Sending out press release - LAST CALL!

[Dennis Kibbe]

This includes suggestions from hans and Bill Lindley. Also, I've removed 
quotes around "Open Source" and "Free Software" which I thought unneccessary 
and too M$-like as in the Myrth of "free software."

I plan to go to press on Thurday latest unless there are any show stoppers.

Dennis
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

LOCAL USERS GROUP OFFERS FREE GNU/LINUX INSTALLATION HELP 

On Saturday, June 22, the Phoenix Linux Users Group (PLUG) invites the public 
to a "GNU/Linux InstallFest" at Scottsdale Community College. Attendees will 
receive expert help in installing Linux, a freely available operating system, 
on their personal computers. 

After the InstallFest, users who brought their computers along can in many 
cases go home with working systems installed on their machines, free of 
charge. The package includes web browsers, word processors, and other usual 
tools that computer users expect. 

PLUG's organizer for the event is William Lindley, a computer consultant. 
"This is what the Free Software community is all about - helping each other, 
and we'll be helping folks get started," Lindley explained. "We're all 
looking forward to this InstallFest." 

The software is an alternative to Windows and other proprietary systems. 
Linux, GNU, FreeBSD and other Open Source and Free Software systems do not 
require any licensing or upgrade fees, and are said by many experts to be 
more efficient and secure than Windows systems. 

Businesses and home users alike are turning to Free Software which can be 
freely copied, modified, or examined, and which is considered by computer 
experts to be more robust and secure than proprietary systems. 

Though there is no charge, the term Free Software actually refers to freedom 
from license restrictions: Users are never asked to click "I Agree" to a list 
of prohibitions before using it, and organizations need not store 
"Certificates of Authenticity" in their safe deposit boxes in case of an 
audit. 

The Free Software products are available at no charge through the Internet or 
as an inexpensive distribution at most local computer stores, but the 
InstallFest offers users a completed installation by experienced Linux and 
FreeBSD administrators. Computer users are invited to bring their computers 
to the event. Usually, only the computer box, monitor, keyboard and mouse 
need be brought - see the PLUG web page for details. 

"Your old operating system can remain as an alternative, or we can replace it 
entirely," Lindley said, "depending on your plans for the machine and how 
much disk space you have to spare." 

"This is a important next step in development of computers and the Internet -- 
making them more affordable and more secure," Lindley said. "We are here to 
show how easy it can be for computer users to move up to the next level." 

The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the College's Turquoise 
Room, at 9000 E. Chaparral Rd., Scottsdale, AZ. A map is available online at 
PLUG's web site, ( http://plug.phoenix.az.us ). 

PLUG members will be available to answer questions about Linux, Open Source 
software, and the Phoenix Linux Users Group as well. 

For more information about the InstallFest, email contact@plug.phoenix.az.us 
or call William Lindley at 480-947-6100 

PLUG is an informal group that holds several monthly meetings, on both the 
East and West sides of Phoenix, to talk about what they've recently done with 
Linux, GNU and Open Source software; to share problems and solutions, and to 
discuss issues in the world of Free Software and computers in general. 
Knowledge of Linux is neither presumed nor required. Between meetings, PLUG 
members stay in touch through a busy e-mail discussion list. 

More information about PLUG can be found on the website at 
http://plug.phoenix.az.us/ . 

Scottsdale Community College offers two year degree programs in many 
disciplines including computers, arts, and science. SCC also offers 
university transfer programs and special interest courses, and has hosted 
several Free Software events.