As far as NJULUGs planning an installfest, I think it will be one of the few events, besides LinuxWorld, that various LUGs in NJ get to work together. Of course if you can couple in presentations/demonstrations on issues/topics that you mentioned then you're virtually making it a mini-Linux conference. So lets just say its a collaborative event for us to get to know each other.
So are installfests still important? I say yes. Sometimes its those few irritating, stubborn hardware issues that helps us learn a lot. Its an adventure. Eventually when drivers, apps and new hardware become more and more available for Linux, we're going to be left with only beer-pizza meetings.
Now to get off the soap box. Whos next?
Jeff
Wayne Hardy wrote:
Ahmed in particular, and INSTALLFESTS in general...
If you want help with an install, one suggestion is to bring your machine (and cd's) to the next hamlug meeting and we'll help you. Let us know ahead of time if you intend to do this and what you wish to install.
Regarding installfest's in general... Perhaps I should take time to really compose a piece on this topic and then submit it to the ML but here goes off the top of my head.
Installfests use to be important because Linux installs were problematic. I, myself, did my first linux install (slackware) at an install fest at Rutgers about 9 years ago.
What is happening now, however, is that LInux installs are so easy, painless and trouble free that meetings devoted to installs may not be necessary. The last few times I installed Linux it went in easier than windows (ahh... so sweet!). In fact, I was actually dissappointed because there was nothing to do except click the mouse a few times and I didn't get a chance to learn anything from having to fix things that went wrong! (nothing went wrong!)
The njLUG keeps talking about an installfest but I have to ask "why"? It's purpose is outdated. Gathering for mutual support is a wonderful thing but I think gathering to resolve install problems is the right solution for the wrong time in history. There are no longer Linux install problems to resolve (maybe a few but you know what I mean).
A gathering is wonderful I just think we have a purpose from the past that is no longer necessary and we need a new purpose - and a new name. What else is there to do with Linux that needs a "gathering". I'd rather spend time on this question than the question of "when and where shall we have an installfest"?
Anyone with me on this line of thinking?
I'm not trying to rain on the enthusiasm of njLUG, I'm just saying let's channel the enthusiasm into something more up with the times. And I think we don't know what that is yet.
How 'bout: How to use Linux as a workstation with full office, browsing, email, image, sound and video capability in one afternoon (there's a challenge).
Or setting up your own DNS and web page caching and automatic link acquisition to speed your web browsing.
Or video conferencing or netmeeting capability on Linux among all the machines that arrive at the event.
How 'bout a Gnome tutorial so people can do "everything windows" using Gnome to give them immediate facility with a Linux GUI. (Where are those system menus hidden anyway).
Just some suggestions.
Wayne
