Welcome to the

Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts

Promoting Linux and Open Source Software Freedom in Atlanta Since 1994
Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts (ALE) is a diverse group of friendly people who enjoy the freedoms and benefits of GNU Linux Computing and Free Liberating Open Source Software technologies. From novices to network administrators, from smart phones to data centers, we strive to empower every information technology user with freely distributable software and to improve every computing environment with the superior security, functionality and flexibility of Open Source Operating System solutions. -- more about ALE --
For information about upcoming weekly and monthly meetings, please check the ALE Meetup Group Calendar. We do not, and never will, require anyone to sign up with Meetup (or any other service) to attend any of our meetings; we only use it as an additional platform to connect with others in the local Atlanta area who are also interested in Linux.

4th Annual ALE-NW InstallFest @ SPSU Saturday 9/20/14

Filed at 9:56 am September 12, 2014 under by JD P

A public invitation to Free Software, Free Technical Help and Free Information from the generous, patient, friendly and informed Open Source technology professionals of Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts

We will help YOU install a version of Linux onto YOUR PC. Installs can take over 4 hrs or can be completed in just 30 minutes. Preparation is the key.

Many different versions of Linux will be on-hand (Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, Debian). All installations will be legal. We cannot provide Linux-Mint due to legal issues, sorry. However, you are free to bring the ISO and get help.

We will also have follow-up help resources available.
* Free ebooks books (a few free Linux books will also be available)
* Free Linux Group Information
* Free Forums for Support
* Free Google Searches!

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When/Where
When: Saturday 9/20 10am until 5pm
Where: SPSU J-266 (Atrium Bldg) – Near I-75 and South 120-Loop
Directions: link

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Installer Logistics
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Pre-Install Work
* Defrag any Windows Partitions (critical for virtual machine installs, but also for shrinking partitions)
* For MBR systems, shrink partitions to make room for 2 more partitions for Linux (/ 15G-25G and swap 2G or RAM size); Logical partitions are fine.
* For GPT/UEFI systems, just shrink the available storage so that 15G-25G is free. Creating the new partitions is easy.
* If the GPT/MBR question isn’t understood, come earlier in the day and be prepared for massive data movement which will take hours.
* Backup the system BEFORE coming to the InstallFest. Data and OS loss can happen, though unlikely. A Windows restore disk may be required to boot Windows for Dual-boot installations.

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What to Bring

* PC (the “hard drive” part)
* USB Flash drive that can boot YOUR PC; empty. We will use this for your Linux installation
* long network cable, if possible. WiFi is NOT available.
* Excitement + Great Attitude! This is fun stuff!
* Patience – most of the time, Linux will install easily. Sometimes it is less easy.

We will have switch ports, a few current Linux ISOs, VirtualBox binaries for Windows, knowledge from performing many, many, installations over the years. We will also have monitors, keyboards, mice available and a limited number of ethernet cables. Wifi connections are only possible for SPSU students.

We are NOT allowed to setup a wifi-hotspot.

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Please Volunteer!

Think of this as an opportunity to raise your installation skills on someone elses’ PC, with the watchful eyes of experts available, if that helps. It is a great way to see how well the different Linux installations slide onto different hardware too.

Your help is needed to make this community outreach as successful as possible. Every year, we have always been short a few volunteeers. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Come when you can, help with what you can, leave when you need to. People with a smile are just as important as gurus on UEFI. Morning and afternoon volunteers are still needed.

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Sponsors Needed
Please contact jd for more information. There is a huge return for very minor sponsorship investment.

ALE-NW @ SPSU Meeting, Thurs., Sept 11, 7:30pm

Filed at 7:56 pm September 7, 2014 under by JD P

ALE-NW Meeting

This is an open meeting. Everyone is invited, students, non-students, old and young.
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Topic: Tip Your Server, Please
Date: 9/11 @ 7:30p – 9:30p-ish
Where: SPSU J-266
Presenter: JD
Presentation: link
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Abstract:

Pre-install server decisions, show a live server install and go through my first
5 minutes on a new server where the base packages and based line security are
set for the system.

I hope to see you there!

Bio:
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JD has been a Linux user since 1993 and started performing DevOps in 1996 while leading a team of cross-platform software developers. For the last 15 yrs, he has been working as a systems, infrastructure and enterprise architect in government, manufactoring, publishing and telecom industries.

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ALE-NW **usually** meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at the SPSU campus. Please mark this on your calendar as a reoccurring meeting. The group usually adjourns to the Marietta Diner after the formal meeting.
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Simple Directions to ALE-NW Meetings
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ALE-NW@SPSU meetings are open events and we hope you will join us! We generally meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month, but always watch the ale.org email list for specifics. Also remember that topic suggestions and presentation offers for the meetings can be emailed to [ jdp (at) algoloma (dot) com] or [griggs (dot) andy (at) gmail (dot) com]
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ALE-NW works closely with the GA-400 Linux Group: http://www.meetup.com/GA-400-Linux-Group/ Meets most Sundays to discuss Linux. Very newby friendly group.

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The group has asked for these topics:
Tentative Fall 2014 Schedule: