The event, held next door to XMission at 47 East 400 South Street in Salt Lake City, is free to the public, although registration is required. LIF3 attendees are encouraged to bring their own computers on which to install one of many versions of Linux, including Red Hat, Debian, Mandrake, and Knoppix (which are also free).

Those who don't bring a computer to LIF3 can learn from watching and get tips and advice for installing and using Linux. There will also be Linux demos and a chance to play Linux-based computer games.

“Linux install fests are a very important part of the Linux and free software community,” said Doran Barton, president of Iodynamics. “We're really excited about being involved in LIF3 and we hope to see a huge turn-out,” Barton added.

“More and more people have heard about Linux in the past few years, but learning a new operating system isn't automatic,” said Chadd VanZanten, Iodynamics' director of business development. “Some people require a technical helping hand to get it running for themselves. We'll be at at LIF3 to make learning about Linux exciting and as painless as possible,” he said.

In addition to helping Linux “newbies” learn to install the operating system on their own computers, the event will also put users in touch with Linux and free software resources, such as clubs, e-mail discussion lists, and college-based user groups, said Barton.

“More than any other operating system, Linux depends on a community of users,” said Barton. He notes that the decentralized nature of the Linux operating system and other applications has led to collaborative networks of people who help each other respond to challenges as they come up. “At install fests like this one, you can join forces with other users, and find out how to learn more,” he added.