Re: [staff] Debian Install workshop in Brest
Hi Georges, Ilu, all,
On Sun, 29 Jun 2025 at 18:19, <georges.khaznadar@free.fr> wrote:
> [ ... snip ... ]
> @Ilu:
>
> There is no perfect way to write a responsibility waiver. In my opinion, the key is to have a clear discussion with the persons who will install Debian on their machines, and make them admit that *they* will install Debian, with our help and hints; when the time happens to change the format of their storage disk, they must take the decision to say "OK", and push the right button themselves.
>
> Ilu a écrit :
> > [...] I would like to point out that such a far reaching liability waiver as in https://salsa.debian.org/puer-robustus/debian-install-at-debconf25/-/blob/main/liability_waiver.en.md?ref_type=heads
> > is null and void in the EU jurisdictions I know. You cannot waive liability
> > for intent and gross negligence (as your waiver tries to do).
My understanding of our intent is to help people use their
otherwise-soon-to-be unsupported computers, and that our waiver
assists both by communicating the risk involved, and also by gathering
informed consent.
Given that there are sensible limits on what a waiver can achieve, I
think that finding practical measures outside of the waiver -- e.g.
building our competence as volunteers, and reducing actual risks to
potential installers of Debian -- could also be worth spending
braintime on.
So, a couple of ideas to that effect:
1) Perhaps we should encourage compatibility testing of devices, in
preference to immediate on-the-day installation?
- For example, invite participants to try using a Debian Live
image that will not modify their system.
- Even if a Live image works perfectly, we could remind
participants that their operating system remains supported by their
vendor until October, and -- as reported[1] recently -- that continued
support options may remain available.
2) It would be good if volunteers can find time to successfully
install Debian on a host before the installfest.
- On a physical machine/laptop ideally - but if not, then at least
in a virtual/emulated machine.
- Providing feedback to the debian-boot team (e.g. installation
reports[2]) could be a valuable additional output of this.
Are those sensible, feasible and realistic (and/or any other adjectives)?
What other ideas could help?
Regards,
James
[1] - https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/25/microsoft_free_esu_tier/
[2] - https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/i386/ch05s04#submit-bug
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