set up scanners and handhelds, and trained helpdesk staff. Earned Level II Security Clearance. Explored Linux for system improvements.
CHC Helicopter (2011)
Cloned Windows laptops with Clonezilla for aviation IT, streamlining deployments and ensuring reliability.
Positronics Enterprises (2009)
Deployed Hyper-V virtual servers and an Asterisk PBX. Wrote Linux cloning scripts to automate system rollouts across Canada.
Bell Canada (2007–2008)
Configured VMware servers, FortiGate VPNs, and Active Directory. Optimized email filters and port forwarding, gaining interest in Linux solutions.
Shaw Cable (2006–2007)
Supported customers with internet and cable setups, explaining technical solutions clearly to non-experts.
Unisoft Systems (2002–2005)
Led a project to lay fiber-optic networks and build a server room. Managed VPNs, backups, and Accpac servers, sparking curiosity in Linux alternatives.
What a Happy User Says
"We converted to Linux from Windows 10 about 5 years ago. We have an all in one HP computer and it was operationally slow. Instead of buying a new computer we changed operating systems. The transition to Linux was seamless. We use Excel and Word and find no difference from Windows. In addition, we do not need anti-malware programs saving us over $50/yr and Linux updates are frequent and free. We highly recommend this operating system."
Get in Touch
I'm excited to help you discover Linux! Whether for a quick question, migration help, or scheduling a workshop/presentation, reach out.
- Email: otto.roehlig@gmail.com
