Open Source AI? No such thing. But we can get close?

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Description:

No current mainstream AI chat system meets the full definition of Open Source or Free Software. In this presentation we will discuss the state of openness in current AI chat systems, where conventional concepts of open source can be applied and where they can’t. Legal and licensing difference between the various options reveal that some are far more open than others, and that “OpenAI” isn’t really that open at all.

Also, Evan will be announcing the creation of a new organization, formed by Canadian AI and IT professionals, to support of Open Access AI in Canada.

Speaker:

Evan Leibovitch

Agenda:

  1. Business Meeting
  2. Presentation
  3. Discussion
  4. Adjournment
  5. More Discussion @ the Pub (Optional)

Date / Time:

April 8th, 2025 19:30 EST

Location:

In Person: TMU George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, 245 Church Street (just north of Dundas), Room 201 (See note below)

Online using Nextcloud: https://hub.gtalug.org/call/7m45sf9i

NOTE:

The doors to the building are normally locked. There will be someone from GTALUG at the doors on the southeast corner of Church and Gould to let people in. If you come late or don’t see anyone at the door please SMS at 647 657 6575 for THIS NIGHT ONLY. Do not call.

AI the deep dive continues…

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Description:

In this session, we’ll dive into the practical use of Large Language Models (LLMs) for software development, with a focus on how AI can enhance your coding workflows. I’ll demonstrate three powerful options: two cloud-based models—ChatGPT and Claude Sonnet—and one locally hosted solution, LLaMA. We’ll explore how these tools can assist in everything from code generation and debugging to documentation and testing. We’ll look at options for integrating them into your development environment, highlighting their strengths and limitations. This talk is designed to provide actionable insights for developers at any level. There will be ample time for questions, so come prepared to explore how AI can accelerate your software development process and improve your coding efficiency!

Agenda:

  1. Business Meeting
  2. Presentation
  3. Discussion
  4. Adjournment
  5. More Discussion @ the Pub (Optional)

Date / Time:

March 11th, 2025 19:30 EST

Location:

In Person: TMU George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, 245 Church Street (just north of Dundas), Room 201 (See note below)

Online using Nextcloud: https://hub.gtalug.org/call/7m45sf9i

NOTE:

The doors to the building are normally locked. There will be someone from GTALUG at the doors on the southeast corner of Church and Gould to let people in. If you come late or don’t see anyone at the door please SMS at 647 657 6575 for THIS NIGHT ONLY. Do not call.

Open Source AI with Marcel Gagné

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Description:

In this session, we’re going to take a practical, hands-on look at the state of generative AI, with a special focus on open-source models, particularly DeepSeek R1. I’ll cover what makes DeepSeek R1 noteworthy, how it compares to other models, and why there’s so much excitement around it. More importantly, I’ll show you how to run these models locally on Linux using tools like Ollama and LM Studio, so you can experiment without relying on the cloud. Since this is a friendly crowd of Linux enthusiasts, I’ll tailor the discussion to practical, real-world applications—including AI-assisted scripting, coding, and documentation generation, among other things. Expect a lively Q&A, so bring your curiosity—whether it’s about self-hosting models, fine-tuning, or the broader implications of AI in open source.

Agenda:

  1. Business Meeting
  2. Presentation
  3. Discussion
  4. Adjournment
  5. More Discussion @ the Pub (Optional)

Date / Time:

February 11th, 2025 19:30 EST

Location:

In Person: TMU George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, 245 Church Street (just north of Dundas), Room 201 (See note below)

Online using Nextcloud: https://hub.gtalug.org/call/7m45sf9i

NOTE:

The doors to the building are normally locked. There will be someone from GTALUG at the doors on the southeast corner of Church and Gould to let people in. If you come late or don’t see anyone at the door please SMS at 647 657 6575 for THIS NIGHT ONLY. Do not call.

React Java script Website building

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with Ron Barnes

Description:

Agenda:

  1. Business Meeting
  2. Presentation
  3. Discussion
  4. Adjournment
  5. More Discussion @ the Pub (Optional)

Date / Time:

January 14th, 2024 19:30 EST

Location:

In Person: TMU George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, 245 Church Street (just north of Dundas), Room 201 (See note below)

Online using Nextcloud: https://hub.gtalug.org/call/7m45sf9i

NOTE:

The doors to the building are normally locked. There will be someone from GTALUG at the doors on the southeast corner of Church and Gould to let people in. If you come late or don’t see anyone at the door please SMS at 647 657 6575 for THIS NIGHT ONLY. Do not call.