InstallFest, organized annually by the Silicon Hill student club at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FEL) of the Czech Technical University (ČVUT) on Karlovo Square, brings together both beginners and experienced users of Linux, whose source code is publicly available, meaning anyone can modify and improve it. This year, the entire program on Karlovo Square is moving from Building E to Building A.
The main goal of the conference is the mutual exchange of experiences. A hallmark of InstallFest is its friendly atmosphere and emphasis on practical assistance. Visitors can bring their own devices and consult experts directly about their setup or installation.
In addition, visitors can look forward to a rich program of lectures and workshops, and even two competitions on Sunday. Topics cover areas such as networking technologies, security, software development, and programming. Thanks to an open call for speakers, the program features both introductory lectures for newcomers and more in-depth technical sessions for advanced participants.
“Among the lectures, there are many focused on system security against attackers as well as on the sustainability of open and free communication between groups and individuals on the Internet, where many players—whether for political or economic reasons—are, on the contrary, interested in dividing people and controlling them by influencing the availability of information through the monitoring of behavior and connections,” said Dr. Pavel Píša, who supports students in organizing InstallFest.
Practical workshops, where participants can try out new technologies right away, are also an important part of the event. These interactive sessions often involve working with the command line, system configuration, or programming, and emphasize “learning by doing.” It is precisely this combination of theory from lectures and hands-on practice that makes the event an ideal opportunity not only to gain knowledge but also to apply it immediately in real-world situations.
“Furthermore, attendees will be able to view a wide range of technologies—from soldering to 3D printing and robotics at the booths—and even try their hand at practical seminars to see how to install a POSIX-based system on inexpensive small chips and kits costing just a few hundred crowns, such as NuttX, whereas the original systems on which it was developed used to take up entire rooms. Similarly, under guidance, you’ll be able to create your first 3D mechanical designs in the open-source program FreeCAD and see at the booths how they can then be printed,” added Dr. Píša.
For children, there will be a retro gaming area with classic games and consoles.
The History of InstallFests
The roots of InstallFest lie in the United States, where Linux enthusiasts began gathering to help one another install the system. The first events took place in libraries, where people brought their computers—often rare models—and more experienced users offered advice to newcomers. The atmosphere was friendly and full of enthusiasm.
Today, InstallFests are held all over the world, including places you might not expect—from Egypt to Iceland. GNU/Linux brings people together not only through technology but also through a community that shares knowledge and enthusiasm.
You can pass the time while waiting for the upcoming InstallFest by watching recordings of last year’s talks.
