Ohio LinuxFest 2010

On Friday September 25, FreeGeek Columbus and the Ohio LinuxFest will offer a special training class that will cover the basics of Ubuntu Linux. This is an excellent opportunity for people curious about Linux, those who are eager for a more formal introduction, and system administrators looking for a quick-start in new skills.

If you can navigate the desktop, start applications, and browse the Web, you should be comfortable in the class. Those who are Linux professionals should consider OLFU for advanced tutorials.

Each student will receive their own computer, fully tested and loaded with Ubuntu Linux, to take home! The Quick Start Package registration is $250, and includes the class, lunch on Friday and Saturday, and a new-to-you computer that you will take home.Click here to register for the Quick Start Pass.

It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Columbus 3500 North High Street, Columbus Ohio 43215.

Important Details

• Date: Friday, September 25
• Time: 9am to 5pm, with a break for lunch at 12:30
• Location: Madison Room (Hyatt Regency Columbus)
• Enrollment: 14 students (as of 9/23)
• Number of instructors: 4
• Personal attention for all students for a hands-on learning experience.

The following link will take you to a PDF of the floor plan for the Hyatt. The Madison Room is on the second floor.

http://columbusregency.hyatt.com/hyatt/images/hotels/cmhrc/floorplan.pdf

Course format:

• 8-hour course consisting of a morning session and an afternoon session
• Lecture with periodic breaks for exploration/practice.
• Catered lunch will be provided so that you can focus all day on the material.
• Instructors will take turns presenting content. The remaining instructors will be available to assist with questions/problems.
• Students will be assigned a computer. They will use this computer during the course and will get to keep the computer when the course is over. See "What kind of computer will I get for only $250" below for details.

Morning session:

• Overview, introduction to Linux
• High-level tour of computer hardware
• Guided installation of Ubuntu
• Tour of Ubuntu Desktop
• Overview of pre-installed applications

Afternoon session:

• Basic Ubuntu system administration (user management, software management, process management)
• File manipulation
• Connecting to the Internet
• Setting up printers
• Getting help

Who should take the Linux basics class?

You should take the Linux Basics class if you have a basic understanding of computers and ...

• ... are interested in obtaining a computer with Linux pre-installed, as well as the knowledge to use it effectively.
• ... have a need for a cost-effective alternative to your current operating system.
• ... have a need for a more efficient, stable, and secure alternative to your current operating system.
• ... have heard about Linux and are interested in learning how it can save the economy and promote world peace! (Well, maybe not, but ultimately it will save you time and money so you can engage in other endeavors to save the economy and promote world peace.)
• ... need an extra machine to clutter up your house, and you enjoy supporting local non-profits and hanging out with like-minded geeks!

Again, if you can navigate the desktop, start applications, and browse the Web, you should be comfortable in the class.

Examples of people who would benefit from this class include:

• People who are unfamiliar with open source software in general and Linux in particular
• Non-profit directors and/or technical staff
• Small-business owners and/or technical staff
• People who are self-employed
• People with kids who hog the computer
• People with parents who hog the computer

What kind of computer will I get for only $250?

An actual computer at Free Geek Columbus.

You will receive a used computer that has been refurbished by FreeGeek Columbus. The computer will be pre-tested and will come with a limited warranty.

It will have the following minimum specifications:

• Processor type: Pentium 4 (1500 MHz or faster)
• 512 MB RAM
• 15 GB hard disk (or larger)
• Peripherals:
  • CD/RW drive
  • DVD-ROM drive
  • Floppy drive
  • Ethernet card (100 Mbps)
  • Sound card
  • Video card
• Operating system: Ubuntu Linux 9.04 with OpenOffice for productivity and FireFox for internet (installed during the class)See it here

The computer will come with the following accessories:

• 17" CRT monitor (with video cable)
• Keyboard/Mouse
• Power cables (2)
• Ethernet cable
• Official Ubuntu 9.04 disc
• Course packet

Is Linux worth it?

Although you may obtain Linux free of charge, changing to Linux is not without costs. Whether the benefits of Linux are worth those costs depends on your particular circumstances. Some of the costs include:

• Training yourself and/or your staff to use a new operating system.
• Finding alternatives to software that you currently use that will not run under Linux.
• Buying replacements for hardware that is not supported by Linux.
• Getting support when things don't go right.

Of course, some of these costs apply to proprietary software as well. For instance, when Microsoft stops supporting Windows XP, many people and organizations will have to upgrade to Windows Vista. This will require training and possibly hardware and software upgrades. For this reason, it is important to consider not only the short term costs and benefits of Linux, but the long-term ones as well.

