Re: KansasFest 2003

[Lyle Syverson <lyle@FoxValley.net>]

[KFE]-------------------------------
                     THINKING KFEST |
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The KFest FAQ--Summer Camp for Apple II Geeks
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
[editor@juiced.gs]

                         The KFest FAQ Version 4.0
                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     The following article is set up in a form commonly seen on the
Internet, called Frequently Asked Questions.  It is designed to answer
some of the most common questions people have about KansasFest, the
Apple II event of the year.  It is not designed to answer general
questions about the Apple II, although there may be some overlap.

     Any questions about this article can be sent via email to
editor@juiced.gs.

Q: What's a FAQ, and how is it pronounced?

A: The letters "FAQ" stand for _F_requently _A_sked _Q_uestions.  When
people first hear of or learn of a subject, such as KansasFest, they often
have a number of questions which others before them had when they also
first learned of the same subject.  A FAQ is a document listing both the
questions and answers most frequently associated with new users, to save
themselves (and others trying to assist them) time and frustration.

And by the way, it's pronounced "fack", nearly identical to "fact".

Q: What is the purpose of this FAQ?

A: This FAQ is set up to assist people interested in KansasFest, also
known as KFest.  Many Apple II enthusiasts are interested in attending or
just want some information about this event, so the most common questions
are answered here.

Q: How can this FAQ be distributed?

A: The content of this FAQ is copyright 1999-2003 by Ryan M. Suenaga.
Distribute freely, provided the content is unchanged.

Q: What is KFest?

A: KansasFest, abbreviated "KFest", is a computing conference held every
summer at Avila College (now Avila University) in Kansas City, Missouri.
Its original formal name was "The Apple II Summer Conference" while its
nickname was "KansasFest", which was abbreviated to "KFest".  Today, the
conference's official name is "KansasFest".

Q: When was the first KFest held?

A: The first KansasFest was held in 1989.  It was originally sponsored by
Resource-Central, the folks who brought you the wonderful _Open-Apple_ and
_A2-Central_ (among several other Apple II) publications.  After
Resource-Central became ICON, The Apple II Summer Conference became
ICONference.  This lasted one summer until ICON shut down.  Two different
companies sponsored KFest before Intrec Software, publishers of _ProTERM_,
took over a few years back.  This July will welcome the 15th KFest.

Q: When is KFest this year?

A: KansasFest 2003 runs from Tuesday through Sunday, July 22-27, 2003. The
very popular early arrival day is now officially rolled into KansasFest
proper.  Meals, however, will not be served at Avila until Wednesday
dinner.

Q: Where is KFest held?

A: KFest is held at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri.  The
address and phone number are:

     Avila University
     11901 Wornall Road
     Kansas City, Missouri  64145
     United States of America
     (816) 942-8400

Q: If it's held in Missouri, why is it called KansasFest?

A: I dunno.  It does take place in Kansas City, and if it makes you feel
better, the Kansas border is very close to Avila University.

Q: Who comes to KFest?

A: While KFest was originally devoted to programmers, nowadays all kinds
of folk from all over the world show up at Avila University.  Programmers,
users, newsletter publishers, and everyday folk show up from Europe,
Canada, Australia, and all over the United States to celebrate the
Apple II.

Q: Who organizes KFest?

A: Currently, KFest is organized by a committee headed by The Grand Gouda,
Steve "Godzilla" Gozdziewski, who has taken over from The Big Cheese,
Cindy Adams.  Cindy remains on the committee.  The scheduling is done by
Tony Diaz, of Alltech Electronics fame.  Tony also handles the maintenance
of the World Wide Web site, Devin Reade maintains the email lists, and
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd provides World Wide Web hosting services and
organizes HackFest, the programming contest.  KFest is sponsored by Jerry
Cline of Intrec Software.

Q: How do I register for KFest?  How much does it cost?

A: Depending on when you register, registration prices vary.  If you
register early, you'll get a better deal. Please check the KFest Home Page
at

http://www.kfest.org/

for the most current information.  You can download the registration form
in PDF format from

http://www.kfest.org/KFest2003Reg.pdf

If you cannot download the form or print a PDF file, please contact Jerry
Cline at Intrec Software (contact information is elsewhere in this file)
and he will send you a form by fax or postal mail.

Q: How do I reach Intrec/Jerry?

Jerry Cline
InTrec Software, Inc.
3035 E Topaz Circle
Phoenix, AZ 85028-4423
Voc:602/992-1345
Fax:602/992-0232
kfest@intrec.com

Q: Which airport do I fly into and how do I get from there to Avila?

