[wellylug] Installfest 2009

[Jethro Carr]

hi all,

I've been in discussions with the people responsible for the Software
Freedom Day in Wellington last year, with the aim of running another
installfest on 21st September as part of the larger SFD event.

Last year the Software Freedom Day event was held at the town hall and
included talks, hacking and of course the installfest.

Details can still be found at: http://www.softwarefreedomday.org.nz/


Last year went reasonably well, but the event needed better promotion of
the installfest and it would be worthwhile for Wellylug to try and get
some other organisations such as businesses and community groups to help
promote the event to get the word out. :-)

There will also be a few differences such as talks not being held right
next to the install area which was distracting and a bit annoying for
all involved.

In addition to installs, I plan to get some new to Linux type talks into
the programme to better introduce the OS to visitors.


So, if you would be interested in being involved with the installfest,
drop me an email or chat to me at tonight's meeting.

Involvement could be a simple as being around to run installs on the
day, offering to do some talks, or helping to promote the installfest to
the general public.


Some of the key points that need to be considered are:

* Distribution(s) to offer. I'm keen on only long-term supported
release, eg Ubuntu LTS, CentOS, Debian rather than short lifespan
distributions such as Fedora.

The reasons for this are simply that normal users don't want to upgrade
as frequently (which introduces new problems) than power users - whilst
I love Fedora myself, I wouldn't stick it on a desktop for a regular
user. :-)

I also want to chose the best distribution for the task, not just
whatever we can get free disks for, if we decide in time it may be
possible to get some proper disks printed for the event so that we have
plenty to do hand outs and installs.



* In recent years we are doing more tweaks than installs, ie people
bringing in computers which they need a particular problem solved for,
such as wifi or webcams.

It would be worth assembling a good resource of documentation for the
installfest team to be able to use on the day.


* After-event community and business support - one idea is having
materials for visitors detailing how to get support from groups like
Wellylug, distro forums and also what firms in Wellington offer
commercial Linux support for individuals/small businesses.

Rather than just dumping Linux on someone's box, let's try and draw them
into the community.


* Getting our hands on some demo computers would be great.


Anyway, this was all typed in a hurry at 1am, so if my ideas sound
totally crazy, please excuse me. ;-)

All feedback regarding the installfest and suggestions welcome. :-)

regards,
jethro

-- 
Jethro Carr
www.jethrocarr.com/index.php?cms=blog
www.amberdms.com
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