Install Guidelines

MELUG-Central will do installs during their SIG meetings and are open to the public for those wishing to install Linux on their own computer systems. MELUG-Central members are there to help with the install, guide the new Linux user through the various install issues, and to provide some basic Linux knowledge to help the novice navigate the file system and use the new OS. These meetings are great for meeting new Linux enthusiasts, making new friends, and you can even join MELUG-Central right there during the meeting!

There are several items that you must bring with you to do an install. they are necessary for a smooth and trouble-free install. They are as follows:
  1. Your complete computer system that you wish to install Linux on. This means your computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers and any peripherals that you wish to use with Linux such as a printer or scanner. The same applies to laptops.
  2. ALL documentation that you have for your system (manuals for computer, monitor, peripherals).
  3. A network card with a cat5 cable or a wireless card is almost a must today as we need to go on the internet to complete the install and do updates.
  4. A grounded power strip. If you have a good extension cord, it might be a good idea to throw it in the car, just in case.
For safety reasons, all monitors brought to an Install Fest must have their covers on them!!! Uncovered monitors pose an extreme electrocution hazard. In addition, we must stress that your hardware MUST be in good working order before you bring it to an Install. Non-working hard drives, cd-roms, etc. just eat up the time and resources of our members as we try to figure out what is wrong with the machine and you won't get a working install. If your system is working well with MS Windows and you have not had any problems, you are probably good to go.

Today's distributions usualiy come on 1 or 2 DVDs, for that reason we recommend that you have a DVD burner/rom. MELUG-Central members have copies of the most recent versions of the major distribution that they use themselves plus others that they test with. If you want a prefered distibution please bring that distribution with you or download a copy of it, otherwise send an email to: install@melug-central.org and let us know what you want.

Install dates are the second Saturday of each month except summer.
Times and locations can be found in the SIG meetings page.