[Colchester] Linux Install party in Colchester
Gary Kearley
gary at kearley.net
Thu Feb 14 16:18:14 GMT 2008
Ahh, thats a point...
anyone know a tshirt printers? :-)
Logo is here - http://www.colchester.lug.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/col-lug-new2.png
:-)))
Gary
On 14 Feb 2008, at 15:43, Jai Harrison wrote:
> Hey Jack,
>
> Well done summarising all of this information and also on contacting
> different venues and services that have the potential to host us. I'll
> try my best to be available and in the LUG channel at the designated
> time.
>
> Even if I don't make it then I should be available to help with the
> event at weekends, evenings or during the day on Tuesday or Thursday
> and am happy to do so provided it doesn't cost me to do so (other than
> the cost of those LUG shirts being made that we "agreed" on a while
> back).
>
> Jai
>
> On 2/14/08, Sam Tuke <samtuke at hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Phill,
>>
>> Great, thanks for your support! I look forward to hearing your
>> ideas on monday.
>>
>> Best wishes,
>>
>> Sam.
>> ----------------------------------------
>>> Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:13:14 +0000
>>> From: phillip.sacre at gmail.com
>>> To: colchester at mailman.lug.org.uk
>>> Subject: Re: [Colchester] Linux Install party in Colchester
>>
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> Assuming I'm free on the date I would love to help out with this!
>>>
>>> I'll try and be on IRC next Monday @ 7.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Phill
>>>
>>
>>> On 14/02/2008, jack spratt wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Plans for Colchester public install party
>>>>
>>>> By Sam Tuke on 13.02.08
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Contents:
>>>> 1. Whom this concerns
>>>> 2. Summary of planned activities
>>>> 3. Abbreviated minutes of relevant material from Colchester LUG
>>>> meeting
>>>> 07.02.08
>>>> 4. Progress since LUG meeting
>>>> 5. Summary of current situation and next steps
>>>> 6. Meeting of those concerned
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> 1.
>>>>
>>>> This email concerns those associated with the Colchester LUG and
>>>> Linux users
>>>> in general who have shown and now wish to show an interest in the
>>>> organisation of a local 'Install Party' of Linux on the machines
>>>> of those
>>>> who attend.
>>>>
>>>> Members of the LUG who are not interested in the promotion of
>>>> Linux amongst
>>>> the public need have no part in the proceeding described below,
>>>> and should
>>>> not feel any compulsion to get involved.
>>>>
>>>> This is an open project, not exclusive to attendees of LUG
>>>> meetings, and an
>>>> attempt will be made to make use of the help of anyone who
>>>> volunteers
>>>> themselves.
>>>>
>>>> The more diversity of skill, opinion and experience we have in the
>>>> organisational team the better!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> 2.
>>>>
>>>> The primary purpose of holding the 'install party' is to increase
>>>> awareness
>>>> and use of the Linux Operating system amongst the general public of
>>>> Colchester. All details of the install party are designed with
>>>> this in mind.
>>>>
>>>> Loosely then, we intend to hold an install party:
>>>> -that is at a public location
>>>> -that is open to the public
>>>> -that promotes Linux and free software
>>>> -that provides an opportunity for the public and their computer
>>>> to be
>>>> introduced to Linux by 'experts'
>>>> -that is completely free for the public, where possible
>>>> -that is entirely run and organised voluntarily by free software
>>>> enthusiasts
>>>>
>>>> Hopefully the above points are basic and uncontentious. They are
>>>> nonetheless
>>>> open to revision.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> 3.
>>>>
>>>> Having established the foundational conception of the 'install
>>>> party',
>>>> discussion and commentary about this event which occurred at the
>>>> latest CLUG
>>>> meeting will now be reproduced. Talk and note taking at this
>>>> event was not
>>>> in any particular order, I'll try and group together points of a
>>>> similar
>>>> nature.
>>>>
>>>> Abbreviated, (Unattributed) Minutes:
>>>>
>>>> ~ The meeting should be held in a 'public' place because of i.
