2025-06-06 –, Topaz
Introduction
SyncStar lets users create bootable USB storage devices with the operating system of their choice. This application is intended to be deployed on kiosk devices and electronic signage where conference guests and booth visitors can avail themselves of its services. This self-service system allows booth visitors in free and open-source software conferences to consider using a GNU/Linux Distribution by creating a bootable USB storage device there in the booth, thus helping increase the adoption of GNU/Linux distributions as SyncStar supports multiple free and open-source software GNU/Linux distributions.
Inspiration
SyncStar was inspired by the original Fedorator project, a kiosk device for writing Fedora Linux Live Images onto USB drives, designed for conference booths. While it sparked interest among attendees, its adoption stalled with the pause in in-person events due to COVID-19. The semiconductor shortage also increased the cost of Raspberry Pi and peripherals, limiting project usability as these were used in building the service hardware. Additionally, the limited 3D printer access raised entry barriers for booth organizers, making it challenging for local conferences to promote Fedora Linux easily.
Akashdeep Dhar is a senior software engineer in the Red Hat Community Linux Engineering team, working on researching and developing applications running on Fedora Infrastructure, and has served twice in Fedora Council, once as an initiative lead for a community revamp and once as an elected representative.