Installfests?

[Evan Leibovitch]

Christopher Browne wrote:

>> At a technical level, Linux simply isn't as intimidating any
>> more.
>
>
> Hmm.  Disagree.  Linux is more complex than it ever was.

Complex != intimidating. We're both right.

> The difference is that there are distribution makers that have
> diminished the sophistication of the configuration questions that they
> ask.
>
> - They *don't* ask you if you want to install via more or less obscure
> means that require strange pre-configuration
>
> - They don't ask you to decide how to partition disks; they make 
> choices for you
>
> - They don't ask you what software to install; they choose a large set
> of packages for you
>
> - They don't ask you to understand .xinitrc; they set up a lot of
> defaults for you

All true. And in many cases, the pre-configured defaults suit many 
people. Thus exists the benefit of a series of sessions for people (who 
want to know) to learn what is going on under the hood. Not everyone who 
drives wants to know how to change their oil, but at least they need to 
know it has to be done.

The reality is that many of the target audience for such an event don't 
want to know about a file called ".xinitrc", let alone how to change it. 
They _celebrate_ the hiding of such details. (Heaven knows they're used 
to Windows hiding all those details from them too.)

The end result is that Linux can be _both_ more complex and less 
intimdating to install. Those who want a lot of pre-set defaults have 
their distros, those who want fine control and for everything compiled 
on the fly can get that too. People who are interested in getting more 
complex after a simple start can do so over time. Those who don't like 
the existing choices of pre-defined install settings can roll their own 
derivative distros.

My point remains that new distros and new hardware don't require 
installfests as much as they used to.

> Yeah, in effect, speakers on various things that aren't particularly
> about Linux or that are very "soft" matters.

Well, yes. Hardcore devotees know where to get _their_ fix.

> SQIL seems to exclude non-Quebec activities, which isn't exactly the
> most inclusive way to go.

Well, by definition it is "la semaine Québecoise"... :-)

I will note that it was the SQIL folks who came to us (CLUE) first to 
ask if there might be interest in extending the concept nationally. So 
clearly they're thinking of a series of co-ordinated events, though 
their own resources limit them to local planning. I don't think it'll 
bother them if GTALUG plans exclude non-Toronto events.

I also note that osw.ca is used by OCLUG for its Open Source Weekend 
events, and could be persuaded to let it be used for a national Open 
Source Week.

- Evan

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