Installfests:
definitions, advice, links
What is an Installfest
InstallFests vary widely.
Some are very structured, and the people wanting help with installations are carefully matched up with experts to help them.
Some are essentially parties, where people show up, some with computers and software to install, and with some luck they get help with their installations.
Some Installfests are very specific, and are organized to help with a specific piece of software, such as the current release of the RedHat distribution.
Some Installfests are very general, and people are welcome to bring any kind of open-source software and look for assistance.
Of course, there is everything in between.
At most installfests there is a mix of people seeking help, people offering help, and people who want to just watch and learn.
Your expectations and your responsibilities
Inform yourself about the event ahead of time
Before you attend an Installfest, determine who is running the event, and find out what they have planned. Look for a website with information about the event. Email or phone the organizer and ask what they will be able to provide, and ask what you should bring with you.
Don't expect a warranty
If you bring your machine to an Installfest, remember that this is probably not a business. You will not be asked to pay for the help you receive, and you will not be given any guarantees or warantees. It's the same as having a personal friend help you with your computer. Whatever happens it's your own responsibility. Some InstallFests require you to sign a waver, agreeing that you will not blame or sue anyone if your machine gets damaged or you lose data during the event. Even if you sign nothing, this is what you are agreeing to, by default. Act amd plan as if you had signed a waver similar to this sample.If you attend several InstallFests in the same area, you will probably see the same people helping out. This does not necessarily mean that the same persons are running the event. It does not even mean that anyone is actually in control.
The first time you attend an InstallFest, it is probably best to just watch and speak with others. In time you will feel confident that you know which people are actually knowledgeable and which people don't know as much as they think they do. Then you will know who you want to accept help from.
Traditionally all open-source software is welcome at all Installfests. However, it is best to contact the organizer of the event to find out if any gurus will be present to help with the particular software you plan to install.
If you are Installing: What you should bring:
Note: try to label all the bits and pieces that you bring, so that you can easily find them again before you go home. Similar equipment and parts may be brought by another installer, and parts are often loaned during the event.
- The laptop or desktop machine you want to install onto.
- Any modem, ethernet card, or cd-rom drive that you normally use with this machine, and all hardware that you will need to complete this installation
- If you have a distribution that you want to install, bring your copy with you.
- Your equipment checklist. List all components in detail (motherboard, processor, video card, etc)
- A boot-disk floppy that you know works for your machine as it is now. It may be needed if the install doesn't work.
- At least one other blank floppy disk. This will be used to create a new boot-disk for your new installed linux.
If you are Installing: Prepare ahead:
- Take a look at the Installfest.org website.
- Use the "Linux pre-install checklist" (at LDP)(see below) as a guide to writing one for your own machine.
- Use your checklist to find out if your hardware is compatible with the Linux distribution you plan to install.
- The "LDP Hardware-Howto" page (see below) "lists most of the hardware supported by Linux and helps you locate any necessary drivers".
You might want to download the relevant drivers onto floppy disks, in case they are not already on your installation CD.- Also check the website of the distribution you plan to install. It probably has an extensive listing of which hardware components it is compatible with.
- Your distribution probably came with a book. If not, there is probably an installation guide on the website. Read the instructions and use them to write yourself an installation script to follow during the installation process. This will help you get back on track after figuring out any problems you run into during the installation process.
Installing or Watching: Be Considerate:
- Find out any restrictions and obey them.
- If you borrow anything during the event, make sure you return it before you leave.
- If food is allowed in the meeting space, make sure you eat it in an area where there is no risk of spilling onto anybody's equipment.
- Don't touch any equipment until you know who it belongs to and you have gotten their permission.
- InstallFests are often held in business offices. Remember that you are a guest, and leave their property untouched.
- If possible, help with clean-up at the end of the meeting.
Caveat
Local User Groups will often endorse a public event, such as an InstallFest. This means that they think it is a good idea, and they will probably send some of their group leaders to help out.
It does NOT mean that they are running the event, nor are these groups responsible in any way.
If a particular User Group is organizing and running the event then they have some responsiblity to fulfill their promises -- if they made any. The promise may consist of as little as reserving a space in which people can gather.
Useful reading:
- Rick Moen's Installation Tips:
- http://linuxmafia.com/bale/linuxprep.html
- The LDP hardware HOW-TO:
- http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Hardware-HOWTO/index.html
- Linux pre-install checklist (at LDP)
- http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/mini/Pre-Installation-Checklist/index.html
- Linux post-install mini-checklist:
- http://algolog.tripod.com/postlnx.htm - most recent revision
- http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/mini/Post-Installation-Checklist/index.html
- Installfest pages of LUGOD (Linux User Group of Davis)
- http://www.lugod.org/if/
- Read their pages on: requirements, preparation, what-to-bring, summary-information-form, rsvp-form, release-form
- Other links for Newbies:
Casandra's Linux Links
This is a revised copy of a document originally [1999] created for the LUNY website.
It is copylefted by R.Shanen.
This page last updated on 2003/03/07