Windsor Hackforge

Open Data is any data that is openly available for anyone to use. It's not hidden behind a paywall, and is licensed so that others are allowed to use it with few (if any) restrictions. It provides free, machine-readable datasets for research, innovation, and transparency, often covering fields like health, technology, and science. Examples: academic analysis, policy development, and evidence-based research.
open data examples: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/lode/databases
#data #opensource #world #databases #hackforge

Hey everybody we’re back on Mastodon!
Hackforge is focused on bringing together the tech community in Windsor.
This page will be run by a super awesome volunteer named Mackenzie. You can follow us here and feel free to follow him at 🐘Mstdn Kenz Stewart @monkeybean12@mstdn.ca

#Hackforge #WindsorTech #FirstPostEver

If you’re like most households in 2026, there’s probably a box or two of old tech gathering dust. Here at Hackforge, we often receive generous offers of old equipment from community members. We love doing the following:
Hard drive wiping and data sanitation
Installing Linux and open-source software
Hardware maintenance and diagnostics
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: https://www.hackf.org/news/reduce-reuse-reboot-our-partnership-with-computers-for-kids/
#windsor #hackforge #computers #kids #tech

The inaugural meeting of the Windsor C and C++ Users Group (WCCUG) will be on March 19th 2026 in-person at Hackforge. This is a new interest group, targeting C and C++ enthusiasts and active users. ⁠ ⁠ To learn more about WCCUG, please visit wccug.org⁠

📆 March 19, 2026⁠
🕦 7-9 PM⁠
📍Hybrid (Hackforge HQ @ 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210 & Online via Zoom)⁠
🎟️ RSVP and More Info at www.hackf.org/events

#C #C++ #WindsorTech #WindsorEvents

​Mackenzie is diving into Randy’s Discord win: a "superb" setup with ZFS native encryption + compression for root and home. 🚀
​The Setup:
​Pool: AES-256-GCM encryption with lz4 compression.
​Flexibility: Granular snapshots for /home and /var.
​Boot: Using ZFSBootMenu or GRUB. https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/ZFS

ZFS setup guide
https://openzfs.github.io/openzfs-docs/Getting%20Started/Arch%20Linux/Root%20on%20ZFS.html
Stay tuned for more ZFS
​#Hackforge #WindsorTech #ZFS #Linux #OpenSource #SysAdmin

🐧 This month’s LUG meetup dives into ZFS! Learn the basics of the Zettabyte File System, explore features like compression, redundancy & encryption, and discuss the pros/cons of using ZFS as a root file system.
Jan 22, 7–9 PM. Hybrid @ Hackforge HQ & Zoom.

#Linux #WindsorEvents #WindsorTech #Hackforge #LUG

Level up for #GGJ2026! 🎮 OpenStreetMap Windsor-Essex is hosting an interactive workshop on using open geodata in games!

This hands on experience welcomes beginners, but come ready to explore and experiment. Don't forget your laptop! 💻

📆 Tuesday, January 20, 2026
🕦 6:30 - 8:30 PM
📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)
🎟️ RSVP at www.hackf.org/events

#WindsorTech #WindsorEvents #OpenStreetMap #OSM #GlobalGameJam2026

Linux graphics display servers X11 and Wayland are both awesome! If you're looking for a graphics display server, X11 is best for older machines and displays, while Wayland is best for newer machines. Which do you like to use and why is that? Are there others that should be on this list?

#Hackforge #WindsorTech #Linux

Check out our cool app Windsor Essex Cycling v6 for OpenStreetMap. Windsor Essex Cycling helps people find bike routes here in Windsor. If you're interested in OSM or more OSM based tools, join us for monthly OSM interest group meetings.

To see all upcoming events, please visit www.hackf.org/events

#Hackforge #WindsorTech #OSM #Bikes

If you're a fan of Spotify wrapped (but OpenStreetMap style), you might like to see an animated overview of your annual OSM contributions!

Osmwrapped: https://osmwrapped.com/

Hackforge has a very active OSM Interest Group. Stay posted to our socials and website for future events (or include event info/link if one is already up). Please join us if you have interest in OSM and mapping. #Hackforge #WindsorTech #OpenStreetMap

Hackforge is excited for WIFF! to return this fall! This annual celebration of films that explore languages, cultures, themes, and stories that we might not find in the mainstream.

We here at Hackforge are suckers for data. Show times and film synopses are interesting, but we wanted to know how many countries contributed films, how many different languages films were presented in, and the total runtime of the festival!

Learn More here: https://www.hackf.org/news/wiff-screening-data/
#wiff #sql #data #flims #database #hackforge

Join us at the Windsor Regional Science Technology and Engineering fair hosted by University of Windsor today!
#science #technology #fair #hackforge

This week @ Hackforge!

