Linuxfest Northwest 2008!

I do not attend many Linux conferences but have known about the event just south of the border for me, called Linuxfest Northwest. At this time of year (as well as the fall), work is especially challenging as I have to put on the tie as well as act the part in numerous corporate events. It was nice to steal away for a weekend to attend this affair.

Last year I attended Ubuntu Live. It was fun, it was educational and it was definitely different than Linuxfest Northwest. Ubuntu Live was definitely more corporate, with some big name speakers. I got less out of the sessions than the keynotes, which were a wide range of topics but in general very high level (if you get my meaning). This weekend at Linuxfest Northwest it definitely felt different - more grassroots, friendlier even.

The event is free, no charge for attending, no charge for the sessions. There are numerous topic sessions to choose for. Lots of different types of people in attendance, from kids (I know, I know, I'm sounding... and getting!... old), to older couples to just us normal geeks. There were numerous vendors of all types, from Oracle to local LUGs and hardware manufacturers. This was about Linux, about the community that we speak about so much and about having fun.

I enjoyed myself immensely and plan on attending again next year. If in the neighbourhood, I'd recommend you do the same!

Ubuntu Live Thoughts

Its been two days since I returned from Ubuntu Live 07 and wanted to give my thoughts on the conference.

Overall, a great collection of people and minds - I enjoyed it very much and came away pleased with the experience.

• Sessions were too short, too high level, that I came away with less than I could have seen after 30 seconds reading online
• Disappointed that there were not more non-linux people there - more companies and individuals wanting to move to Linux (or Ubuntu specifically)
• O'Reilly hosted it and did a wonderful job
• Next year I'm staying for OSCon as well
• Tutorials were great and I could have done more (time permitting)
• Pleased that Canonical's initiatives are focusing on businesses
• Landscape looks great, especially for an initial release
• Speakers, to a single one, were excellent
  
• Missed the Linux Action Show guys, so disappointed (I was looking but I didn't get the podcast until I returned)
• Food was very good - lunch boxes were actually too large
• Stayed downtown Portland and the Maxx is free and easy transportation
• Audience was generally good, Tutorial audience the best for participation and general help and friendliness

Geez, I can probably go on forever but again its all good baby... see you at the 2nd annual...!

Ubuntu Live Keynotes

I've seen all the keynotes for the conference and each was great in its own way. From Mark Shuttleworth's introduction, to Matt Asay's warning to Ubuntu, Eben Moglen's eloquent description to our state of affairs to Tim O'Reilly's excellent out-of-the-box thoughts.

It was great to listen to these gentlemen, as well as all the others, I really owe each of these guys a beer!

Hello from Ubuntu Live 07!

I'm here at my first Linux (specific) conference and greatly enjoying it! Hitting all the keynotes as well as many sessions as possible. I'm meeting some great people, shaking a lot of hands and doing a lot of thinking about Open Source and Linux.