installfest support

[Seneca]

On Sun, May 08, 2005 at 02:26:42AM -0400, David J Patrick wrote:
> For the planned installfest, at linuxcaffe, here are a few things I
> would like to be able to offer new users;
> 
> 1) a sign-up sheet that
>     a) briefly describes what might happen to their computer
>     b) gathers contact information
>     c) gathers a hardware profile
>     d) gathers computer usage profile (including dual-boot preference)
>     e) has a liability waiver
>     f) is signed

A modified version of the "GNU/Linux pre-installation checklist"
<http://members.tripod.com/~algolog/lnxchk.htm> (TLDP has an older
version of it) as part of it (covers b,c,d (for some values of
gathering) in its present form)?

> 2) a new linux user pamphlet that features
>     a) an explanation of "what is the command line, how do I find it and
> why should I care ?"
>     b) an introduction to "man" and "info"
>     c) summarized essential commands
>     d) links to linux basics on the web
>     e) links to helpful sites specific to their freshly installed distro
> (ubuntu Hoary Hedgehog)
>     f) directions to mailing list/ IRC/ LUG/ community help

Unless we only do one distro, it looks like there'll have to be multiple
versions of the pamphlet.  Or there could be a general "What is linux"
with the general stuff and a "$DISTRO basics" pamphlet for each of the
distros on tap that includes the distro-specific info and commands.

> Yes, I know, #s 1 and 2 are to be delivered in the "dead tree" medium,
> but if they are printed out only as required, on recycled paper, 2
> sided, and /incredibly/ tiny ;-) the environmental impact should be
> minimal. I can hug trees with the best of 'em ! It has been my (recent)
> experience that the new linux (or indeed new computer) user is easily
> disoriented, and may not be able to remember how to get to the items on #2.

I think they should also be available in advance, online.  This way, if
someone is interested, they can read up a bit and start preparing their
system information before they arrive.

-- 
Seneca
seneca-cunningham-bJEeYj9oJeDQT0dZR+AlfA at public.gmane.org
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