Defcon Bible/FAQ

[Neural]

I blatantly copied hizzle's answers and put them up on an interactive faq that people can append more questions and answers as well as append answers to existing questions.

You can find it at the following link
www.cerebrallab.com/cgi-bin/defconfaq

[astcell]

I don't want to go to another page for the answer and lose sight of the questions. If a mouseover would pop up the answer that would be good, or else maybe list them in another color after the question.

[Neural]

I don't want to go to another page for the answer and lose sight of the questions. If a mouseover would pop up the answer that would be good, or else maybe list them in another color after the question.

There's a link at the bottom that lets you view them all at once, but yeah. I know whatcha mean. I'll see about changing it.

[highwizard]

There's a link at the bottom that lets you view them all at once, but yeah. I know whatcha mean. I'll see about changing it.

To be precise: Grifter Came up with idea, Blackwave did think of most of the Questions, but Astcell provided questions as well.

[Neural]

To be precise: Grifter Came up with idea, Blackwave did think of most of the Questions, but Astcell provided questions as well.

I've ammended the credits. Thanks Highwiz.

[astcell]

I swear we need to make the Q&A page a java applet that pops up the first time anyone comes to the forums. Then maybe we'll finally have an asshat shortage.

[highwizard]

I scowered the Forums last night and try to find every question that has been asked in the past that was not answered by this one. Now I am going to start answer the new 50+ questions as well as going back to attempting to provide more information on the questions I gave with which I gave a shitty answer. The Beta will be out soon. Thanks to everyone who has/is helping.

[Nibowin]

Ok I know Im a n00b, hell im not even a computer hacker (i like to hack different hardware together) but would it be ok if like i dont get a hotel room and just changed in the bathrooms showered in the pool changing rooms and stayed awake the whole time oh and had my change of clothes mailed to the front desk would that be ok?

[astcell]

The pool changing rooms you mention are the hotel rooms you reserve. If you are broke, or cheap, join up with 4 or 5 others and split the cost.

[Nibowin]

i was born and raised to be as thrifty as possible. Hell ive washed my clothes in a sink at x-fest. Hey do u know of anyone that would let me sleep in the tub for like say $10USD

[astcell]

i was born and raised to be as thrifty as possible. Hell ive washed my clothes in a sink at x-fest. Hey do u know of anyone that would let me sleep in the tub for like say $10USD

If you are that cheap, stay home and watch the boards here for free.

[Neural]

i was born and raised to be as thrifty as possible. Hell ive washed my clothes in a sink at x-fest. Hey do u know of anyone that would let me sleep in the tub for like say $10USD

You should probably be asking this in the ride and roomsharing board. Maybe someone will let you sleep on their floor. I've been known to adopt roomless con-goers from time to time but I'll probably be booked full again like I was last year.

[Nibowin]

thx ill do that

[highwizard]

Here are a few more questions and answers from around the forums. I think I may throw a site up soon and just post the new questions on there instead of bringing this thread back to life every few weeks... I would post to neurals FAQ list, however no matter how hard I try the site has some registration/login issues.
The first question I should have definitely covered in the original unoffical faq:

Q) What's the purpose of this FAQ
A) The purpose of this FAQ is to answer questions that members of the defcon community (specifically those on the Defcon Forums) have answered time and time again. The FAQ is by no-means one persons doing, it is a collaboration put together by a group of individuals. Some of the answers are humorous, some are very serious, but if you read the FAQ as one body of text you will see an underlying mean. Incase you don't see the meaning I will try to explain it a bit to you: Defcon itself is a community, that alone is obvious from the Defcon Forums and the dedicated people on it. The FAQ is a manifestion of some members thoughts and feelings on the community. The people who contributed to the FAQ make up some of the core of the Defcon community, it is their hope that Defcon will not die. Before you even read past this point there are two questions I will pose to you that you can only answer through your own self reflection: "Why are you attending Defcon?" and "Are you an asset to the community/event or a detractor?" While your here reflecting, before delving into the FAQ, I would suggest reading DarkTangents Open Letter to the Community (Dc9):http://defcon.stotan.org/open-letter-dc9.txt


Q) Why are the room rates at the Alexis Park higher this year?
A) They're a business: when it comes down to it, it's about the almighty dollar. Prices go up (see: inflation), suck it up and walk it off.