Untangling Intersections with OSMPIE Is happening Tuesday, March 31st from 5:30-7:30 PM Hybrid Style! More info & RSVP @ www.hackf.org/events

Applications to Join our new Membership Committee and help shape the very future of Hackforge close on April 1st!
No governance experience needed. 
→ 4-8 hours/month
→ Free membership for a year
Apply by April 1st.
https://www.hackf.org/news/join-the-hackforge-membership-committee/
#WindsorTech #OSM #VolunteerOpportunity

Details here: https://ncc-cnc.ca/ctfseries/#:~:text=Winners-,National%20Final,-June%2017%2C%202026

Caption:
🚩 Calling all cybersecurity students! The Mastercard CTF Series, presented by the National Cybersecurity Consortium, is a national competition where Canadian post-secondary students compete in ethical hacking, cryptography, digital forensics, and more.

Regional events are happening across the country, with top teams earning a spot at the National Final on June 17, 2026 in Montréal.

Hackforge is proud to support opportunities like this for our local tech community. If you're a student in Windsor-Essex, this one's for you. 💻

Details + registration: https://ncc-cnc.ca/ctfseries/#:~:text=Winners-,National%20Final,-June%2017%2C%202026

|🚩 Canadian post-secondary students — the Mastercard CTF Series is on! Compete in ethical hacking, cryptography & digital forensics. Regional events lead to a National Final on June 17 in Montréal. Hackforge cheering on our Windsor-Essex folks! Details: https://ncc-cnc.ca/ctfseries/#:~:text=Winners-,National%20Final,-June%2017%2C%202026
#CyberSecurity #CTF #Hackforge

For a few years now we've been receiving regular updates on Geopogo's Digital Twin project, and it's amazing to see the progress! This newest iteration (which is planned to launch soon!) seems pretty fantastic - even if it does feature them demolishing the Hackforge space. https://youtu.be/SFPWzm_N9Xw?si=XiTLo7bUIE6mMlr8 #GeoPogo #WindsorGaming #DigitalTwin #WindsorTech

⚡ Have a lightning in a bottle idea?
Come see what our community's been dreaming up in this collaborative event.
Each talk giver will have 5 minutes to talk all about their passion project.

Email bolt@hackf.org before Feb. 19th at 1PM EST to sign up to give a talk!

📆 March 12, 2026
🕦 6-8 PM
📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210) & Online via Zoom
🎟️ RSVP and More Info at www.hackf.org/events

#PassionProjects #WindsorTech #HybridEvents

This month's OSM Windsor-Essex meetup introduces OSMPIE (OpenStreetMap Perfect Intersection Editor) – a specialized tool that makes creating accurate road structures surprisingly straightforward. Join fellow mappers to improve street data right here in our region, making navigation better for everyone who lives, works, and visits Windsor-Essex.⁠ ⁠

📆 Tuesday, March 31⁠
🕦 5:30 - 7:30 PM⁠
📍In-person at Hackforge HQ & Online via Zoom⁠
🎟️ RSVP and More Info at www.hackf.org/events

#OSM #WindsorTech #WindsorEvents #OSMPIE

🥳 Global Game Jam 2026 is almost here! 🥳 Hackforge is hosting again with a kickoff party, hybrid & virtual work hours all week, and a closing party to submit and show off your game. Teams or solo, digital or tabletop, everyone’s welcome!

Details: hackf.org/events. Register: globalgamejam.org

#GGJ2026 #GlobalGameJam #WindsorGaming

Map Roulette(https://maproulette.org) is a super cool OSM tool. Check out our video of Lauren from Hackforge exploring MapRoulette with OpenStreetMap API.
Exploring MapRoulette with OpenStreetMap https://youtu.be/sBnOh09-s34?si=_gaCjs2BFphLJA4a

What it does: This website lets you contribute to the world map and offers challenges to test your skills
If you're interested, join our OSM group in Hackforge's Discord https://discord.gg/dStjhZHXFd

#Hackforge #WindsorTech #Mapping #OpenStreetMap

In 2025, Hackforge hosted 62 events with 915+ participants, thanks to 19 different presenters. This year we Game Jammed, we field mapped, we built AI agents, remembered the golden age of DOS, Installed Linux (RIP Windows 10), demystified the magic of CDN, and we met a whole lot of friends along the way!
A huge thank you to all of you who presented, participated, donated, and made our community what it is. Without you, Hackforge wouldn't be the awesome hub for tech enthusiasts it is today.
Three cheers for 2025, and here's looking forward to an absolutely epic 2026!

