An InstallFest is one of the ways that Linux fans spread the Open Source and Free Software message. We get together and help each other install and configure Linux on our computers. Linux experts will be available to answer your questions and help you get Linux working on your computer.
We will also be giving presentations on various Linux-related topics.
Attendance is FREE. Anyone who wants to know more about Linux is welcome to attend.
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In most cases, all you will need to bring is the computer itself. We will provide Super VGA monitors, PS/2 keyboards, and PS/2 mice. If you have older or non-standard hardware, you should bring it along. If you're not sure, bring everything to be safe. If you have a specific distribution that you want to install, you can bring it along as well.
Inflow will be providing space for the installations, as well as power, monitors, keyboards and mice. A VERY high-speed Internet connection will also be available.
Free copies of popular Linux distributions will be provided on CD. (Primarily Red Hat and Mandrake -- if you want something else, please request it ahead of time.)
Refreshments will be provided.
We may have some items to raffle off as attendance prizes.
The first thing you need to do is back up your system. Although we will try to preserve your data, when installing an operating system, things can and sometimes do go wrong. Be sure that you are prepared in case your hard drive needs to be reformatted.
You should determine which Linux distribution you are interested in installing. Red Hat and Mandrake are the most popular, with some people partial to SuSE, Debian, or Slackware. Dozens of distributions exist, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. See the Distributions page at Linux Online for help choosing, or ask a friend. It might be a good idea to buy some books on Linux as well as the distribution of your choice.
You should gather as much technical information about your computer as you can. Although the installation process will usually proceed without prompting you for this information, it may be necessary if difficulties arise. Also be aware that very new hardware and very old hardware is not very well supported under Linux, as drivers may not be available. Check the hardware compatibility lists for your distribution to make sure all your hardware is supported.
We will need to create a separate partition (or several partitions) to put Linux onto your hard drive. If you wish to run multiple operating systems on the computer, the simplest way is to use a second hard drive in the computer, so that each operating system can have its own hard drive. If you are going to use only one hard drive, you should run a file-system diagnostic and defragment the disk BEFORE coming to the InstallFest.
You can contact Tony Z at tonyz@ctitek.com or 314-504-3974.
The InstallFest is sponsored and hosted by Inflow. Inflow is a web-hosting company. Several employees from Inflow and other local comapnies will be present to assist with installations and to give presentations on various aspects of Linux. Many others involved in the St. Louis Linux Users Group and local community will be there as well.