Linux green activists unite!

Linux enthusiasts are really good at pulling together for the good of the community, so here's hoping they'll be into the Installfest-for-Schools, a green tech event that is going to be held by LinuxWorld and Untangle come August.

Here's the idea: Volunteers at the tradeshow will install Linux and open source software (including Ubuntu 8.04, Firefox, OpenOFfice and more) on donated and recycled computers from the Alameda County Computer Resource Center. Most of the models will be Pentium III systems with 256 megabytes of RAM and a 20-gigabyte hard drive. The whole shebang, which could be up to 1,000 systems at the end of the fest, will be donated to local schools. Here are more details on how you can get involved if you're going to be at the show. Hack away! If you WON'T be there, here's a link where you can look into planning an event in your own neighborhood.

Andrew Fife, product marketing manager with Untangle, which develops an open source network gateway, says the average computer and monitor accounts for about 50 pounds of toxic waste. So, the Installfest-for-Schools organizers hope to divert roughly 50,000 pounds from landfills.