Draft installfest flyer

[CLIFFORD ILKAY]

Hello,

Rather than insert words here and there, I have made my proposed 
changes below. I think the liability notice needed to be stronger, 
perhaps even stronger than I have made it. I also think it is 
imperative that the owner of the computer sign a release form. Having 
a signed document enhances the protection, though I suggest someone 
with legal expertise give any such document a once over. If you will 
recall the LG CDROM (or was it CDRW?) breakage caused by Mandrake 
9.2, or more correctly, the flaw in the LG product that was exposed 
by Mandrake 9.2, it rendered that peripheral useless. If something 
like that, or worse, happened at the Installfest, I would hate to see 
well meaning people get in trouble. Think of all the disaster 
scenarios. What would happen if someone stumbles and knocks over 
computer off a table? What would happen if in the hubbub, someone's 
laptop computer was stolen? Anyway, my amended message follows.

#################################################

Free Linux Installfest
----------------------

Curious about Linux but do not know where to start? Ever wanted to 
play with Linux but had problems getting it installed? This is your 
chance to have a volunteer from the GTALug (Greater Toronto Area [I 
assume the "A" in GTALug is not silent] Linux User Group) guide you 
through the available options and help you to install Linux on your 
computer.

Cost: No charge
When: Saturday August 27th, 2005
Where: Room 418, 755 Morningside Avenue (the Centennial HP Science and 
Technology Centre)
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
To register: register-+7+y8uhm9Opg9hUCZPvPmw at public.gmane.org [Why is this is not a gtalug.org 
address?]
Details: http://gtalug.org/events/installfest [or whatever the URL is]

Notes:
------
* While the Installfest is free, you are responsible for paying any 
parking charges.

* If you wish to join GTALug <http://gtalug.org>, you may do so at the 
Installfest for $20. [One time? Annually?]

* There will be Linux distributions on CD media for $10 per set 
available on a first come, first served basis. Quantities are 
limited.

* If you wish to bring more than one computer onto which you wish to 
have Linux installed, feel free to do so but be advised that any 
additional installations beyond the first will only be done if time 
permits.

* Installations will be done on a first come, first served, best 
efforts basis as time permits with no guarantee of success. [In case 
it is crowded, there should be a ticketing system so that people can 
pick up a ticket when they arrive. Ticket numbers can then be called 
as volunteers are ready to proceed with the next installation.]

* Distributions we will be installing include Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, 
and Mandriva but others may also be available.

* There is always an element of risk when installing an operating 
system. Centennial College, GTAlug, and the volunteers, jointly or 
severally, do NOT assume any liability whatsoever for data loss, 
damage to your system, or any other losses. You will be expected to 
sign a consent form at the Installfest authorizing the volunteer to 
install Linux on your computer(s) and releasing the aforementioned 
parties from liability before proceeding with the installation.

Pre Installfest checklist:
--------------------------
* Perform a back up of your computer. This is essential!

* Defragment your hard drive and set aside at least 3GB of disk space. 
Create new partitions by resizing preexisting ones, if you can. Do 
not worry if you do not know how to do this. Someone at the 
Installfest can do it for you.

* Tell us about your level of Linux experience.

* Let us know in advance if you have a particular Linux distribution 
you are interested in having installed and we will try to accommodate 
you.

* Let us know in advance about the chipset, model number, age, or 
other pertinent details about the hardware in your computer, 
especially graphics adapters, wireless network cards, PXE boot 
capabilities, and SATA controllers, if you can. If you can print 
those details and bring them with you to the Installfest, all the 
better. If possible, search the web for Linux compatibility 
information for your hardware.

* Bring power cords and manuals for your hardware.

* Some CRT Monitors, PS/2 mice and keyboards will be available. If 
your computer uses LCD or USB peripherals, or any unusual hardware, 
bring it with you.

If you would like to volunteer at the Installfest, please email:
volunteer-+7+y8uhm9Opg9hUCZPvPmw at public.gmane.org [Same question as above - why is this not a 
gtalug.org address?]

################################################################


On July 27, 2005 21:18, Colin McGregor wrote:
> What follows is a quick draft of the text for a
> possible installfest flyer. Comments? Concerns?
> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
> Free Linux Installfest
>
> Ever wanted to play with Linux but had problems
> getting it installed? Well, Centennial College and
> volunteers from the Greater Toronto Linux User Group
> want to help.
>
> Distributions we'll be installing include Debian,
> Fedora and Mandrake but others will be available.
>
> Memberships to the GTALug will be available for sale
> ($20), as well we will be selling some Linux
> distributions on CD ($10 for a set) and we may have a
> few other small goodies for sale.
>
> Otherwise, the Installfest is FREE for everyone.
>
> When: Saturday August 27th, 2005
> Where: Room 418, 755 Morningside Avenue (the
> Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre).
> Time: 9:30am to 2:00pm
>
> If you'd like to register, please email:
> register-+7+y8uhm9Opg9hUCZPvPmw at public.gmane.org
> If you'd like to come and help out, please email:
> volunteer-+7+y8uhm9Opg9hUCZPvPmw at public.gmane.org
>
> We'd also love to know the following in advance:
> * How new is your hardware (especially video cards and
> SATA)?
> * What previous experience you may have had with
> Linux.
> * Do you have a preferred distribution you'd like
> installed?
>
> Before you come to the Installfest, please
>
> * Defrag your hard drive and set aside at least 3GB.
> * You can create your own partitions or resize
> preexisting ones if you know what you're doing;
> otherwise we can do it for you.
> * Back up all important data on your computer in case
> something does go wrong. Centennial College and GTAlug
> will not accept any responsibility for accidental data
> loss.
> * If you have some spare time, search the web for
> Linux compatibility information for your hardware. It
> may save us a lot of time and pain if we know of your
> computer has some special requirements beforehand.
>
> Please remember to bring in:
>
> * Power cables and hardware manuals.
> * Some CRT Monitors, PS/2 mice and keyboards will be
> available. If your computer uses LCD or USB
> peripherals, you may want to bring them in.
> * Money if you wish to join GTAlug or purchase Linux
> CDs (the later subject to availability).
--
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