[wlug_org] Linux group converts 50 PCs

[Jeremy Naylor]

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For anybody who can't be bothered going to the Stuff web site . . .

Linux group converts 50 PCs
10 May 2004
By TOM PULLAR-STRECKER

Open source enthusiasts helped 50 computer owners convert their PCs from 
Microsoft software to Linux free of charge at the Wellington Linux Users 
Group's annual "Installfest" in Petone this month.

Spokesman Jamie Baddeley says interest in the event was well up on last 
year with volunteers carrying out two or three times the number of 
conversions.

"It went superbly. It was flat-tack all day," says Mr Baddeley.

The users' group raised $300 from donations, he says.

Mandrake Linux and Debian Linux were both in demand with punters, with the 
users' group installing a similar number of each variant of the open source 
operating system.

Mr Baddeley says Mandrake Linux is pretty popular at the moment. Debian, 
though harder to install, is attracting a growing following among more 
technically competent computer owners.

Another 70 CDs with versions of Linux that can be run from a CD-Rom drive 
were snapped up.

The CD versions of Linux, PCLinuxOS and Knoppix, don't involve installing 
Linux on hard drives, letting users revert to Microsoft software if they 
have second thoughts.

The people bringing in PCs ranged from old age pensioners and middle-aged 
mums to youngsters, Mr Baddeley says. "I was expecting 15-30-year-old young 
males with pale complexions, but there was a whole variety of people."

Installfest included a series of presentations from open source experts.

"One that was especially appreciated was on network security," says Mr 
Baddeley. "It gave a really full run-down on what it takes to secure a 
network and a computer system."

Mr Baddeley says a question many people ask when considering the switch to 
open source is what application software is available.

There are open source equivalents for all commonly-used commercial 
software, he says.

"The biggest problem is simply that the names are different." The 
Wellington Linux Users Group can help with advice, he says.

Unlike some open source fans, Mr Baddeley doesn't see the battle between 
Linux and Microsoft as a fight between "good and evil".

He says the aim of the users' group is to help people make "educated 
decisions".

"Personally speaking, what I'm passionate about is the change in industry 
models that open source drives.

"It changes from software being based around a `product' to around a service".

This shift will help improve the quality of service provided by the IT 
industry, he says.

The Wellington Linux Users Group usually attracts 30-40 people to its 
regular events and has about 200 people on its mailing list.

It meets on the second Monday of each month in Wellington and the fourth 
Thursday in Lower Hutt.

Jeremy Naylor
Registered Linux user #308950
p: +64 21 374 689
e: jeremy.naylor@r2.co.nz
w: http://www.r2.co.nz/~jeremy
w: http://e-living.wellington.net.nz

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