Community Ideas -- thoughts?

[cprofitt]

I am going to list some of my ideas for increasing the communities awareness and adoption of Ubuntu:

Community Center Classes:
I think it would be possible to offer classes through community based continuing education programs. These classes could include:

• FOSS software running on Windows (Open Office, etc) to introduce people to FOSS software. The idea would be to ease them in to eventually replacing their OS by starting to build their trust with FOSS alternatives
• Install-fests followed immediately by a 'beginners' class on using Ubuntu for the basics. Would likely need to cover the following:
  
  • Updating
  • Security
  • Email
  • Internet Browsing (Flash, etc)
  • Printer and other hardware support
  • How to get community support
• Upgrade-fests followed by a class on how to maintain an Ubuntu system including the following topics:
  
  • Backup and restore of documents, email, favorites and other settings
  • The on-line upgrade process vs. backup + fresh install

Equipment Donation:
I think it would be possible to work with local recycling centers to get 'decent' older equipment and 'refurbish' it for donation to senior centers or other community centers for computer common rooms. The donations should come with some promise of support for the computer and OS from a nearby loco group. Small Catholic/Church based schools may also be good candidates as they do not receive state funding for computers and technology. This program would include NY-Loco members working with the recycling centers to man community recycling drop off sites or events. Many members of the community do not know how to recycle their computers or other electronic equipment.

Lets generate some more ideas.

[punkrokk]

I could help demonstrate how to install ubuntu in different ways, like dual and triple boots, as well as how to get other packages installed. I would be interested in a installfest, maybe with ubuntu, and a few other flavors... (maybe create some VM templates also)

[cprofitt]

Sounds good. We just had an install fest, but I hope to schedule more over the winter months.

[will13]

Hi,

I am thinking of putting together a launch party/install fest. I am hoping to do it for the April 23 release. I am just getting started,with the planning phases. I have been using ubuntu for about 4 releases now, since 7.04. Do you guy and girls think that you could help point me in the way of how I can start to collect materials, or get in contact with the materials people?

I know that the release is still 6 months off, but this will be a big undertaking for me and I want to get a jump on it early as i don't have a lot of people in my area to rely on for help.

Cheers!

[cprofitt]

Hi,

I am thinking of putting together a launch party/install fest. I am hoping to do it for the April 23 release. I am just getting started,with the planning phases. I have been using ubuntu for about 4 releases now, since 7.04. Do you guy and girls think that you could help point me in the way of how I can start to collect materials, or get in contact with the materials people?

I know that the release is still 6 months off, but this will be a big undertaking for me and I want to get a jump on it early as i don't have a lot of people in my area to rely on for help.

Cheers!

Where are you located?

[will13]

I am in Potsdam, NY.