Hackers' room

An install party is a friendly competition between Linux hackers (in the positive sense of this word) who compete in installing Linux on user's computers in the fastest and most efficient way.

Show Ads

[edit] Steps

Find a room that would be available for at least half a day.
Make sure the room has enough space for the computers which will be placed on tables.
Make sure there are enough outlets for the computers.
Confirm there is an Internet connection available.
In the ideal case, the room could have several monitors, keyboards and mice available for use. This allows the users to bring the "central units" only which are easier to transport.
Download in advance one or more popular Linux distributions from official websites.
Prepare and stack DVDs so they are ready for installation. You will be doing an absolutely legal installation exactly the way the vendor recommends. Usually this means to download and burn the CD/DVD image in advance.
Decide in advance whether to use software like partition managers. A great GPL Partition Manager is Parted Magic. Linux typically is a stand alone installation. In some instances the use of proprietary tools is needed to protect the existing Windows installation.
Post the preliminary announcement and include the Linux party rules. It is a good idea for the registered installers to meet together to discuss and finalize the party rules before the event.
Post the second announcement after some of the registrations have been confirmed.
Include the final rules and confirm the scheduled the date.
Prepare the room and wait for the people to come.
Serve coffee during the installation party. Beer can be served after the party ends. Refreshments are optional.

[edit] Tips

Have Linux specialists attend the party as their help could resolve installation problems.
All hackers must use the same root password that is chosen in advance. If one hacker yields, another more experienced hacker can continue the installation without additional problems.
Recommend users resize their computer disk partitions in advance. Advanced users who do this will probably have more time to enjoy more advanced tasks during the party.

[edit] Warnings

Write in the rules that neither you nor hackers are responsible for the loss of information or hardware damage during the Linux installation. Hardware damages are very uncommon but theoretically could occur.
Background music should not interfere with party conversation.