Date
7pm, Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Topic 1/2: Linux on PS2
Speaker: Robbie Mckennie
In 2002, Sony Computer Entertainment released tools to allow Linux to run on the Playstation 2 game console. In the years since, this has been expanded upon by tinkerers who love getting free and open-source software running on proprietary hardware. Robbie has been tinkering with these kits in the last few weeks on his own console, and will step us through what he’s found; turns out getting a fully free GNU/Linux system running on the device is not quite as easy as it seems, even working from the original vendor support as a basis.
Topic 2/2: I’m worried about the future of open source software
Speaker: Richard O’Donoghue
Open source software is going through a difficult period. Long-serving maintainers are stepping away from projects under the pressure AI has placed on them. Communities are more divided than ever. A wave of software cloning has taken hold, and package managers keep getting compromised, so little feels safe. This talk looks at these trends and sets out my thinking on them, covering both the concerns and the more hopeful developments.
Venue
Cost
$2 gold coin donation
Coffee and biscuits will be provided, sponsored by Inspire Net, but please feel free to bring along your own snacks and drinks.
Agenda
- 7:00pm: Welcome (Nick Skarott)
- 7:10pm: Topic 1/2: Linux on PS2 (Robbie Mckennie)
- 7:55pm: Tea and coffee break
- 8:05pm: General business (Nick Skarott)
- 8:10pm: Topic 2/2: I’m worried about the future of open source software (Richard O’Donoghue)
- 9:00pm: Doors close