>>>> legal
>>>> implications and responsibilities (health and safety etc.); ii.
>>>> easy public
>>>> access, problems locating the premises etc.; public acceptability
>>>> and
>>>> image/presentation of the group/'party'
>>>>
>>>> ~ The chosen meeting location will ideally be well known to the
>>>> public, or
>>>> at least be easily findable (have its own website with map
>>>> possibly, e.g.
>>>> Colchester Central Library)
>>>>
>>>> ~The premises needs to be low cost (ideally free) due to the
>>>> 'party's'
>>>> voluntary nature
>>>>
>>>> ~The premises must be open at times suitable to the 'install
>>>> party's'
>>>> requirements
>>>> -Suitable times for the 'party' will primarily need to meet the
>>>> needs of
>>>> the 'installers', with the secondary goal of coinciding with
>>>> periods outside
>>>> of common working hours to encourage public participation.
>>>> Evenings or
>>>> weekends may be preferable
>>>>
>>>> ~ The premises needs to provide the opportunity for Internet
>>>> connectivity
>>>> because of the need for:
>>>> - Problem solving, and
>>>> - Downloading (additional) software packages, such as drivers
>>>> and other
>>>> user specific material
>>>>
>>>> =
>>>>
>>>> ~ Prepared (pre-downloaded) software should be brought to the
>>>> 'party' by
>>>> installers because this will:
>>>> - Speed up the installation and configuration progress; no
>>>> wait and
>>>> search for software online during the 'party' itself
>>>> - Minimise bandwidth requirements of on-site Internet connection
>>>>
>>>> ~ These 'pre-cached' packages could be chosen and organised in a
>>>> variety of
>>>> ways:
>>>> -Likely critical updates and commonly used packages for the
>>>> primary
>>>> supported distro could simply be downloaded and stored before hand
>>>> - A simple server machine could be set up to host packages,
>>>> and/or auto
>>>> cache any packages downloaded on the day, possibly via a python
>>>> script, to
>>>> make the process more efficient.
>>>> - For distros with smaller repositories, the repositories
>>>> could be
>>>> downloaded before hand for optimum package availability (say, for
>>>> those
>>>> which would fit on DL-DVD)
>>>>
>>>> =
>>>>
>>>> ~ A variety of distributions on liveCD should be brought in case
>>>> demonstration is required for intermediate users or those with
>>>> specific
>>>> tastes/requirements (say five or six?)
>>>>
>>>> ~ Demo machines should be provided for those completely
>>>> unfamiliar with
>>>> Linux/KDE/GNOME to dispense with their fears. Ideally a selection
>>>> of Distros
>>>> would be available to try on these demo machines
>>>>
>>>> =
>>>>
>>>> ~ Whilst all types of prospective Linux user should be catered
>>>> for, thought
>>>> needs to be given to the party's specific target audience.
>>>> Advanced/capable
>>>> windows users curious about the 'unknown' of other operating
>>>> systems may be
>>>> a good and receptive demographic to target in this way in
>>>> advertising and
>>>> distro selection etc.. Narrowing our focus in this way can make our
>>>> advertising material more effective, and appealing to too wide an
>>>> audience
>>>> presents several problems.
>>>>
>>>> ~ Advertising of the event will be key to its success or failure,
>>>> good
>>>> material needs to be distributed widely (and in strategic places?)
>>>>
>>>> ~ Should the event have an associated website? This would present
>>>> the
>>>> opportunity to:
>>>> - Submit requests for help in advance of the meeting,
>>>> guaranteeing time
>>>> slots etc.
>>>> - Submit hardware information in advance of the 'party' to
>>>> allow better
>>>> preparation; specific drivers downloaded, compatibility
>>>> researched etc.
>>>> - Download a script to quickly retrieve the client's crucial
>>>> hardware and
>>>> diagnostic information (this idea has potential problems -
>>>> suspicious
>>>> software to prospective attendee, too much effort for attendee,
>>>> etc. etc.)
