For the 2009 Install Fest, we were lucky enough to have half a dozen photographers roaming the event. There were a lot of great shots.

Every time I go in to Union Park, I think about how we transformed it into a computer lab for the day and, when we were done, returned it to it's normal state.

Here are some photos and more photos from the 2009 Install Fest.

The 2010 Linux Against Poverty install fest is being held this Saturday 11AM-6PM at Union Park. If you take great shots and would like to help us capture the memories this year, send me a note at lynnbender@geekaustin.org.

Curt Hall and the folks at Genesis Today just provided Linux Against Poverty with 18 more computers for the install fest. These kind of donations really move us closer to this year's goal.

Genesis Today is an Austin-based provider of nutritional supplements and foods. They were ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the “Top 500 Fastest Growing Companies” in the nation. You can find their Acai Berry and Goji Berry Juices locally at HEB, Sam's Club, and Walmart.

I'm happy to announce that Allen Y Chen, Jeff Beckham, and the Austinist team have joined Linux Against Poverty to help get the word out.

Last year, for the first Linux Against Poverty Install Fest, it was relatively easy to get computers. We basically hit up a bunch of people that we knew, and the companies that they worked for.

This year, we have enough volunteers to get about 400-500 computers in the hands of local kids who need them.

However, the challenge is going to be more difficult this year. We have to find additional sources for computers. We have to get the word out in front of more people.

Having the folks at the Austinist with us is going to help make our goal a possibility.

-Lynn

UPDATE: The teams are full! Thanks to everyone who joined.

We can use 0 more people for the repair team.
These are the requirements:

Repair Role
• Conduct hardware troubleshooting and repairs
• Perform necessary hardware upgrades to meet LAP spec
• Update LAP spec sheet with issue notes

Suggested Prerequisites:
• System builder experience and related hardware familiarity
• Strong troubleshooting skills

We can also use 0 more people for the salvage team.
These are the requirements:

1. Being able to tear down a PC into its component parts.
2. Identify those parts to determine if they meet our requirements.
3. Keep all of the good parts organized.

If you are interested in helping out in one of these roles, join the Linux Against Poverty 2010 Google Group<.a>, and say hello.

If you need quick repair on your iPod or iPhone, iTech Electronics is a local shop with good prices and a fast turnaround.

For both the 2009 and 2010 LAP Install Fests, iTech Electronics has served as our main drop-off point for individual donations.

If you have a computer to donate, all you need to do is to drop it off at iTech's North Burnett or South Congress location.

Whitney or Demetrius will greet you at the counter, take the computer off your hands, and give you the info sheet on how to get your tax receipt and register your raffle ticket.

Remember, don't forget to register your donation! (The instructions are on the info sheet). We have a lot of great prizes this year -- including a free SXSW Interactive badge.

-Lynn

When we told the folks at Enfatico about Linux Against Poverty, they decided to hold an internal drive to collect computers. Wow.

This sort of initiative makes a huge difference. If a handful of local companies held a drive like this, we'd likely have enough computer donations to last through Christmas.

A humble thanks to Lionel Felix and his colleagues at Enfatico for their generous donation.

- Lynn

The folks at Sicola Martin have just donated a pickup truck full of computers, and have joined Linux Against Poverty as a gold sponsor.

For the past five years, SicolaMartin has been voted one of Best Companies to Work for in Texas by Texas Monthly magazine. Check out their careers page.

Caroline and the staff at ValentineHR have been providing support for Linux Against Poverty since the beginning. Yesterday, they formally joined us as a sponsor for LAP 2010.

Laura Carbonneau

Last week, Laura Carbonneau came on board as our Donations Coordinator. Laura will be working with our local corporate partners. If your company would like to donate computers or other hardware, Laura can ensure that it is a simple process and can provide a variety of incentives. Contact her directly at laura.carbonneau@linuxagainstpoverty.org

I'm very happy to announce that Lauren Sell, of Rackspace and formerly of Porter Novelli, is joining Linux Against Poverty to coordinate our PR efforts. We breathed a collective sigh of relief when she agreed to come on board. The experience Lauren brings will no doubt increase our effectiveness this year -- meaning more computers for more kids.

You can reach Lauren at lauren.sell@linuxagainstpoverty.org