Ubuntu Open Week

[michaelramm]

Jono Bacon, Community Manager for Canonical, recently announced that the Ubuntu Open Week will take place the week after Gutsy is released (that would be tomorrow!!)


Ubuntu Open Week is a-coming
Mon 22nd Oct - Sat 27th Oct @ #ubuntu-classroom on Freenode

With the up-and-coming release of Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon coming, I am pleased to announce another Ubuntu Open Week, this time taking place the week following the Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon launch - Mon 22nd Oct - Sat 27th Oct on #ubuntu-classroom on Freedode. The sessions take place from 15.00 UTC to 21.00UTC [That is 10:00am to 4:00pm here in Alabama.]

There is a lot of info at the ubuntu wiki (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuOpenWeek/) including session descriptions and times.

Unfortunately, my desktop is down (http://www.flickr.com/photos/1manit/sets/72157602323544603/) with a melted power supply into my ATX connector on the mobo. So I am not sure when I will install GG, but it will be what goes onto the desktop when it is revived.

Michael

[crane]

That looks really cool. I believe I will be attending a couple.

[MerlinsLair]

Think I'll wait a while before jumping to GG. Seems to be a lot of confusion atm as far as downloads, installs and so forth. Maybe when the weather is a bit better. ;)

[reed026]

Think I'll wait a while before jumping to GG. Seems to be a lot of confusion atm as far as downloads, installs and so forth. Maybe when the weather is a bit better. ;)

Today has been a rough day on my side of the state weather wise :(

I haven't had a single problem yet with Gutsy, however I am loving this Compiz Fusion now that it supports my graphics card.

[michaelramm]

Think I'll wait a while before jumping to GG. Seems to be a lot of confusion atm as far as downloads, installs and so forth. Maybe when the weather is a bit better. ;)

I grabbed mine on BT during the night last night. Was going to try out the Live CD on the laptop today, and maybe put it on another machine this weekend. Not really sure yet.

[MerlinsLair]

Oh, I'd like to give it a try. Just want to make sure that any bugs that come up will be fixed by then. Feisty is still doing quite well for me atm so there's no rush yet. ;)

[crane]

I am very please with Gutsy. I rebooted to it after the official release and updated, so now everything is working great. I can't say to much about compiz/Fusion because I just don't use it. It's cool to play with but I really just have no use for it. Besides it still has some issues and really lowers the frame rates of my games.

[MerlinsLair]

Crane, did you use the update manager to upgrade or did you go the live cd route? Just curious. I'd like to give it a try but from all the issues I've been seeing, I'm a bit hesitent to give up a perfectly good running system at this point.

[michaelramm]

I did the update manager and it did not like the Restricted Driver for my ATI x300 card in my laptop. It would not "use" it. I did a clean install and it worked great. CF is not supported with the x300, but I doubt that i would use it daily it it did work.

I am scouring eBay to replace my mobo and PS to get my desktop back up. I installed GG on my ThinkPad T43 work laptop to start playing with it.

Nice upgrade, if I do say so myself.

Michael

[michaelramm]

There was a good discussion on LoCo teams on Day 1 of Open Week. The chat logs are here:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MeetingLogs/openweekgutsy/LoCoTeams2

I think that we really need to get some things planned for the Alabama LoCo to make it real for everyone. I know that it is nice to go to a forum post or an IRC chat. [This may have happened in the Alabama LoCo meetings on IRC...I have not been able to attend due to teeball commitments, but hopefully that will change now that it is over.]

I think that we should look at some of the other LoCo forums and see what they are doing. Maybe plan a meeting in one of the three major cities, or maybe a meeting at the same time in the three cities...I don't know right this second.

This really hit me hard:

21:11 < atoponce> when you ask anyone what makes ubuntu ubuntu, it's the community

I think that we need to make a community here in Alabama to spread the Ubuntu goodness to all, ESPECIALLY now that GG has been released (and is getting rave reviews). This is a rare year that ALL three major OS vendors are upgrading their OSes. Apple is slated to unveil Leopard on Friday and it is the last OS upgrade for the year. We need to show why GG is superior to Vista (not real hard) and then show why it is superior to Leopard (which may be a little tougher) and spread the word about Ubuntu.

Michael

[crane]

Crane, did you use the update manager to upgrade or did you go the live cd route? Just curious. I'd like to give it a try but from all the issues I've been seeing, I'm a bit hesitent to give up a perfectly good running system at this point.

I actually had a fresh install back when they released one of the first Herd releases. I have been just updating that. I have not done a Dist- upgrade.

[crane]

There was a good discussion on LoCo teams on Day 1 of Open Week. The chat logs are here:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MeetingLogs/openweekgutsy/LoCoTeams2

I think that we really need to get some things planned for the Alabama LoCo to make it real for everyone. I know that it is nice to go to a forum post or an IRC chat. [This may have happened in the Alabama LoCo meetings on IRC...I have not been able to attend due to teeball commitments, but hopefully that will change now that it is over.]

I think that we should look at some of the other LoCo forums and see what they are doing. Maybe plan a meeting in one of the three major cities, or maybe a meeting at the same time in the three cities...I don't know right this second.

This really hit me hard:


I think that we need to make a community here in Alabama to spread the Ubuntu goodness to all, ESPECIALLY now that GG has been released (and is getting rave reviews). This is a rare year that ALL three major OS vendors are upgrading their OSes. Apple is slated to unveil Leopard on Friday and it is the last OS upgrade for the year. We need to show why GG is superior to Vista (not real hard) and then show why it is superior to Leopard (which may be a little tougher) and spread the word about Ubuntu.

Michael

I completely agree. I believe we do need to get something going. I mentioned having a release party here to a few people and got absolutly no response.
The thing I see with release parties are they are generally held by the linux community for the linux community. This is leaving one flaw. This may sound silly, but it kind of like preaching and witnessing to Christians.
We don;t need to spread the word to Linux users. We need everyone to see Ubuntu/Linux. I had an idea a while back ( was planning on doing this for SFD but something came up) to set up a booth right in the middle of the local Mall. Let people walk by and say, Damn! Look at what that computer just did. Maybe the mall would not be the best place but how about CompUSA or another high traffic computer/parts dealer? That way most of the people walking buy would be in the computer frame of mind when they walk by.
Just a thought.

[michaelramm]

How about in the middle of the Galleria? I am not sure how a retailer would take to us setting up shop to STOP people from spending money with them (a la, buying closed source software, like Windows and Office).

Maybe look at how much it is to rent one of those carts that are in the middle of the walkways.

I think that another spot would be the UA campus' (UA, UAB, UAH). I am sure that there is a lot of *NIX use on those campus'. I used to work at UA (Tuscaloosa) in the Computer Center so I know most of the *NIX folks there. They are using Solaris for their flavor, but I could talk to the guy one day to see if there might be some interest in setting up a table somewhere. I think that UA may have a LUG that we could possibly get involved.

As for the release party...I was interested, but there were no specific (or even generalities) presented. I have 2 kids and would have to travel from Tuscaloosa, so I cannot just drop things and go to Birmingham. I need some notice to plan things out. (Also my sister was in from SanFran so it was a bad time anyway.)

Can we start sending out reminders to the mailing list for the IRC meetings on Wednesday mornings for the Thursday meetings? Also, lets look to see what other LoCo's are doing and see if we can implement them. For instance, do we have a Frappr map set up so that we can see where everyone is located? If not, I can set one up and send it to the list.

Michael

[crane]

Sounds like a great Idea on the Frappr map. Tat would be cool to see where all the members are from. I will try to post a reminder to the mailing list here in a bit. The only problem is I am not sure of my attendance tonight. My little girl is sick so I may be taking care of her, but I won't know until later.

[michaelramm]

I will set up a Frappr map and post it here and to the mailing list.

I hope that your girl is feeling better. My boy is starting to get a pretty bad hacking cough, and I am hoping that he is not getting anything.

Looking for to seeing everyone tonight in IRC.

Michael

PS: Created map on Frapper [http://www.frappr.com/alabamaloco] but it will not keep my pin in place. The other map that I created is acting screwy too. Not sure if it is a Frappr problem, or me. I will try on another computer later today.

[crane]

Frapper is acting really strange, I register and filled in my info. Except a picture because I don;t have one here at work. When I went to the map it had me posted as a young girl from California! :lolflag:

[MerlinsLair]

Sorry to have missed the meeting last night however, due to my just being home from back surgery, I'm just now getting to where I can sit for any period of time.

I'd like to get Ubuntu out in the open more myself. I do like it and seeing as I was a Windows user with medium skills computer-wise, this means a lot to me. I mean by this that if someone with similar skills can make do with an install of Ubuntu then so can others.

It being free should be a plus for most. It's just this Windows familiarization thing that we as users have to get around. By that I mean that we don't need to try to make Vi$ta or Mac OS look inferior. We need to focus on the many pluses that Ubuntu affords it's users.

The general attitudes of people that are predominantly Windows/Mac users are that that if we come at them like their OS is crap...we stand to lose them right off. I think that instead of trying to insult their intelligence, we should instead, appeal to their interests in computers, operating systems, applications and so forth.

Face it. One major hurdle we face is the gaming clans. A lot of them aren't going to toss Windows for any flavor of Linux because of incompatibilities. We need to focus then in their direction on the capabilities of dual-booting so that they can enjoy their gaming and still be able to run what we feel is the best OS available to them for other purposes.

I've not been around here much but I have been doing a little research on this and the sad truth is that most peeps are approached as if their OS's are crap and they aren't taking it too kindly because their systems ARE working for them atm. The focus needs to be in how better Ubuntu might do something for them or a difference that Ubuntu has over Mac that would be appealing to them.

These are but examples and I'm taking my approach from time-proven, experienced salesmen that work in the environment of getting someone to buy a product from them.

I feel like if we take much the same approach, we can make a difference too.

The idea of a table or whatever at a mall would work. We set up a display, have several flavors of Ubuntu up and running (will need dependable internet connections for displays) on some laptops and a desktop to show that it works on most everything. And then when people stop to check it out, that's when we set the hook!

They're gonna ask: "OK, so how much for the system?" We then tell them it's free. With all that we can show them, plus free CDs or DVDs for them to take home and a URL to these forums for example...we've just made ourselves a customer!

Add to that a business card for them to take also for those who might need to ask a question during their installation or maybe to ask if they could have one of us over to aid in their install...you see where I'm going with this, right?

We make ourselves available by email or phone or by these forums and we also make them feel less insecure to try an installation. Face it, we all felt that insecurity when we did it for the first time too. This would help to alleviate that.

Anyway, those are my ideas for what it's worth.

As for GG...I might just try upgrading my install seeing as I'm off work for a few weeks anyway. It's not like I have anywhere to go atm. I'll catch up with you guys later. Or if you stumble by ICQ, or any of the others...I'm usually online. ;)

[michaelramm]

Man, Merlin...that is an awesome post. I think that you hit ever single nail DEAD ON.

First off...I hope that you are feeling better. I had MAJOR back surgery when I was 26 and I was down for 6 weeks. I still problems now and then 10 years later.

You are so right...We do not attack Windows or OSX, we show why Ubuntu is a better choice. I think that we need to brainstorm ideas, and points to show this. I will make a Wiki page for us to use for this.

I had totally forgotten about having an internet connection at a demonstration. I don't think that it is a deal breaker. Maybe we can procure a Wireless internet connection somewhere.

The gaming aspect is going to be hard to fight. I really think that the best solution for all is a dual boot environment. I have tried to setup World of Warcraft in Wine and it was not a total success. As everyone says, gaming is the one area where linux does not rule.

As for the table, I think that we should have all type of hardware there. Not just top of the line PCs. I have some old Gateways from the late 90s at my office that I am going to try to put Edubuntu or Xubuntu (which ever is the small one) on them. Show them that you do not NEED to replace your hardware to run a top notch OS.