>>>>
>>>> =
>>>>
>>>> ~ Liability policies need to be resolved before the 'party' -
>>>> will attendees
>>>> need to agree to a waiver? Paper or verbal?
>>>>
>>>> ~ An external USB hard disk drive should be available to backup
>>>> attendees
>>>> data before any dangerous procedures proceed. USB = wide
>>>> compatibility,
>>>> external = mobile. Either one large or several smaller HDDs could
>>>> be used.
>>>> The funding/sourcing of such a device was unresolved. Alternatively
>>>> attendees could be requested to backup all data before attending,
>>>> although
>>>> some may not be able.
>>>>
>>>> ~ Attendees may be requested to partition their drives before
>>>> attending to
>>>> speed up the installation process and minimise liability of the
>>>> 'installers'
>>>>
>>>> =
>>>>
>>>> ~ Activity at the 'party' should always be present: this provides
>>>> an
>>>> encouraging and professional atmosphere for those arriving. In
>>>> this regard,
>>>> the activity in question going on is not so critical as that
>>>> there is
>>>> activity going on. Installers will thus appear occupied and
>>>> receptive to
>>>> newcomers.
>>>>
>>>> ~ A certain level of presentability should be reached by
>>>> 'installers' and
>>>> 'party' representatives - this helps ensure respect and trust
>>>> from attendees
>>>> ("no beer stained shirts")
>>>>
>>>> =
>>>>
>>>> ~ Should help with any other operating systems that Linux be
>>>> offered?
>>>> - Benefits: potentially attracts greater interest and numbers;
>>>> attending
>>>> is more desirable to public
>>>> - Negative effects: may inspire antagonism from local IT firms,
>>>> potentially sidetracks interest away from free software, requires
>>>> skills
>>>> irrelevant to CLUG
>>>>
>>>> End of Minutes
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> 4.
>>>>
>>>> I have made some inquiries regarding the location of the 'install
>>>> party' I
>>>> mentioned no dates, and listed requirements as i. Power points
>>>> (several);
>>>> ii. Space for 20-30 people (intended to represent need for
>>>> equipment space),
>>>> and; iii. Internet access if possible. I have contacted:
>>>>
>>>> 1. Colchester Central Library
>>>> 2. Hole in the Wall Pub
>>>> 3. Colchester campus/institute
>>>> 4. Community and volunteers centre
>>>> 5. Greenstead Community Centre
>>>>
>>>> 1. In a message left on my voicemail a library representative
>>>> said they
>>>> would be happy to host us, but were very busy with book festivals
>>>> etc. and
>>>> said availability before April would be unlikely.
>>>>
>>>> 2. The Hole in the wall were also very receptive, I spoke to the
>>>> manager
>>>> about the hire of their small lower seating area in the rear
>>>> right corner of
>>>> the pub facing its direction from the town centre (the same place
>>>> we were
>>>> sat at the last CLUG meeting). He said that either evenings or
>>>> Saturdays
>>>> would be fine, Saturdays they are open from 12-12. He gave the
>>>> impression
>>>> that we could use the area for as long as we liked, and that
>>>> attendees and
>>>> installers not consuming alcohol would not be a problem (I said
>>>> tea and
>>>> coffees would likely be consumed). The manager also said that
>>>> wireless
>>>> internet could be made available as they have their own network
>>>> there, which
>>>> is not usually available for public use. This can be discussed
>>>> with the team
>>>> there at a later date. The above is all available for free.
>>>> However, for
>>>> those that haven't seen this seating area, I'll try and explain its
>>>> limitations. Firstly, its obviously in a pub, which is not
>>>> necessarily a
>>>> good image for the meet and may turn off many potential
>>>> attendees, also
>>>> children may not be very welcome. It is a small space, currently
>>>> with four
>>>> fairly large wooden tables occupying it, and the management may
>>>> not be
>>>> willing to change its layout at all. If we could rearrange the
>>>> furniture the
>>>> space may prove sufficient. There is only one electric point from
>>>> what I
>>>> could see, that appeared to have been installed 40 years ago or
>>>> more.
