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A leaked internal Microsoft memo mentions that Linux runs Netscape Navigator 30-40% faster than Windows does. Additionally, Linux almost never crashes. Many Linux machines run without rebooting for weeks or months at a time. And as if that weren't enough, Linux is free, with an estimated 20 million users worldwide. Despite the fact that Linux can be downloaded legally for zero cost, Linux sales grew 212% in 1998. More information can be found at www.linux.com.
Note that using Linux does come at a cost: Learning how to use it. Because Linux is so powerful, it can be harder to use for some tasks until you get used to the way everything works.
Additionally, Linux is about freedom. You are not only free to share copies of Linux with whomever you want, you also have the freedom to view, modify, and redistribute the Linux source code itself. In other words, you're not at the mercy of some company to make the software you're using how you want it. We'd like to see the widespread use of software that gives people the freedom to do whatever they want.
You can drop in at any point during the hours that the installfest is held. A typical installation can take anywhere from less than an hour if all your hardware is supported by default, to a couple of hours if we have to tweak some things by hand. So don't show up right before we're closing up for the day and expect that you'll have time to do an installation. If you just drop off your machine and come back later in the day, we won't be able to do an install on it while you're gone: it's much better if you're there during the installation process.
For a minimal Linux installation, you should have at least 3000 megabytes of free hard disk space. The more space that's free, the more you can install.
Backup your files: Just as a precaution, you should backup any important files ahead of time. This might include school documents, homework, etc. You can copy these temporarily onto a friend's computer or onto cd, etc. If you need help with this step, feel free to email us.
Make room: Make sure you have at least 3000 or so megabytes free on your hard drive if you want a complete install of Linux. Six gigabytes of free space is probably enough for a full-fledged install with some room to grow. If you don't know how, we can do this for you at the Install Fest.
Defragment: If you know how to make a separate partition for Linux on your own, do so and skip this step. Otherwise, right before you shutdown your computer and bring it in, you should defragment your hard drive. If you do not know how to do this or do not want to do it on your own, we can defragment for you at the Install Fest. It just makes the install process quicker if you can have this done ahead of time. People who arrive having already defragmented their drive will be first to be installed upon. We have had people who ran out of time and could not get an install because their disk was still fragmenting. Please do this or partitioning your drive before attending.
To defragment in Windows, first exit or disable all programs. This includes ICQ, AOL instant messenger, Netscape, a virus checker, or anything else that you may have running. Next, click on the Start button, go to Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, then click on Disk Defragmenter. Click "OK", and then when prompted, click on the "Start" button that pops up in a window.
Although many of us embrace free software/open source ideals, the equipment we use for our events, help, and operation is not inherently free like our software. Donations will be greatly appreciated and aid us in the continuation of linux advocacy. Here is a list of equipment that would hugely benefit us (and you too):
Got any more questions? Send 'em to officers@linux.ucla.edu.
/events/installfest.php3 last updated on Sun Apr 15 2007