Introduction to Ubuntu and FOSS

My goal in this discussion is to work out a 2 hour 'event' plan for NY LoCo members to be able to use at community demonstrations. This would be geared toward the 'switcher' thinking of making a switch from Windows to Linux.

The thought so far is to have a 1 hour demonstration (details below) coupled with an additional hour of people being allowed to ask questions, look at machines, get install CDs and be told about upcoming install fests (and other events).

1 Hour Demonstration Ideas:

Option I:
If possible have two projectors -- one with a machine with Windows and Ubuntu on the other. At the start of the event we want to let people know how easy it is to switch and we walk them through a dual-boot install. Other than showing how easy it now is we get to show them how fast it is.

Start of Event:

Have a slide up on the Ubuntu machine that explains what Ubuntu is and what FOSS is
Have the Windows machine at the desktop
Welcome everyone and do a brief introduction

Introduce all team members who will be participating
Introduce the person who will be performing the Install on the windows machine

Show the install CD being inserted
Reboot the computer
Walk through the basic steps
Once the process is started have the install person introduce the person doing the Ubuntu basics presentation
Ubuntu Basics (on Ubuntu machine) demonstrate the following while observing the install progress. When the install is done turn it over to the installer briefly and have him show people that the applications just shown to them are all installed by default. No extra time will be required to set them up.

Show OpenOffice
Show FireFox
Show Evolution
Show Rhythmbox
Show GIMP
Show F-Spot
Show printer setup
Show add and remove programs
Show system update
Show pulling pictures off a camera that was being used while the demonstration was going on
Finish by putting up a slide on the newly installed Ubuntu machine that show all the upcoming events (hopefully an install fest) and cover the following topics on the other machine.

Why open source is secure
Why the Ubuntu community is important in supporting each other
How to get help with issues when using Ubuntu (Launchpad, Wiki and Forums)
Open the event up to being able to come and 'experience' the computer and ask questions of the LoCo members in attendance

Option II:
If possible have two projectors -- one with a machine with Windows and Ubuntu on the other. The Windows machine should be a default install with no extra software installed. Have one demonstrater use the Windows machine and another on the Ubuntu machine.

Have a slide up on the Ubuntu machine that explains what Ubuntu is and what FOSS is
Have the Windows machine at the desktop
Welcome everyone and do a brief introduction

Introduce all team members who will be participating
Ubuntu Basics demonstrate the following programs and have the Windows demonstrator show the matching applications on the Windows machine. Make sure to emphasize that these are both 'default' installs. When the Windows demonstrator can not match the application on default install have him shrug his shoulders. The Ubuntu demonstrator should open the application and then motion to the Windows demonstrator

Show OpenOffice

Word Processor | Word Pad
Presentation | Shrug
Spreadsheet | Shrug
Drawing | MS Paint (half shrug)
Show FireFox | IE
Show Evolution | Outlook Express
Show Rhythmbox | Windows Media Player
Show GIMP | Shrug
Show F-Spot | Shrug
Show printer setup | Add Printers
Show add and remove programs | shrug
Show system update | Windows Update
Show pulling pictures off a camera that was being used while the demonstration was going on (plug the camera in to the Windows machine to see if it works or needs 'drivers')
Finish by putting up a slide on the newly installed Ubuntu machine that show all the upcoming events (hopefully an install fest) and cover the following topics on the other machine.

Why open source is secure
Why the Ubuntu community is important in supporting each other
How to get help with issues when using Ubuntu (Launchpad, Wiki and Forums)
Open the event up to being able to come and 'experience' the computer and ask questions of the LoCo members in attendance

Option III:
If you can have three computers and projectors then combine the above two demonstrations together by adding in the Ubuntu install.

Make sure you have live CDs to hand out and informational sheets on Ubuntu, the wiki, the forums and your local LUGs, SIGs and meet ups.

Introduction to Ubuntu and FOSS - discussion