Re: Installfests (WAS: Re: [ossig] FOSS Meet)

["Nah Soo Hoe" <nsh@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 5 Nov 2004 at 13:08, Colin Charles wrote:

> Other folks opinions on install fest thoughts are welcome. I'm willing
> to participate (if around) and discuss, and bring along ideas/thoughts,
> esp. since I have some measure of experience

I am still not very convinced of the value of install fests here locally.  
My perception of install fest had always been that the user who brings her 
machine along to be installed with Linux _will_definitely_ run into some 
problems when she tries to use it at home later.  So unless the user is 
someone who is used to getting answers herself from manuals, 
documentation, ml and the Internet etc. or there is some form of local 
support structure e.g. local user groups where she can turn to for help 
and who is willing to help her, she will probably end up frustrated and 
with a poor opinion of Linux and OSS.  Mind you, this user will probably 
also face problems if she were using MS-Windows but she will find that it 
will be easier for her to share her problems with others around her e.g. 
family members, relatives, neighbours, colleagues etc.    

Another issue will be that the user will probaly be an existing MS-Windows 
user who wants to try out this thingy called Linux which she had heard so 
much of.  So her expectation in all likelihood will be for the Linux 
system to behave just like her MS-Windows system which as we know is 
usually not the case and indeed should not be the case.  

So unless the target audience for the install fest are the techies and 
people who are used to the idea of resolving their computer problems on 
their own, we will end up with many unhappy users.   However, this group 
of people probably do not need the install fest since they can easily 
install Linux by themselves from the CDs. 

Of course install fests can be useful for making people aware of Linux and 
OSS and demonstrating to the general public the features of Linux and OSS. 
 In this case then the emphasis should be more on the education, demos and 
awareness activities.  The installation part will be more of a "gimmicky" 
thing to grab people's attention.

I must admit that I have never participated in an install fest myself 
before and what I said above is based on what I perceive things to be.  So 
what is the actual experience on this?  Also I am keen to know from others 
who had done install fests locally before what is the local experience?  

--
Soo Hoe



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