By attending the class, you will get a feel for whether Linux can help you or your organization. We'll be happy to answer any questions that will help you make this decision. Maybe you'll decide that you aren't ready for Linux yet. In this case, you'll still get a quality computer at an affordable price, and you'll be armed with the knowledge of what Linux can do so you can react quickly when the time is ripe to switch. On the other hand, maybe Linux will be just what
you're looking for. Then you'll not only get a good computer with a great operating system - you'll have the background you need to start making the switch!

How do I know that I am ready for Linux?

Linux is user-friendly, forgiving, and easy to learn. If you're new to computers and want a relaxed introduction, then you're ready!

Linux is powerful, reliable, and highly configurable. If you're a power user who wants to get the most out of his or her hardware and software, then you're ready!

Linux is a high-performance, reliable, and secure operating system. If you've ever been frustrated by the performance, unreliability, or insecurity of your current operating system, then you're ready!

Linux supports a huge array of hardware peripherals and accessories. Emulator software exists that allows Linux to run a variety of software designed for other operating systems. Usually, it is not
even necessary to install drivers for hardware to work. If you have legacy hardware and software that you must support and you want to learn how to support them under Linux, then you're ready!

The best way to know if you're ready for Linux is simply to try it out and see how it works! We'll give you the basic skills you need to get started and some hardware to experiment with!

What sort of place is "Free Geek" anyhow?

FreeGeek is an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

FreeGeek Columbus provides computers and training for limited-resource populations in Central Ohio through redistribution of used equipment and the use of Free Software. FreeGeek Columbus is committed to Free Software, responsible electronics recycling, and community engagement.

FreeGeek Columbus was founded in 2004 in an effort to bring the mission of FreeGeek from Portland, Oregon to Columbus, Ohio. The organization was officially incorporated on June 20, 2005 and received 501(c)(3) tax exempt status on November 14, 2006.

FreeGeek Columbus is a volunteer-centric organization. Day-to-day operations are conducted by consensus from participating volunteers whenever possible. The FreeGeek Columbus Board of Directors provide long-term guidance and leadership.

What FreeGeek Columbus does:

• Build refurbished computers from donated parts
• Grant computers to local non-profits who need them
• Responsibly recycle obsolete or non-functioning hardware to keep it out of landfills
• Educate people to use and manage Ubuntu Linux

FreeGeek Columbus is a volunteer organization. You can help by volunteering with us! You can also donate hardware or money. Donations are tax deductible.

FreeGeek Columbus is a member of Community Shares of Mid-Ohio.

How has Free Geek helped the Greater Columbus community?

In the first half of 2009, FreeGeek Columbus recorded almost 1,700 volunteer hours from nearly 300 unique volunteers! Almost 200 computer systems were donated, 17 of which were refurbished and redistributed to volunteers and local non-profit organizations. Hundreds of computer accessories and components, along with dozens of monitors, were responsibly recycled.

Where can I go to learn more about Free Geek Columbus?

The Free Geek Columbus website is www.freegeekcolumbus.org

Meet the instructors!

Adam Porr is computer geek masquerading as an electrical engineer and has been using Free Software exclusively at home since 2001. He has been fighting to use it exclusively at work for about the same length of time. Adam has worked as a Linux systems administrator in a variety of volunteer and professional capacities, most recently as Linux Specialist for London-based visual effects production and training company Escape Studios. He has participated in the testing and development of the FOG and Scalix projects. He is currently a director and the education program coordinator for FreeGeek Columbus.

Ian Wilson has been enjoying, contributing, and consuming open source software for the past 12 years. He's currently employeed as a Utility Engineer by CollabNet, is an EMT, volunteers for a variety of homeless and community causes, and lives in NE Ohio with his wife.

Larry Howell has been developing and supporting software for industrial control and robotics for almost 30 years. He has written user manuals and training courses, and trained hundreds of end-users on this software. Larry has been using Linux and Free Software since 1993 and has contributed to the uClinux and Colilo Free Software embedded projects. He has been a director and the Treasurer of FreeGeek Columbus for the past two years.

Kirk Kimmel is a core volunteer at FreeGeek Columbus and currently serves on the Infrastructure Committee. He studied computer science at Ohio State and worked there as a systems administrator and programmer. During the few times when he can't be found eliminating entropy in the FreeGeek shop, he can usually be found in the midst of a late night programming marathon for the Linux kernel, OpenOffice, or one of the many other projects he supports.

Catherine Girves is a long time community organizer and is skilled at connecting people to one another. Her initial lack of expertise in computer hardware, and Linux based software has made her the perfect "guinea pig" when developing new projects and educational courses. Catherine is one, of many, founding members of FreeGeek Columbus and is currently President of the Board of Trustees.