There is an example of a business card (http://urltea.com/1wdc) off the DIYMarketing Wiki Page. We could taylor it to the AlabamaTeam and we could hand them out.

So many good ideas, I hope that you can make it back for some of these activities Jason and I want to plan.

Much luck with your recovery...therapy will be a bitch!
Michael

[crane]

Yea, that was a great post. That is about how I feel as well. It seems some people get complacent after working in linux after a while and forget how they felt when they first started.
Gaming, I am a gamer. I have wanted to set up my system at a booth and show some of the topnotch games available for Linux. Plus, as you said, explain how easy it is to dual boot.

I think setting up a new top of the line system will not really help. Vista is out, people see how cool vista looks and they want that. So let show them how and older system (something like a 1.6 gig, with 512meg of ram) and show off Compiz. People love bling.

I had some business cards made up for the last Tech mixer. They were quite simple and just listed the mailing list, the forums, and the wiki. It was just something I through together and not even sure if I still have a copy.
I would suggest using getting a GrandCentral number from Google if you wish to give out your phone. This gives a little better control over the phone calls.

I will get some more info from the local Mall about setting up a booth for a few hours on a Saturday.

[MerlinsLair]

Sounds like I struck a nerve. Good. This breeds ideas and ideas breed solutions.

BTW, I didn't mean to imply we use only top of the line systems for displays. Heck, anything would work. Maybe a smattering of older with newer systems to show the variety of systems that work with Ubuntu. Shoot, my system is a few years old. Maybe 4 or 5 years old to be honest however, it is a custom built system.

Either way, the approach to a person's state of mind is through a demonstration. Men, being visually oriented, are especially prone to a visual display. One with bling to attract attention then, on to the meat and potatos for the main course.

Add the fact that Ubuntu is free whereas, Vi$ta and OSX costs a few hundred dollars plus Vi$ta may add to it's own cost with hardware/software upgrades just to run it's resource intensive system.....Couple that with a visual attack on a passerby at the local mall and you have the recipe for a convert!

Pretty cool plan. It's surely doable.

[crane]

Sounds like I struck a nerve. Good. This breeds ideas and ideas breed solutions.

BTW, I didn't mean to imply we use only top of the line systems for displays. Heck, anything would work. Maybe a smattering of older with newer systems to show the variety of systems that work with Ubuntu. Shoot, my system is a few years old. Maybe 4 or 5 years old to be honest however, it is a custom built system.

Either way, the approach to a person's state of mind is through a demonstration. Men, being visually oriented, are especially prone to a visual display. One with bling to attract attention then, on to the meat and potatos for the main course.

Add the fact that Ubuntu is free whereas, Vi$ta and OSX costs a few hundred dollars plus Vi$ta may add to it's own cost with hardware/software upgrades just to run it's resource intensive system.....Couple that with a visual attack on a passerby at the local mall and you have the recipe for a convert!

Pretty cool plan. It's surely doable.

I didn't mean to imply that you implied that...LOL.
what I was getting at was that someone with a brand new computer would be alot harder to convert than say someone with a 2 year old system thinking about getting a new one. So when we show them what all the desktop effects look like then tell them the system is 2 years old, that should be an almost instant hook! If that doesn't hook them then when you hand them a CD and say here, it's free. Bam, another convert.

[MerlinsLair]

You're right Crane. That'd do it.

[MerlinsLair]

BTW, been trying to upgrade today and keep getting an error where the upgrade manager cannot retrieve certain files. Guess things are still running too fast for some of the servers. Spose I'll wait a bit longer. :P

[crane]

I had the same error on a previous update. It cleared up the next day.

[MerlinsLair]

Well, finally got GG installed although not exactly the way I'd planned. Had to download the ISO and install over FF. What got me was that it didn't copy over any previous settings, accounts, nothing. Glad I had some backups on external drives.

Other than that one glitch, I'm impressed so far. This would be the one distro to snag a passerby with all this bling! LOL

[crane]

Back-ups are a way of life!
They are sooo priceless when they are needed.