Software Freedom Day 2005

Software Freedom Day 2005, Mt. Rainier Library, MD

The Ubuntu DCTeam Lo Co (along with others) held a very successful "Free Books, Free Software" event at the Mount Rainier Public Library on September 10, 2005 from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM, in recognition of Software Freedom Day.

Great weather made it possible to set up tables outside the library, which were loaded with hundreds of books graciously donated by the former Riverdale Bookstore. Fred Sissine and Michelle Sust both organized the event itself, and kept the tables and other chaos under control.

Meanwhile, inside, Jeff Elkner was busy setting up pre-release Edubuntu system with an LTSP server, and several LTSP thin clients. There were a few glitches, but thanks to IRC-supplied-help from Oliver Grawert, these were eventually overcome.

Kevin Cole brought 500 Ubuntu 5.04 CD's along with printouts describing the behavior of the Live CD's for new users. He, along with Phil Shapiro and Eric Howard, distributed them and explained to patrons what they were getting.

Paul Flint, Bruce Barnes, K.C. Jones, and Henry ... took care of some of the other technological glitches, such as getting the new printer talking to the server, reconfiguring switches/hubs/routers, and physically mounting the equipment in a way that librarians and other staff would be able to move easily.

Maryland State Delegate Victor Ramirez showed up and got the grand tour and sales pitch from Paul Flint.

The day stretched on a little longer than expected, and three stalwarts finally turned out the lights and went out for a pizza and a toast to a successful event.

-- Kevin Cole, 01 Oct 2005