EnergizeIT - Windows 7 InstallFest Quick Reminders

  • Article

Hello folks,

Having been through a few InstallFests (Montreal, Calgary and Mississauga) I wanted to share some quick tips if you’re attending one of the remaining ones (Ottawa, Vancouver) tomorrow night to ensure you get the best possible experience.

  1. Ensure that your BIOS is at the latest revision (must be ACPI compliant). Go to your manufacturers website to download and flash your system.
  2. Keep in mind that if you’re doing an upgrade, the amount of data in your profile will greatly affect the length of your upgrade. (we’ve had one last over 2 and a half hours) so clean up before you show up.  Delete temporary internet files, backup and move off your 10,000 song library – whatever you can do to reduce the # of files on your system. If you don’t – your upgrade process could take more time then we have scheduled for the installfest.
  3. We STRONGLY suggest you go for a clean install (wipe and replace) or Dual Boot. The majority of previous participants went this route. Fast, clean, simple - ‘nough said.
  4. Bring all the needed drivers on a USB key. Check out your manufacturers site for Beta Windows 7 drivers OR bring 32 / 64 bit VISTA drivers. Not absolutely required but it’s in case your hardware is not covered by the “In-Box” drivers. This will ensure you get the best possible experience onsite.
  5. THERE IS NO INTERNET AVAILABLE ONSITE. Sorry about that. We wanted to, but with 150+ people in the room, the first thing Windows 7 does is try to connect with the internet and download 150 megs of updates, fixes and drivers. There just wouldn’t be enough bandwidth to accommodate everyone. As soon as you “get home” from the event – plug into the internet and ACCEPT all the downloads / patches for your system – you’ll need them.
  6. Bring an open mind – it about sharing, connecting with each other and HAVING FUN.

So far we’ve seen a lot of happy people excited by getting their hands on our news OS offering.  Windows 7 rocks!!!

DSC_0011

Above we have three guys that took a 4 hours round trip to come to the InstallFest in Montreal and left really happy with their experience.

DSC_0036

and we had folks that came to the event in Toronto armed to the teeth!

Hope to see you there!

Cheers

Rick, Pierre and Christian – Ottawa Hosts

Damir, Rodney and John – Vancouver Hosts