>>>> Granted multi-sockets and extension cables can be used, but its
>>>> not an ideal
>>>> situation by any means - pushing into several kilowatts may not
>>>> be a good
>>>> idea on an old socket like this. The suitability of The Hole in
>>>> the Wall
>>>> clearly needs more discussion.
>>>>
>>>> 3. I was referred to the Colchester Venues dept., who quoted a
>>>> variety of
>>>> venues. The facilities I was offered were not however aimed at
>>>> community
>>>> projects - meetings, but seemed designed to cater largely for
>>>> business and
>>>> other commercial customers. I was offered loan of lecture
>>>> theatres, hotel
>>>> 'function' suites (with included food) and conference halls. The
>>>> university
>>>> facilities were priced at £81.90 per day plus £63 for computer
>>>> facilities
>>>> and C.£50 per hour for a technician to 'enable' the computer
>>>> facilities.
>>>> Alternatively hotel prices started at £40 per person attending.
>>>> None of the
>>>> facilities offered seemed suitable. However, I tried to make
>>>> contact with
>>>> the 'Departmental Administrator of Computing and Electronics' who
>>>> might be
>>>> help to offer other options or support, possibly as an education
>>>> event.
>>>>
>>>> 4. This community centre is located near the Castle on Colchester
>>>> high
>>>> street. They were quite receptive to my enquiries, but had
>>>> reservations
>>>> about the capacity of the room they had to offer. No specific
>>>> answer was
>>>> given to my inquiries about internet availability. Hire it not
>>>> available in
>>>> at weekends (unless with 'CEO's' permission), or in the evenings.
>>>> The rate
>>>> for the hire of the room by a voluntary organisation is £20. I
>>>> was invited
>>>> to go and inspect the room in question to judge the suitability
>>>> for myself,
>>>> which I have yet to do.
>>>>
>>>> 5. I received no reply from here on separate occasions on a
>>>> Friday, and left
>>>> a message stating my interest. I have yet to hear back from them.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> 5.
>>>>
>>>> Currently it seems we have no obvious choice of venue. Questions
>>>> such as
>>>> dates, default distro, key installers, finance methods and others
>>>> remain.
>>>> Assembling a list of individuals definitely wishing to
>>>> participate in this
>>>> event would be a useful activity, and so I ask that such people
>>>> make
>>>> themselves known either to me or to the recipients of the
>>>> mailinglist
>>>> generally. We'll have a better idea of where we stand once this is
>>>> accomplished.
>>>>
>>>> Scouting of alternative venues should continue, and any
>>>> suggestions would be
>>>> appreciated. Centrality and public awareness, as well as times of
>>>> availability are critical in this regard.
>>>>
>>>> Work on promotional material can begin immediately (posters,
>>>> fliers). I
>>>> intend to do this as soon as I have time, and welcome any
>>>> submissions from
>>>> others. I'm also happy to hand the project of poster design to
>>>> anyone
>>>> sufficiently skilled (I'm a novice using svg) – again, let me
>>>> know what you
>>>> have to offer.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> 6.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I suggest that those wishing to participate in any way with this
>>>> event, and
>>>> those who don't but have something to say about it, join together
>>>> on the
>>>> CLUG IRC channel this Monday 18th at 7pm to further discuss the
>>>> contents of
>>>> this communication and the upcoming 'install party'. If anyone
>>>> has a problem
>>>> with this suggestion email me to let me know.
>>>>
>>>> Many thanks for reading this mail, and supporting the 'install
>>>> party' –
>>>> together we can have a big impact on Linux awareness and usership
>>>> in this
>>>> fine county!
>>>>
>>>> Contact me direct: samtuke [at] hotmail [dot] com
>>>>
>>>> ________________________________
>>>> Sent from Yahoo! - a smarter inbox.
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Colchester mailing list
>>>> Colchester at mailman.lug.org.uk
>>>> https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/colchester
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> web: http://phillsacre.me.uk
>>> msn: phill at mooseofming.co.uk
>>
>>
>> _________________________________________________________________
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>>
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>
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