@nyanide yeah you mightve failed to make it exciting and relatable. selling it as a replacement is boring, if they are interested in an OS then they see computers as a valuable tool, and probably want to know how valuable the tool can be. showing basic shell commands is pretty outstanding for computer plebs, and if they recognize that from windows you can show them how it's different, and how much more meaningful it can be.

the OS history and unix philosophy (and free software and package managers and distros and whatever else) are potentially interesting but that's like a second date sorta "would you like to know more" conversation.

also, autism lecture tip: engagement bait some questions out of the audience by not explaining things in advance. even if youre taking control of the conversation, letting them ask questions keeps them engaged and feel like theyre steering the ship