#NYEWindsor #WindsorTechCommunity #YQGTech #WindsorEvents #TechCommunity

🎉 Celebrate the end of #GGJ2026 at the Hackforge Global Game Jam Closing Party! Polish and submit your game, then stick around for a 5PM show & tell to see what everyone created. Feb 1, 2PM, Hybrid
More Info & RSVP at www.hackf.org/events
#GGJ2026 #Hackforge #WindsorTech #WindsorEvents

Come see Hackforge's booth at Windsor-Essex Family Network's Passions, People & Possibilities Fair! We'll have some Hackforge info and a few Hackforgers on hand.

📆 April 11
🕦 10am-2:30pm
📍Fogolar Furlan (1800 N Service Rd, Windsor, ON N8W 1Y3)
💵 Free (Donation Suggested)

#PassionsPeoplePossibilities #WindsorEvents #HackforgeintheWild

You might have missed some Hackforge news so be sure to check our Mastodon page and our other socials listed here
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Hackforge/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackforge/
YouTube: @hackforge@www.youtube.com
Mastodon: @hackforge@mstdn.ca
Don't forget to join our Discord to stay up to date with the latest events and chat in different channels with the gang!!!
https://discord.gg/dStjhZHXFd

Join us for a Pub Night of C and C++ horror stories. Share your funniest and most frustrating experiences from the world of systems programming with others who understand the struggle.
 
As is usually natural, we’ll also be having a casual discussion about open source, collaboration, and how C and C++ continue to power critical software projects. 
 
📆 Thursday, May 21
🕦 7-9 PM
📍Loose Goose Downtown (126 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, ON)
🎟️ RSVP at www.hackf.org/events

Global Game Jam 2026 is happening soon, and Hackforge's registrations are steadily ticking up!
 
If you want to contribute to the event without the stress that comes with building your own game, consider volunteering as a mentor! This is an important role that helps our jammers to complete their games in only a week.
 
Mentors can help out by being available to answer questions or offer advice either in-person or online. Visit the form linked below for more details and to submit your name.
 
#GlobalGameJam #GGJ2026 #WindsorTech #WindsorEvents #Hackforge

Apply by next Monday for this awesome internship!

Open to anyone between 15 and 30 years old, this is a great opportunity to expand your skills as a communicator OR developer.

📅 15 hours/week, flexible, mid-December to late March
💸 $30/hour
🔗 https://hackf.org/2023/12/04/hackforge-is-hiring-an-open-source-project-community-manager/

Hackforgers Unite!
Join us for an evening of really good company, chill vibes, and a whole lot of nerdy talk.
First timer? Curious about Hackforge? This low pressure event is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the community and get familiar with all things Hackforge.

Please be aware that all attendees will be responsible for their own tabs.
Please RSVP so we can keep the location updated with numbers.
 
📆 April 24
🕦 7-9 PM
📍Thirsty Butler (1585 Wyandotte St E, Windsor, ON)
🎟️ RSVP at www.hackf.org/events

In this session of LUG, we will go over the Linux command line as well as some other essential & day-to-day commands

Whether you're a more experienced user or just getting started, this session will help Linux users improve their experience by further exploring the command line interface (CLI)

What to Bring:
If you'd like to follow along, a Laptop with Docker or Podman installed is all you'll need.

📆 Thursday, May 14, 2026
🕦 7-9 PM
📍Hackforge HQ & Online via Zoom
🎟️ RSVP atwww.hackf.org/events
#LUG #WindsorTech #Hackforge

Making a game for #GGJ? Focus on "Juicy" mechanics over complex systems.
​Concept: Bubble maze
​The Player: A bubble.
​The Plan: Use floaty, physics-based wind forces (WASD/Mouse)
​The Logic: High bounciness + a dramatic particle effect "Pop!" on collision.
​Fri: Create physics-based wind movement (WASD/Mouse).
Sat: Add hazards and "Pop" logic with big particle effects.
Sun: Finally polish bounciness and shaders.
The Goal: High juice, low complexity. Make every collision feel dramatic!
​Read more: coming soon
​#GameDev #IndieDev #GlobalGameJam

We're looking for two passionate community members to join our new Membership Committee and help shape the very future of Hackforge.

No governance experience needed. Just your passion.
→ 4-8 hours/month
→ Free membership for a year
→ Real impact on our community
Link in bio for full details. Apply by April 1st.

The committee will work alongside our managing director and board members to draft new membership bylaws, review and assess applications for free, merit-based memberships, and help create a process that reflects Hackforge’s values.

This is a one-year volunteer role with 4-8 hours per month. Committee members will receive a Hackforge membership, including voting rights at the AGM and access to new member-specific perks.

