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Linux Instal Fest Belgrade

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11–20 of 26 posts

Re: Linux Instal Fest Belgrade

#11
post #5

On that same note,of reducing the barriers for Linux usage. Would it be possible to create a Zorin OS USB drive that after inserting it into the USB drive of a laptop: The user would get a running Linux, with the UX they know(win 10/11), with full speed and full capabilities - without installation ?

System from USB will feel sluggish. Users could get a feel for UI, but I think it would be inadequate for a long term usage.

Re: Linux Instal Fest Belgrade

#16

It's so nice to see installfests still happening in the Linux community - I have fond memories of running many of them 25 years ago. As for the distributions mentioned, the points are definitely sage, but I would argue that the Flatpak-centered Fedora Silverblue is the best distribution for beginners, and that the sentence "...but the system can be potentially more unstable than Debian" is no longer true nowadays.

You know what? I removed that part. You are probably right, and there is no need to scare beginners :)

Re: Linux Instal Fest Belgrade

#17
I've been thinking a lot about organizing an installfest sometime in the next year or so, which would be my first time in over 20 years. To anyone with current experience running one, do you have any advice?

I'm also interested in smartphone operating systems like Ubuntu Touch and postmarketOS etc.

Re: Linux Instal Fest Belgrade

#18
post #17

I've been thinking a lot about organizing an installfest sometime in the next year or so, which would be my first time in over 20 years. To anyone with current experience running one, do you have any advice? I'm also interested in smartphone operating systems like Ubuntu Touch and postmarketOS etc.

This is my third install fest and I planned to write some check list that I compiled in these years. I can share this:

- make sure bring extension chords, and make sure you have enough fast wifi for all participants

- bring enough USB-s. Installation on older laptops can take time

- ventoy is useful

- for beginners stick to Fedora/Debian. Popular distros come and go, but these two are constant and will be supported for a long time

- don't give options to beginners if they don't ask for it. You will induce paralysis of choice

- automatic dual boot setup by Debian installer works very well. Partition shrinking on Windows isn't scary as I thought before

- sometimes you can't install BIOS/UEFI drivers without windows (on older devices). You maybe want to do that before installing Linux

- i think it is good to have a windows installation ready. At least for windows boot loader recovery if anything goes bad

- bitLocker can be PITA. Don't lock users device

- after installation update system

- write some material, what-to-do-after-installation guide, and give to participants. Maybe create group on some social network or messaging app

Re: Linux Instal Fest Belgrade

#19
post #18
post #17

I've been thinking a lot about organizing an installfest sometime in the next year or so, which would be my first time in over 20 years. To anyone with current experience running one, do you have any advice? I'm also interested in smartphone operating systems like Ubuntu Touch and postmarketOS etc.

This is my third install fest and I planned to write some check list that I compiled in these years. I can share this: - make sure bring extension chords, and make sure you have enough fast wifi for all participants - bring enough USB-s. Installation on older laptops can take time - ventoy is useful - for beginners stick to Fedora/Debian. Popular distros come and go, but these two are constant and will be supported f…

I have never been to one of these "fests" but wouldn't be easier to just bring a small PXE server with an SSD and 10G NIC with an 8-port switch for net booting/install? Are the machines so old they can't boot off the network? The PXE server could easily handle 5-6 install clients via the 10G NIC.

Re: Linux Instal Fest Belgrade

#20
post #5

On that same note,of reducing the barriers for Linux usage. Would it be possible to create a Zorin OS USB drive that after inserting it into the USB drive of a laptop: The user would get a running Linux, with the UX they know(win 10/11), with full speed and full capabilities - without installation ?

windows subsystem for linux, it's builtin to windows (after download from microsoft) and no USB needed
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