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Installfests to mark Linux creator`s birthday

By Rodney Weidemann, ITWeb Contributor
Johannesburg, 11 Jul 2003

In celebration of the birthday of Linus Torvalds, the Finnish student whose pet project has become the worldwide phenomenon known as Linux, a number of Linux user groups (LUGs) around the country will hold Installfests.

"These Installfests are an old tradition in the Linux community - the aim being to help get more people involved in the concepts behind and the deployment of the Linux operating system," says Mischa Capazario of the Johannesburg LUG.

"We link with LUGs across the country and host the Installfests, which form part of the unique culture behind Linux. They are events where people new to or interested in Linux can bring their computers with them to have experienced Linux users help them with specific problems or issues."

He says the Installfests are non-commercial events that are organised by volunteers on their own time and using their own resources as a public service.

"A lot of people would like to get in on the Linux revolution, but are wary of taking the first steps. At the Installfests, people can bring in their computers and get help on topics that can range from the actual installation (Linux installation CDs will be available at the venue) to taking advantage of special features of an already installed system," says Capazario.

The Installfests will take place in Johannesburg, Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State on 13 September. The venue for the Johannesburg event has been confirmed, and it will be held at Uniforum Midrand. The remaining venues are still to be confirmed.

For more information, e-mail info@installfests.org.za or visit http://www.installfests.org.za.

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