Join our new Membership Committee and contribute to the organization's bylaws, culture, and community.
There is no experience required and the time commitment is minimal. Read the full opportunity description - including how to apply - on our website: https://www.hackf.org/news/join-the-hackforge-membership-committee/

The Global Game Jam is an event where participants create their own games based on a theme that the GGJ Organization chooses. Participants have one week to work on their game and submit it. in 2026, Hackforgers submitted a record breaking 12 games!

Here are the awesome and super cool games all the participants at Hackforge made for the 2026 Mask theme https://globalgamejam.org/group/31077/games
#hackforge #globalgamejam #masks #2026 #windsor

September 18-21, 2025, Hackforge was proud to set up shop in the Art-Windsor Essex (AWE) Studio for a DIY Light Up Pendant Workshop. The workshop was part of the AWE at Night: Night Light Festival. Armed with instruction booklets, video instructions, and many small parts, Hackforge hosted roughly 380 people over 3 days. Attendees learned about basic electronics and circuits.

Click the links featured in post to learn more!
https://www.hackf.org/news/diy-led-pendant-video-instructions/
https://www.hackf.org/news/build-your-own-led-pendant-at-home/
#led #diy #pendant #hackforge

Don't miss this month's OSM Windsor-Essex meetup introduces OSMPIE (OpenStreetMap Perfect Intersection Editor) – a specialized tool that makes creating accurate road structures surprisingly straightforward. Join fellow mappers to improve street data right here in our region, making navigation better for everyone who lives, works, and visits Windsor-Essex.⁠ ⁠
 
📆 Tuesday, March 31⁠
🕦 5:30 - 7:30 PM⁠
📍In-person at Hackforge HQ & Online via Zoom⁠
🎟️ RSVP and More Info at www.hackf.org/events
 
#OSM #WindsorTech #WindsorEvents #OSMPIE

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month's Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!
This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!
 
Hope to see you all there!
 
📆 Thursday, May 7, 2026
🕦 7-9 PM
📍Virtual Event via Discord
🎟️ Discord link at hackf.org/events

#LUG #WindsorTech #Hackforge

Let's run a spatial join and gather at Eastwood's Grill and Lounge for weGIS's Spring Mixer!
There's no theme and no stakes, just some drinks and a good time. 🌎🍻

Please be aware that all attendees will be responsible for their own tabs. 
Please RSVP so we can keep the location updated with numbers.
 
📆 May 20th
🕦 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍Eastwood's Grill & Lounge (63 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON)
🎟️ RSVP at www.hackf.org/events

#weGIS #WindsorTech #Hackforge

The latest installment of WCCUG will kick off with a 30-minute group brainstorming session, where we’ll collaborate on ideas and directions for our first group project. This will be followed by a one-hour optional workshop on how to compile your first project.

Learn More about WCCUG at wccug.org
 
📆 April 16
🕦 7-9 PM
📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette, Suite 210) & Online via Zoom
🎟️ More Info & RSVP at www.hackf.org/events

#WCCUG #WindsorTech #CodingWindsor

This month, LUG will be hosting a Linux install party...drop-in style! 
Come on out even if you're already familiar with Linux! This is a great opportunity to try a new distribution or just hang around and chat with other Linux enthusiasts.
 
📆 Saturday, May 9, 2026
🕦 10am-2pm (drop in any time)
📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Suite 210)
 
#LUG #WindsorTech #Hackforge

🎮 Kick off Global Game Jam 2026 with us! Join Hackforge in person or on Discord to watch the keynote, reveal the theme, form teams, ask questions, and get jam-ready. New or veteran jammers welcome: solo or team! Jan 26, 6–8 PM. RSVP at hackf.org/events

#GGJ2026 #Hackforge #WindsorTech #GlobalGameJam

Join us for a "Jane’s Talk" that bridges the gap between archival paper maps and the digital age.
We'll be introducing OpenHistoricalMap (OHM), a project mapping historical roads and settlements. Learn how old maps are digitized into interactive data, and how past land surveys still shape today’s roads. Presented with the Windsor-Essex Jane’s Walk Festival.
 
📆 Sunday, April 26, 2026
🕦 2:45 - 3:45 PM
📍John R. Park Homestead's Visitor Centre (915 County Rd 50 E, Essex)
✅Reserve your spot through the Jane's Walk website!
https://www.windsorjaneswalk.ca/event-details/mapping-the-ghosts-of-essex-county

Tonight is LUG's monthly Virtual Social!
Come talk all things Linux!

📆 April 9
🕦Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EST)
📍Virtual Event via Discord
🎟️ Link and More info at www.hackf.org/events

#LUG #LinuxUserGroup #VirtualSocial