Who can come and what is it?

Everyone that is interested is invited to come and participate. For more details on what an installfest is, read this Wikipedia article here.

What do I need to bring?

You need to bring your own, personal computer that you'd like to install Linux on. You need to bring the computer tower (some call this the case or CPU) as well as a computer monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, a network cable, power cords, and a power strip. You are welcome to bring your other peripherals if you'd like to test them on your new Linux installation.

Note:

We *may* have some extra hardward (monitors, keyboards, mice, etc.) available in case you forget something or just don't have everything you need. However, supplies will be limited so it is recommended to *not* count on it. Also, feel free to bring any extra hardward to share with others who might forget something.

What else should I bring?

You should also bring a notepad or something to write notes on and something (a pen) to write with. You may also want to bring storage media like unformatted floppies (for older systems that can't boot from a CD drive) and/or blank CD-R[W] or DVD+/-R[W] disks. Also, if you have a specific distribution besides one of the ones we'll be "supporting" (see below) you will want to bring the installation media (disks) for that distribution.

What distributions will be supported?

We'll have installation media available for those who'd like to install SUSE, Gentoo, or ubuntu. There may (or may not) be installation media for other distros or operating systems available. In short, these three distros are going to be the only "offically supported" distros for the event.

Do I need to do anything to prepare my PC?

Please make sure you have partitionable space on one (or more) of your hard drives on your computer before coming. If you have Windows installed and it is using all the disk space, then you'll need to resize your partition before you come. For more information on how to do this, you can check out this article (the first one that came up on my Google search).

Will there be food or refreshements?

There will be refreshements. However, you'll wanna eat before you come unless you want to buy us all pizza :).

Do you have to do an install to come? Or, do you have to be an expert/newbie to participate?

No. Visitors and helpers are welcome. Even if you don't plan on bringing your own machine and doing your own installation, feel free to come and socialize and/or help/observe others. In fact, please do come!

I'd like to help...

Wonderful! Some ways you can help include bringing refreshments, burning and bringing installation media sets for yourself and others, bringing extra spare hardware, and bringing your own expertise, experience, questions, and interest. However, in order to co-ordinate everything, if you do choose to help out, please contact me [Kendall Gifford: (435) 669-5820] in advance.