Q) Does my Alexis Park room rate include registration?
A) No


Q) Is the $80 event fee per day or for the entire (three days) event.
A) The $80 fee is for the entire event.


Q) The web sites says July 30 thru August 1, but the Alexis registration form says July 27 thru August 3. How long is the actual event? Are things going on before and after the official event that I should consider being there for.
A) The event itself starts on Friday, July 30th and runs till Sunday, August 1st. Things do go on before Defcon starts, but they are not offical events, and unless you are cool people won't want you to be there. If you get in on Tuesday, July 27th you will probably start seeing groups of defconities around the pool (specifically pool #2). Another reason the dates are longer, is because people going to Black and Defcon can stay at the Alexis Park.


Q) Is there a way to pre-register for the event or is it first come first serve?
A) There is no pre-registration. Registration is on site and only CASH is accepted. Grifter says: "You won't be turned away. If you come, you get in."


Q) I keep hearing that Defcon is Cancelled, is this true?
A) No, It is not true. However, if you are stupid and believe it, maybe you shouldn't come.

Q) What is Project Dark Room?
A) The idea is to create an unofficial DVD of Defcon, for Defcon. Once the item is created, each participant (ie: media contribution, mirror hosting, worker bee) gets a copy of the product. The product would include defcon pictures, artwork, music, video.. anything about the conference. The idea is to make a raw presentation of the conference (NOT ANOTHER HACKER DOCUMENTERY!)


Q) I want to film a hacker documentary at Defcon, what do I have to do?
A) First lets get something clear: You are NOT the first person to come up with this idea and you probably won't be the last. If you still want to do it, contact press@defcon.org and pitch them your idea. Just make sure you follow the rules for the press and becareful where you point your camera.

Q) How do I get a press Pass? What's included with a Press Pass?
A) When the Officals say it better then you ever could, go with them: http://www.defcon.org/html/defcon-11/defcon-11-press.html

Q) Is Defcon Handicap accessible
A) The entire con area is located on the ground floor, which is completely wheelchair-accessible. Within the vendor area there is good room to maneuver a wheelchair, but people milling around will obviously cut down on this: the same goes for common areas such as the lobby, bar, and around the pools. Rooms are accessible, but only if you request one on the ground floor as there is no elevator access to the upper level.

Q) I have something I want to donate as a prize for one of the contests who do I talk to?
A) Send an Email to chris(a)defcon(dot)org or find him in the vendor area if it's during the Con. You may always want to talk to Grifter if you have some cool stuff Grifter(a)defcon(dot)org for the scavenger hunt.


Q) I want to volunteer to work at Defcon, who do I talk to?
A) Ask one of the Various members of the Defcon Board.

Q) Are the rooms at the Alexis Park secure?
A) They are probably as secure as any other (normal) hotel. Take from that what you will. They are a little more aware of security around the time of Defcon.

Q) What is Parking like at Defcon?
A) Pre-Con (Before it starts) parking is usually fine. During the event parking is a horrid situation. This is because of all the people who stay at other hotels/live in the area and drive to Defcon each day.

Q) Why are people wearing extra badges around their necks with a picture on them and their handle?
A) Trying to find a way to find other Defcon Forum members and look cool at the same time, the idea finally came up that an Avatar Badge (ie: the Avatar you use on the forums) should be made.

Q) How can I make a Defcon Avatar Badge?
A) Blackwave wrote a good Howto about it which can be found here: http://www.irvineunderground.org/blackwave/blackwaves-defcon-avatar-badge-howto.htm

Additional Info:
Taxi Rates:
http://www.smartpages.com/cityguides/nv/vegas/trans.jhtml

Lastly: This Unoffical FAQ/bible is in no-way affiliated with Defcon. It's UNOFFICAL.

[pezz]

Will this bible include the conmandments?