InstallFest's are events, generally sponsored by a local Linux User Group, where volunteers get together to help others install computer operating systems or software. Linux is a free and open source operating system that we believe out preforms all other available operating sytems. This event is being hosted by the Arizona Ubuntu LoCo team, and will be installing what we believe is the best Linux version available today, Ubuntu! http://www.ubuntu.com/
We will have the LiveCD's for Ubuntu's newest release, 8.04 "Hardy Heron", at our InstallFest. A LiveCD is a CD of a complete and functional Linux distribution you can boot from to test the distribution without having to install to your computer first. These Live CD's also include an installer. We can help you install at the event, or you can take the disks home to test and install Ubuntu for yourself. It should also be noted that you may keep your current operating system, if you so desire, and boot into it, or Ubuntu.(this is called dual-booting).
The goal of Linux is to provide a stable, secure, and flexible operating system for users who wish to continue to use their current machines, that would be otherwise outdated . Linux is capable of allowing you to use the newer and more advanced applications on these older machines without a loss of produtivity. If you have an older computer, bring it along. You might find that switching to Ubuntu Linux will improve your operability and save you the need of buy a newer computer. Needless to say, Linux also performs excellently on newer machines, helping them realize their optimum potential by avoiding the "bloat" of some other operating systems.Ubuntu Linux is capable of being installed on most currently available computers including PC's and Mac's in 32 bit or 64 bit architecture. Ubuntu Linux is also excellent for server installations. Ubuntu is very easy to install and use. It is also virtually virus and spyware proof and is firewalled by default.
Although everything mentioned here is completely free, including all the available software, its quality is unsurpassed - the open-source philosophy of community involvement ensures these programs and services are the best they can be.
The Ubuntu-Arizona LoCo Team can be found on irc.freenode.net #ubuntu-us-az. We also have a web page with more information at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ArizonaTeam. Completely free support is available through either location.