[conspire] (real) Installfest in a Box

[Grant Bowman]

On Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 5:25 PM, Rick Moen <rick at linuxmafia.com> wrote:
>
> Quoting Grant Bowman (grantbow at gmail.com):
> > Did you say "LUG in a Box"?
>
> Nope.

OK, let me ask explicitly as I thought that I remember you saying
something similar which is where I got the idea.  Did you mention any
"In a Box" concepts at any time this weekend?  If so, what were they?

> > How would you like to proceed? How would you recommend I proceed?
> [...]
> As to how _you_ would proceed:  I've already outlined approximately how
> I would proceed if and when I'm ready to do so.  Maybe that outline
> suits you too.  Or maybe not. [...]

Your outline does suit me, that's why I asked for your recommendation.
 I was hoping for some specifics as when I move forward I want to work
with you in doing testing at several different installfests and I
could use some targeted hints when I hit a road block in moving
forward.  Here's what I'm planning right now.

1. start with a debian-501-i386-netinst.iso install to a virtualbox image.

2. add some packages, writing down each step as I go.

3. begin work on a flossmanuals.net - Thanks for the suggestion Ed.

4. research hardware options similar to http://fit-pc2.com/ as a
target platform, also keeping in mind using an older machine with a
wifi card, a network port and a CD-Burner.  An installfest-in-a-box
tested on a known good new hardware combination would be an attractive
package to first-timers.  I am already working with Sameer Verma and
the OLPC San Francisco group to test their XS server software using
the fit-pc hardware already.  We are preparing to deploy them with
OLPC XO laptop projects in other parts of the world.

5. Think about a mail list for this project.

6. Begin talking with others about this - specifically the Davis LUG
has a vox-if at lists.lugod.org list to which I am already subscribed.
http://lists.lugod.org/mailman/listinfo/vox-if/ for more info.

Rick, would any of these actions not be in line with a project in
which you might want to become involved someday in some capacity?
Would you be willing to contribute advisory guidance for this project?
 Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Thank you for further expanding on your idea regarding install media
that we talked about.  My thought was to combine the features of the
installfest network with a self serve bring-your-own media burner as
it's all the same bits required.  I think this idea is compatible
though you may not have looked at the links I provided.  The code from
the cenecac.on.ca toaster project might be a useful reference system
when developing this system.

Grant