InstallFest 2007.03

Bringing computers to the people!

Once every 4 months, Dal-ACM holds an InstallFest in the atrium of the Computer Science Building. Everyone and anyone is welcomed to show up. We make announcements both on campus and on the nSLUG mailing list. We usually run it on a Saturday afternoon. There are lots of people installing alternative operating systems, helping others with their installations, and just hanging out in general.

InstallFests are a great way to introduce yourself to a new operating system. Whether they are just getting started with their first install to seasoned veterans, InstallFests are great fun. On top of just hacking around with computers, we also have video games going on in the background and an endless supply of Coke and M&Ms. Check your CSEXCHANGE and nSLUG emails to find out when we are hosting the next one.

The next InstallFest is planned for the afternoon of September 15th, 1:00 - 7:00 pm with a cash bar openning at 3:00 pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to MailTo(events AT SPAMFREE dal-acm DOT ca) or join the Dal-ACM chat channel at http://chat.dal-acm.ca.

Other sub-events/projects?

Historically we've a bunch of non-Linux-related sub-events. The hardware hacking, video games, etc. Does anyone have suggestions for other things to do? I think doing a PGP key signing party would be a good thing.

Keysigning Party

What is Keysigning party?
- An organized event to exchange PGP Keys
Method
- Informal Method (see http://cryptnet.net/fdp/crypto/keysigning_party/en/keysigning_party.html)
What to Bring
- Fingerprint of your key (If you already have a key)
- PC or Laptop (If you do not have a key)
- Pen and paper
GnuPG webpage
- http://www.gnupg.org/ (See ![http://webber.dewinter.com/gnupg_howto/english/GPGMiniHowto.html HowTo] in Document section for setting up your email client)
Instructions on keysigning party
- http://sion.quickie.net/keysigning.txt
- http://cryptnet.net/fdp/crypto/keysigning_party/en/keysigning_party.html (Has instruction on generating key)
- [attachment:Keysigning.pdf Instruction Document]

RSVP

At every InstallFest, there are lots of volunteers that are ready to help out with any install. To make their lives easier, please leave your name, system specs, and what you want installed here or send an email to events AT dal-acm DOT ca.

Examples:

Paddy Vaughan - I have recently installed Ubuntu 6.06 to my old Dell Inspiron 5000. It has either a 500 or 600MHz Pentium III, 128MB of RAM and a 12gb (I think) hard drive. . I can provide more specs if needed. I have a Linksys WPC54GS wireless card in it as well. I'm very new to Linux, and I am having trouble setting up my wireless card. I have read in the Ubuntu forums on how to, It involves using ndiswrapper, but I am having a hard time getting it to work. So basically I'm looking for help setting it up. I'm not opposed to using a different Linux Distribution, I just chose Ubuntu because I read that it isgood to start out with.
Chris Jordan - Volunteering, playing some games, and learning how to make Mac dashboard widgets

To Do

Book Atrium - done Chris Jordan
Motion to spend $50 on snacks - done Chris Jordan
Equipment Check
- Switches - Oliver promises to be in the CSB on Sunday at 11:00 to help with setup
- Power bars - email sent out to attendees
- Cables
- Distro CDs
Contact CSS for sound equipment
Contact CSS for bar services - possible no go with licensing issues.

Promotions

Send PressReleaseExamples to the following.

Fill in the checkbox [ ] thusly: [x] when the task has been done. Put your name against it if you've done it or plan to so there's no duplication of effort.

[X] nSLUG - MailTo(nslug AT SPAMFREE nslug DOT ns DOT ca) (must be a member)
- month notice given
[X] Dal-ACM members - MailTo(members AT SPAMFREE dal-acm DOT ca)
- month notice given
[X] CS Students - MailTo(csannounce AT SPAMFREE cs DOT dal DOT ca) (must be approved by CSS)
- month notice given
[O] Dal Gazette - MailTo(dalendar AT SPAMFREE dalgazette DOT ca)
- Deadline missed
[O] CommunitySites
- month notice given

Debate topics for the Board:

Who do you want coming to the Fest? Dal students? The general public? Someone else?
- We have historically made an effort to attract everyone we can, Dal and general public. Sometimes we are successful, sometimes we're not.
This event could co-benefit people who support Linux for a living - that is, it could send them business. Do you want to do this? If so, get them involved with promoting and programming the event. Later, when they see it works, they can be sponsors.
- While in theory that's true, I don't see it being particularly likely given the audience we tend to attract. They are certainly welcome to attend, though.
In the press releases, you have a choice about the tone of the message. Where on the spectrum do you write it? One end: "Vista is evil and a huge money grab from Bill Gates" The other end: "Everyone knows what Linux is and what an InstallFest is." Hint: a little controversy is a good thing.
- I disagree, I think bashing Microsoft makes you sound like a filthy GNU/zealot, which at best will make people ignore you. I think somewhere in the middle is best. We can play up the strengths of Linux without attempting to beat up the competition.
When you write the press releases, do you assume that the general public knows what Linux is? DanielMacKay suggests: no.
- Agreed, we should make some mention of Linux being a free operating system that... does... nice... stuff.

Local media: The first time you promote this, it will have novelty value. Get all the value you can out of this onetime thing. Subsequently, you have to think of some other novelty content for your event -- such as controversy or a special guest.