FreeBSD user groups in Denmark.
Here in Denmark, to my knowledge, there is no active FreeBSD user groups. We have had BSD and UNIX user groups in the past, but for reasons, unknown to me, they have become inactive or dissolved, despite that their inactive websites and public listings still exist. Examples of these are BSD-DK and DKUUG. DKUUG was probably the most influensive and active over the years and, to my knowledge, arranged meetings, workshops and conferences, such as Open Source Days.
While not being a user group, we also had a yearly 7 day camp type conference The Camp, which existed until recently.
Related user groups in Denmark?
We do have other user groups, that is more or lesss related to FreeBSD user groups.
Linux comes to mind as one of the first related systems, but for reasons, unknown to me, many, if not almost all, of our Linux user groups (LUGs) have also become inactive or dissolved. I have only head of Linux Roskilde, which should have regular meetings at the local university. Wikipedia has a list of some of the memorable LUGs. I remember the large SSLUG and the yearly Linuxforum conference from the good old days.
If I look at non-operating system related user groups, there is the more recently popular topic of technology, hacking and security. When I mention hacking, I mean it in its positive sense, where users invent, improve and change systems and technology. We have a very active user group Cryptohagen in Copenhagen which has been meeting monthly and discussing privacy related topics for 10 years.
If I look at more camp like conferences, we have a yearly 7 day camp type conference Bornhack, which, to my knowledge, attract hackers (in a positive sense), who like to build things and share diversity in a wide range of technical topics. We also have SommerHack, which I believe, is very similar. We have Labitat in Copenhagen, a very technical hacking or construction user group. It has been around for a long time, seems very active, and seems to be a very friendly user group.
If I look over to more web related user groups, WordPress Copenhagen comes to mind. This is a somewhat active user group, who announces their meetings on MeetUp.
Alternatives to user groups.
I can see, how the need for physical FreeBSD user groups has become less important in modern post-covid times, because users can seek and find practical advice on Internet platforms, such as FreeBSD Forums and the FreeBSD server on Discord. While these platforms are brilliant at solving technical issues, they are not so brilliant, when it comes to real life applications of solutions, career opportunities and social networking.
Create a FreeBSD user group?
I have been thinking about creating a FreeBSD user group for some time. The purpose would be to acknowledge the value of sharing a common interest or enthusiasm and meeting in real life in an informal and friendly environment to discuss FreeBSD, BSD and UNIX related subjects and projects over a nice cup of coffee with or without a computer at hand.
A good name for a FreeBSD user group?
The name for such a FreeBSD user group should probably be descriptive and follow the naming tradition for user groups, that can also be seen on FreeBSD User Groups. This has lead me to the name Copenhagen FreeBSD User Group with the shorter abbreviation CFUG.
What are your thoughts?
I would love to hear your thoughts about a creating a FreeBSD user group for users and enthusiasts in Copenhagen. You might even be interested in joining such a group or contributing with speaks on different topics.
References.
- FreeBSD User Groups.
- BSD-DK.
- DKUUG.
- Cryptohagen.
- The Camp.
- Linux Roskilde.
- Linux bruger-gruppe on Wikipedia.
- BornHack.
- SommerHack.
- Labitat.
- WordPress Copenhagen on MeetUp.
- FreeBSD Forums.
- FreeBSD on Discord.