A: The major airport nearly everyone flies into is Kansas City
International, which goes by the code letters MCI (not KCI, which will get
you to Indonesia).  There's a couple of small commuter airports which are
closer, but unless you're Tony Diaz (who flies his own plane), you're not
likely to use these.

Even though MCI is the "closest" major airport, it's still most of an
hour's drive from there to Avila, so walking is out of the question and
cab fare would be substantial.  Your best bet would be to try and catch a
ride with another KFester who'll be flying in or passing by around the
same time you'll be arriving.  Carl Knoblock unofficially organizes rides
to and from the airport.  The best way to get in on the ride planning is
to join the KFest email list (information on subscribing is elsewhere in
this document).

Q: What kind of official activities go on at KFest?

A: Officially, there is a keynote speech, sessions on various computing
topics, HackFest, a celebrity roast, product demonstrations, and a vendor
fair.

Q: Who is this year's roastee?

A: Just announced by KFest Roast MC Ken Gagne: Geoff Weiss, author of
Spectrum Internet Suite and many other Apple IIgs programs, will be the
guest of honor at this year's roast.

Q: What if I want to host a session?

A: Email sessions@apple2.org with your ideas for a session.  Sessions can
include new ways to use programs, new programs, networking, or just about
anything you can imagine.  Everyone has something they can teach.

Q: What kind of unofficial activities go on at KFest?

A: Unofficially, there's been movie outings, pizza nights, Bite The Bag
contests, late night eating at Denny's, runs out to Krispy Kreme, Floppy
Disk Ninja, Apple II Jeopardy, and huge groups of folks going to eat huge
pieces of beef at K.C. Masterpiece and Jess and Jim's restaurants.

Q: Has anyone attended every KFest?

A: One person: Tony Diaz of Computer Circulation Center (formerly known as
Alltech Electronics).

Q: I hear that the Avila University dorm is wired for Ethernet.  Is there
a way I can access that while I'm there?

A: Yes.  In each dorm room in the halls of Avila are two outlets that seem
to be phone jacks.  These _aren't_ phone jacks.  They're Ethernet
ports--to be exact, they're RJ-45 connectors that are compatible with 10
Base-T Ethernet.  The entire Avila dorm is connected to the Internet this
way, making for high speed World Wide Web browsing, electronic mail, and
ftp connections for KansasFesters during their stay!

    The Avila Ethernet uses a protocol called Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol, or DHCP, for short. Those of you who have set up TCP/IP
connections with Windows or Macintosh computers (or, for that matter, the
Apple IIgs) probably have some familiarity with inserting IP addresses,
DNS addresses, and Gateway addresses.  The beauty of DHCP is that it sets
up nearly everything you need dynamically, meaning that the server assigns
these addresses--all you need to do is set up TCP/IP on your computer and
choose the DHCP protocol.

     Regardless of which platform you use, if you have software set up to
share your hard drive with other computers, you probably ought to disable
it--unless you like everyone in the Avila Ethernet having access to your
files.

     At this point, you ought to be connected.  If you previously had any
proxy servers set up for use with your setup before Avila, disable them.
You ought to have easy access for checking mail, browsing the Web, or
using file transfer protocol--and very high speeds.  One last caveat:

    As Spam on the Internet proliferates, it has become accepted practice
to close off an Internet Service Provider's mail sending server--usually
using Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, or smtp--to access from anyone who is
not directly connected to the ISP.  In other words, no one wants to be a
relaying point for Spam.

     Because of this, it's likely you will not be able to use the same
smtp server you use at home to send mail while at Avila.  There is,
however, a mail.avila.edu smtp server that can be used while at Avila.
That ought to keep your email flowing freely.

Q: I hear that there's wireless Internet access in the Avila dorm.  How do
I get hooked up?

A: Ah, the infamous wireless.  Several KFesters have set up Apple Airport
Base Stations and other equivalents.  Please see one of them (Sean Fahey,
Dain Neater, Eric Shepherd, and Ryan Suenaga are likely candidates) if
you'd like to get on the wireless 'Net.

Q: How can I learn more about KFest?

A: You can get more information on KansasFest by visiting the KansasFest
World Wide Web site at http://www.kfest.org/ or sending email to
kfest-help@kfest.org.  You could also subscribe to the KFest mailing list
by sending email to majordomo@kfest.org.  In the body of the email include
the text:

     subscribe kfest

You will receive a confirmation email with instructions on finalizing your
subscription.

Q: Should I go to KFest?

A: Need you ask?  KFest is a must for the serious Apple II fanatic.  Do
yourself a favor--you're worth it.  Show up at KFest 2003, the summer camp
for Apple Geeks.